Ever craved crispy fries or chicken wings at home but dread the mess of a big pot of oil? That’s where a compact countertop hero comes in. A small deep fryer is perfect for whipping up snacks for one or two without taking over your entire kitchen. It heats up fast, uses way less oil, and honestly, it makes the whole process feel less intimidating. You get that satisfying crunch without the commercial kitchen vibes.
But with so many models out there, how do you choose the right one for your needs? We’ve tested a bunch to find the best performers. This review will break down everything from safety features to how easy they are to clean, so you can find a fryer that delivers delicious results everytime.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Small Deep Fryer
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer,Black
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9.9 |
Read Review |
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Presto 05427 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer, Green/Gold
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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Presto 8-Quart Big Kettle, Steamer and Deep Fryer Multi-Cooker,…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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OVENTE Electric Deep Fryer 2 Liter Capacity, 1500 Watt…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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OVENTE Electric Deep Fryer, 0.9L Capacity, 840W with Adjustable…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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OVENTE Electric Deep Fryer, 1.5L Capacity, 800W with Adjustable…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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Amazon Basics 3.2-Qt (3.0L) Deep Fryer with 12-Cup Oil…
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8.6 |
Read Review |
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Amazon Basics 2.1-Qt (2.0L) Electric Deep Fryer with 8-Cup…
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8.4 |
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Elite Gourmet EDF2100 Electric Immersion Deep Fryer Removable Basket…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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cuomaop Deep Fryer Pot, 304 Stainless Steel Japanese Frying…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Small Deep Fryer
Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer,Black
The Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer is a compact kitchen appliance designed for efficiency and ease. Its small footprint makes it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space or for anyone who doesn’t want a bulky, permanent fixture. You can make about four servings of french fries using just four cups of oil, which is a much smaller amount than traditional deep-frying methods require.
This efficiency saves you space and on oil costs over time.
One of the key features is the automatic temperature control. This system maintains the proper frying temperature consistently, which is crucial for getting good results. It takes the guesswork out of frying, so your foods like chicken tenders, shrimp, or vegetable fritters come out crispy and golden every time you use it. No more soggy or unevenly cooked snacks.
The quick preheat and fast oil temperature recovery mean you spend less time waiting and more time cooking. When you add a batch of food, the oil heats back up rapidly, ensuring each piece cooks quickly and properly.
The interior and exterior of the fryer have a ceramic nonstick coating that is PFAS-free. This makes cleanup remarkably straightforward—usually just a simple wipe-down is needed.
Presto 05427 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer, Green/Gold
The Presto 05427 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer in Green/Gold is a compact kitchen appliance designed to bring the ease of deep frying right to your countertop. This special Green and Gold edition offers the same reliable performance as the classic model but with a unique, gift-ready color scheme that stands out.
It’s built for everyday use without taking up to much space, making it a practical choice for smaller kitchens or for cooks who don’t fry large batches every day.
One of it’s key benefits is efficiency. The FryDaddy uses just four cups of oil to prepare up to four servings of french fries, which means you’re not wasting oil or dealing with a huge, messy pot. It automatically maintains the proper frying temperature once it’s preheated, which contributes to consistent results.
The quick preheat time and fast oil temperature recovery are crucial when you’re frying multiple batches of food like crispy shrimp, chicken tenders, or onion rings. You get that satisfying crunch without the food becoming greasy.
Cleanup is often the biggest concern with frying, and this model addresses that directly. The interior features a ceramic nonstick surface that is PFAS-free, a healthier choice for your family.
Presto 8-Quart Big Kettle, Steamer and Deep Fryer Multi-Cooker, Black
The Presto 8-Quart Big Kettle, Steamer and Deep Fryer Multi-Cooker is designed to be a central workhorse in your kitchen. It consolidates several appliances into one, saving you both space and the hassle of switching between pots. Its core promise is versatility, allowing you to handle a wide range of cooking methods from a single unit. At the heart of its design is the extra-large 8-quart capacity. This gives you 60% more space than the classic model, which is a significant upgrade.
It means you can prepare large batches of soup or chili for a crowd, steam a full head of cauliflower, or deep fry enough chicken for a family dinner without constant refilling. For anyone who meal preps or regularly cooks for more than a few people, this capacity is a practical advantage. Cooking with it is straightforward, thanks to the Control Master heat control system. This feature maintains a consistent temperature, which is especially crucial for tasks like deep frying.
You get crispier results without guesswork, and it works just as reliably for gentle simmering or steady steaming. The heavy cast aluminum base underneath supports this by spreading heat evenly across the cooking surface, reducing hot spots that can burn your food. Cleanup is often the least fun part of cooking, and this multi-cooker addresses that directly. Its interior and exterior have a durable nonstick coating, so food residues wipe away easily.
OVENTE Electric Deep Fryer 2 Liter Capacity, 1500 Watt Lid with Viewing Window and Odor Filter, Adjustable Temperature, Removable Frying Basket and Easy to Clean Stainless Steel Body, Silver FDM2201BR
The OVENTE Electric Deep Fryer FDM2201BR is a compact, countertop appliance designed to bring the ease of deep frying into your home kitchen. With a 2-liter capacity, it’s perfect for smaller batches, making it ideal for couples, small families, or anyone who wants to enjoy fried foods without dealing with a large, cumbersome pot of oil.
Its 1500-watt heating element gets the oil up to temperature quickly and maintains it consistently, which is key for achieving that crispy, golden exterior without greasy food.
You have full control over the cooking process with the adjustable temperature dial, which ranges from 275°F to 375°F. This lets you perfectly cook a wide variety of foods, from classic french fries and chicken tenders to homemade doughnuts or even crispy vegetables.
The locking lid with its viewing window is a standout feature, allowing you to safely monitor your food as it cooks while preventing messy oil splatters. The built-in odor filter helps minimize cooking smells, which is a nice touch for keeping your kitchen feeling fresh.
Safety and convenience were clearly considered in the design. The unit has cool-touch handles on both the body and the removable frying basket, protecting your hands from heat.
OVENTE Electric Deep Fryer, 0.9L Capacity, 840W with Adjustable Temperature, Locking Lid, Removable Fry Basket & Cool-Touch Handles, Stainless Steel Countertop Fryer, Silver FDM1091BR
The OVENTE Electric Deep Fryer FDM1091BR is a compact and efficient appliance designed for small-batch frying at home. With a 0.9-liter capacity, its perfect for individuals, couples, or anyone wanting to make quick snacks without the mess and oil waste of larger fryers. The 840-watt heating element gets your oil to the ideal temperature quickly, ensuring your food cooks evenly and comes out crispy. You have full control over the cooking process with the adjustable temperature dial.
It ranges from 175°F to 375°F, letting you prepare a wide variety of foods. You can make golden french fries, crispy chicken wings, fish sticks, or even homemade doughnuts. This flexibility means you can follow recipes precisely or experiment with your own favorites. The removable fry basket makes it easy to lower food into the hot oil and lift it out when done, letting excess oil drip away. Safety and easy cleanup were clearly priorities in this design.
The locking lid helps to minimize oil splatter and contains cooking odors, which is a big plus for small kitchens. The exterior handles stay cool to the touch, so you can move the unit safely even while its in use. For added peace of mind, the power cord is designed for quick disconnection if needed. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the non-stick interior coating.
OVENTE Electric Deep Fryer, 1.5L Capacity, 800W with Adjustable Temperature, Viewing Window Lid, Removable Frying Basket & Cool-Touch Handles, Stainless Steel Countertop Fryer, Silver FDM1501BR
The OVENTE Electric Deep Fryer FDM1501BR is a compact countertop appliance designed to bring simple, controlled frying into your home kitchen. With its 1.5 liter capacity, it’s perfectly sized for smaller households, apartments, or for making quick snacks for a few people without the hassle of a large, cumbersome fryer. It balances efficient performance with thoughtful safety features to make the process straightforward. At its core is an 800-watt hidden heating element.
This provides quick and consistent heat, working to give your food that desirable golden, crispy texture. Whether your making french fries, chicken wings, fish fillets, or vegetable fritters, the power is there to get the job done efficiently. You have full control over the cooking temperature with the adjustable dial. It lets you select any temperature between 225°F and 375°F, which is crucial for different types of food.
Lower temps are great for thicker cuts, while higher temps seal in moisture and achieve a crisp exterior. One of the handiest features is the viewing window in the lid. This allows you to keep an eye on your food as it cooks, so you can see when it reaches your preferred level of doneness. There’s no need to constantly lift the lid, which helps maintain a stable temperature and improves safety by minimizing splatter. Speaking of safety, the design prioritizes secure handling.
Amazon Basics 3.2-Qt (3.0L) Deep Fryer with 12-Cup Oil Capacity, Adjustable Temperature, Easy Draining Basket, Stainless Steel Exterior, Viewing Window, 1500W, Black & Silver
The Amazon Basics 3.2-Qt Deep Fryer is designed to bring the convenience and consistency of deep frying into your home kitchen. Its core purpose is to simplify the process, giving you control and reliable results without the typical hassle associated with a pot of oil on the stove.
At the heart of this appliance is its 1500-watt heating element, which brings your oil up to temperature efficiently. This means less waiting before you can start cooking.
The oil reservoir holds up to 3.2 quarts, paired with a basket that can handle about 24.6 ounces of food. This capacity is well-suited for preparing batches of food for a family meal, whether thats for a weeknight dinner or a weekend snack.
Control over the cooking process is a key feature. The adjustable thermostat allows you to set the temperature anywhere between 265°F and 375°F. This range is crucial for different types of foods.
You can use a lower temperature for thicker cuts like chicken drumsticks to ensure they cook through, and a higher heat for french fries or onion rings to get that golden, crispy exterior. This versatility means the fryer isn’t just for one type of food; it handles a variety of ingredients you might want to prepare.
Handling the food and oil safely is streamlined.
Amazon Basics 2.1-Qt (2.0L) Electric Deep Fryer with 8-Cup Oil Capacity, Timer, Adjustable Temperature, Easy Draining Basket, Viewing Window, 1500W, Black
The Amazon Basics 2.1-Qt Electric Deep Fryer is designed to bring the convenience of deep frying into your kitchen without the typical stovetop mess. With a 1500-watt heating element and a 2-liter oil capacity, this unit provides consistent, high-heat performance for preparing batches of your favorite foods, up to about six cups worth at a time. It’s a practical appliance for making everything from crispy french fries and chicken wings to homemade doughnuts or vegetable fritters.
One of the key features is the adjustable temperature control dial. This lets you set the perfect heat for whatever your cooking, as different foods fry best at specific temperatures. Paired with the built-in cook timer, it helps take the guesswork out of frying. You can set the timer and focus on other tasks, reducing the chance of overcooking.
The transparent viewing window on the lid is another helpful touch, allowing you to check on your foods color and progress without having to lift the lid and release heat. Handling the food is straightforward with the included mesh metal fry basket. It has hooks that rest securely on the fryers rim, letting you lift out your food and let excess oil drain back into the pot safely. This design makes transferring food to a plate much cleaner and easier.
Elite Gourmet EDF2100 Electric Immersion Deep Fryer Removable Basket Adjustable Temperature, Lid with Viewing Window and Odor Free Filter, 2 Quart / 8.2 cup
The Elite Gourmet EDF2100 Electric Immersion Deep Fryer is designed for home cooks who want the results of a professional fry without the hassle or a huge appliance taking up space. Its compact 2-quart size is perfect for smaller kitchens and making just the right amount for a family meal—up to about 5.75 pounds of food. Don’t let the size fool you, though.
The powerful 1500-watt heating element gets the oil hot quickly and maintains a steady temperature, which is absolutly key for food that’s crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked inside every single time. One of the best features is the adjustable temperature control. This gives you the freedom to cook more than just fries. You can set the ideal heat for delicate onion rings, sturdy chicken pieces, or even homemade doughnuts.
The power and ready indicator lights take the guesswork out; you’ll know exactly when the oil is preheated and ready for your ingredients, so you’re not watching and waiting endlessly. Frying can be messy, but this model aims to contain it. The lid comes with a viewing window so you can monitor your food’s progress without lifting the cover and releasing heat. It also helps prevent those dangerous and greasy oil splatters all over your stovetop.
cuomaop Deep Fryer Pot, 304 Stainless Steel Japanese Frying Pot with Oil Drain, Temperature Control and Lid, Tempura Deep Fryer Pot for Kitchen Stove/Induction Cooker French Fries Fryer Chicken 9.4"
The Cuomaop Deep Fryer Pot is a versatile and practical tool designed for home cooks who want the results of a professional deep fryer without the bulky appliance. Crafted entirely from durable 304 stainless steel, this pot is built to last and provides excellent, even heat distribution. Its compatibility with all stove types, including induction, gas, and electric, means it fits seamlessly into any kitchen setup.
You can use it for far more than just frying; it’s equally suited for boiling pasta, simmering stews, or making soups, making it a truly multi-purpose pot.
Precision is key to perfect frying, and this pot includes a built-in temperature gauge. This lets you monitor the oil temperature closely, which is crucial for achieving crispy, non-greasy results every time. Whether your making french fries, chicken, tempura, or even frying peanuts, consistent heat helps lock in flavor.
An oil level indicator on the pot’s body helps you avoid wasting oil by showing you exactly how much you need. This feature not only saves you money but also makes the process more efficient.
After frying, dealing with hot oil and greasy food can be a hassle. This pot simplifies that with its thoughtful design. A removable oil drip rack sits inside, allowing excess grease to drain off your food right after you take it out, so it’s lighter and crispier.
Small Deep Fryer Buying Guide
That crispy, golden finish on fries or wings is hard to beat at home. A small deep fryer is a countertop appliance designed to make that happen safely and with less mess than a pot of oil on teh stove. They’re perfect for smaller kitchens or serving a few people. When you’re looking at your options, a few key features really make a difference in how you’ll use it.
Oil Capacity and Basket Size
This is the big one. Capacity tells you how much food you can cook at once. A smaller 2-quart model is great for snacks or sides for two. If you regularly cook for a family, look for 4 quarts or more. Check the basket size too—it needs to fit comfortably in the fryer without overfilling, which leads to soggy food.
Temperature Control
A fixed-temperature fryer is simple, but it limits what you can make. A model with an adjustable thermostat is way more versatile. You need lower temps for delicate items like doughnuts and higher heat for sealing chicken or fries quickly. Precise control is the secret to perfect results everytime.
Safety and Cleanup Features
Hot oil demands respect. Look for a cool-touch exterior and a locking lid to prevent spills. A removable oil container is a lifesaver for cleaning—you can just let the oil cool and pour it out. Some fryers even have a built-in oil filtration system, which helps your oil last longer between changes.
Footprint and Storage
Even a “small” appliance needs space. Measure your counter area and think about where you’ll store it. Some models have a cord storage compartment or a nesting design where the basket sits inside the unit. If your kitchen is tight, a compact, lightweight fryer will be your best friend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Deep Fryer
What can I cook in a small deep fryer?
You can cook lots of things! Classic options include french fries, chicken wings, and mozzarella sticks. They’re also great for homemade doughnuts, fritters, or even quick veggies like onion rings. It’s perfect for smaller batches of your favorite fried foods.
How much oil does it use?
It uses much less oil than a large pot on the stove. Most small models need between 2 to 4 cups of oil to fill it to the correct line. This makes it more economical and easier to handle when your done cooking.
Is it safe to use?
Yes, modern small fryers have built-in safety features. These often include a cool-touch exterior, an automatic shut-off, and a secure lid. Always follow the manual, never overfill it with oil or food, and keep it away from water.
Where should I use it?
Always use it on a flat, stable, and heat-resistant countertop. Make sure there’s plenty of space above and around it—away from cabinets and curtains. Good ventilation is key, so turn on your stove hood or open a window.
How do I clean it?
Let the oil cool completely first. Most units have a removable pot that you can wash with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the heating element carefully with a damp cloth. Never immerse the main body in water.
What type of oil is best?
Use oils with a high smoke point. Canola, peanut, and vegetable oil are popular, reliable choices. Avoid olive oil or butter as they can burn at lower temperatures and create smoke.
Can I leave the oil in it?
You can reuse oil a few times if you strain it after it cools. But it’s best not to leave it in the fryer for long periods. Storing used oil in a separate container helps keep your fryer clean and the oil fresh for next time.
Is it worth getting a small one?
If you only fry food occasionally or for 1-2 people, a small fryer is a great choice. It heats up fast, uses less oil, and takes up minimal storage space. It’s a convenient appliance for smaller kitchens.
Quick Recap
So, that’s a look at what to consider. It really comes down to how much space you have and what you like to cook. A good model makes the process simple and safe, which is the whole point. You get tasty results without the hassle of a big pot of oil on the stove. Cleanup is easier, too, which is a major win for any home cook.
In the end, finding the right small deep fryer for your kitchen can open up a lot of fun options. It’s perfect for making fries, snacks, or even little appetizers for friends. Just remember to follow the safety tips and keep it clean. You’ll be enjoying your favorite fried foods at home in no time.