Top 5 Small Deep Fryers: Review & Buying Guide

Do you dream of perfectly crispy french fries or golden-brown donuts without using a giant, messy deep fryer? Many of us love that satisfying crunch, but the thought of cleaning up a huge appliance stops us. Finding the perfect small deep fryer can feel like a real challenge. You want something compact for your countertop, easy to clean, and safe to use, but the choices seem endless!

It is tough to know which compact fryer heats evenly or which one won’t take up your entire kitchen. We understand the struggle of wanting that restaurant-quality crispness in a small package. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best small deep fryers available, focusing on size, ease of use, and, most importantly, delicious results.

Keep reading to discover the top contenders that fit your space and budget. By the end, you will know exactly which small deep fryer will bring perfect crunchiness to your kitchen adventures!

Top Small Deep Fryer Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Chefman Fry Guy, The Most Compact & Convenient To Deep Fry Comfort Food, Restaurant-Style Basket With A 1.6-Quart Capacity, Easy-View Window & Adjustable Temp Control, Stainless - 1.5 Liter

MINI FRYER, MAX POWER: The Chefman Fry Guy is the deep fryer of your dreams. It has a mini footprint, a 1.6-quart capacity, and a powerful 1000-watt heater to cook up your comfort food favorites in no time. Deep fry crispy chicken, golden french fries, or delicious veggies up to 375°.
PREP LIKE A PRO: Craving carnival desserts? How about succulent southern-style chicken? You can now easily and quickly cook all this and more right on your countertop. A transparent viewing window allows you to watch your food deep fry to perfection, while a restaurant-style fry basket lets you master your meals like a professional cook. The bright power indicator light lets you know when you’re ready to make your new favorite recipe!
CLEAN WITH EASE: Never worry about cleanup after cooking. The sleek stainless steel finish simply wipes down, and the removable lid and built-in filter allow for easier-than-ever cleanup. What’s more—this mini fryer has dishwasher-safe parts for a quick clean, and a detachable magnetic cord for simple storage and safety.
RESOURCES: UL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability, & 1-year warranty provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free - we've got your back! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 1000 Watts/120 Volts – RJ07-15-SS

SaleBestseller No. 2

Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer,Black

COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four servings of french fries with just four cups of oil, making it an efficient and space-saving addition to any kitchen.
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Maintain the proper frying temperature effortlessly with this Presto deep fryer, ensuring your favorite foods like shrimp, chicken, and onion rings come out crispy and delicious every time.
CERAMIC NONSTICK, PFAS-FREE SURFACE: The ceramic nonstick surface inside and out is not only PFAS-free but also ensures easy cleaning after each use, so your kitchen stays mess-free.
HANDY SCOOP FOR EASY SERVING: The included fry scoop allows you to lift, drain, and serve fried foods with ease, making family meals or snacks quick and convenient.
QUICK PREHEAT & OIL TEMPERATURE RECOVERY: This deep fryer offers a fast preheat time and excellent oil temperature recovery, allowing you to fry foods efficiently without long wait times.

Bestseller No. 3

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

POWERFUL 800W FRYING PERFORMANCE – Fast-heating hidden heating element delivers crisp, golden results every time. Ideal for french fries, chicken wings, fish, nuggets, and more.
ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL – Precise dial lets you set the perfect frying temperature from 225°F to 375°F for versatile cooking and consistent results.
SEE-THROUGH VIEWING WINDOW – Transparent lid lets you monitor food as it fries, so you get your preferred level of crispiness without lifting the lid.
SAFE & EASY HANDLING – Ergonomic cool-touch handles, and sturdy removable frying basket make frying safer and easier, perfect for everyday use. The deep fryer's cord is designed for easy removal, allowing quick disconnection in emergency situations.
COMPACT & EASY TO CLEAN – With a 1.5L oil capacity (approx. 6 cups) and non-stick interior, this compact fryer is great for small kitchens, apartments, or quick snacks, and cleanup is a breeze.

Bestseller No. 4

Presto 05470 Stainless Steel Electric Deep Fryer, Silver

Adjustable thermostat for easy selection of the desired frying temperature. Oil capacity: 1 Liter ( 1.1 quarts).
Handy indicator light lets you know when the fryer is plugged in. Compact size saves counterspace and stores easily.
Anodized aluminum interior for fast, even heating. Brushed stainless steel exterior.
Fry crispy, delicious french fries, shrimp, chicken, onion rings and more.
Vented cool-touch cover features a built-in spatter screeen. Fries with the cover closed to reduce odor and spattering.

SaleBestseller No. 5

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

FAST-HEATING & FAMILY-SIZE: This powerful 1500-watt electric deep fryer heats up quickly and features a 3.2-quart (3.0L) oil reservoir and a 24.6-oz (700g) food basket capacity, perfect for small to medium-sized family meals.
ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE & VERSATILE COOKING: With adjustable temperature (265°F-375°F, or 130°C-190°C), this multi-purpose fryer lets you prepare everything from crispy chicken wings, fish filets, meat, to golden French Fries, onion rinsgs, eliminating the splatter and mess associated with traditional stovetop frying.
EASY DRAINING: The specially designed mesh metal basket features convenient hooks for proper oil draining and effortless food removal, ensuring perfectly crispy results every time.
CLEAR VIEWING: The transparent viewing window enables you to monitor your food's cooking progress without lifting the lid, maintaining consistent oil temperature throughout the cooking process.
SLEEK DESIGN: The premium stainless steel exterior provides both durability and modern aesthetics, seamlessly integrating with your existing kitchen appliances for a cohesive look.

Bestseller No. 6

Hamilton Beach Cool Touch Electric Deep Fryer with Basket and Lid, 2 Liters / 8 Cups Oil Capacity, Adjustable Temperature, 1500 Watts for Fast Heat-up, viewing Window Easy to Clean, Black (35021)

COOL-TOUCH SIDES: Protect from accidental burns if you touch the sides of the deep fryer during cooking process.
FAST FRYING & HEAT-UP: Immersed heating element in this professional style deep fryer heats up oil and cooks food faster so there’s less wait time.
2 LITER OIL CAPACITY: Professional style deep fryer for home use cooks up to 6 cups of French fries or chicken tenders.
SPECIAL LID DESIGN FOR FEWER SPLATTERS: Cook with the lid on for less mess—you can even lift the basket out of the oil to drain it while the lid is still closed.
EASY CLEANUP: Deep fryer has removable lid, heating element, and enamel-coated oil tank to allow for easy cleanup.

SaleBestseller No. 7

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

HIGH PERFORMANCE – Powered by a 1500W heating element that heats up quickly and maintains a constant temperature, ensuring your food is fried to perfection. With a 2L (68 oz) capacity and a viewing window, you can easily monitor the frying process for that perfect finish. The locking lid prevents hot oil splatters or spills, while the replaceable filters effectively eliminate unwanted grease and oil odors for a cleaner, more pleasant cooking experience.
ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL – Easily set the temperature from 275°F to 375°F to match your frying needs. This deep fryer offers the flexibility to fry a wide variety of comfort foods to perfection. From crispy French fries and chicken tenders to delicious chimichangas, corn dogs, poppers, spring rolls, fritters, doughnuts, beignets, funnel cakes and even homemade potato chips. The frying possibilities are endless.
SAFE & CONVENIENT – The deep fryer's cord is designed for easy removal, allowing for quick disconnection in emergency situations. Built with cool-touch handles, it provides a comfortable grip and protects you from burns. It also features LED indicator lights that illuminate red when the unit is heating up and green once the desired temperature is reached, ensuring complete peace of mind while you fry.
SLEEK MODERN DESIGN – Unlike traditional frying pots, this electric deep fryer features brushed stainless steel housing that adds a modern, attractive touch to any kitchen countertop. It's not only stylish but also practical, just wipe it down with a damp cloth before storing it in your cabinet or on a shelf. Plus, the removable frying basket is dishwasher safe. Enjoy professional-quality frying at home without the mess or hassle.
US-BASED CUSTOMER SERVICE LETS YOU BUY WITH CONFIDENCE – OVENTE warranties that the product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and conditions, for 1 year from the original purchase date.

Bestseller No. 8

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

FAST & POWERFUL FRYING – 840W concealed heating element rapidly heats oil for perfectly crispy and evenly cooked results every time. Ideal for quick snacks and small meals.
ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL – Precise temperature ranges from 175°F to 375°F lets you fry a variety of food from golden fries to chicken wings, fish sticks, onion rings, and more.
SAFETY FEATURES YOU’LL APPRECIATE – Locking lid minimizes splatter and odor, while cool-touch handles protect hands and enhance handling safety. The deep fryer's cord is designed for easy removal, allowing quick disconnection in emergency situations.
EASY TO CLEAN & MAINTAIN – Non-stick coated interior and removable fry basket make cleanup quick and hassle-free. Simply wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
COMPACT & STYLISH DESIGN – Sleek stainless steel housing fits neatly on small kitchen counters, apartments, dorms, and cozy spaces. The 3.8-cup (0.9L) capacity with 5-inch depth is ideal for 1–2 servings—perfect for small households or quick snacks.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Small Deep Fryer

A small deep fryer can be a fantastic addition to your kitchen. It lets you make crispy fries, golden onion rings, and perfectly cooked donuts without needing a giant, messy setup. Choosing the right one is easy once you know what to look for. This guide helps you pick the best small fryer for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a compact fryer, these features make a big difference in how well it cooks and how easy it is to use.

Capacity and Size

Oil Capacity: Small fryers usually hold between 1 to 4 liters of oil. For one or two people, 1.5 liters is often enough. If you cook for a small family, aim for 3 liters or more.
Basket Size: Check the size of the frying basket. A larger basket lets you cook more food at once, saving you time.

Temperature Control

Adjustable Thermostat: Good fryers let you set the exact temperature. Different foods need different heat levels. Chicken needs higher heat than delicate fish.
Indicator Lights: Look for lights that tell you when the oil is preheated and ready for frying. This takes the guesswork out.

Safety and Cleaning

Cool-Touch Exterior: This is very important for safety. The outside of the fryer should stay cool enough to touch, even when the oil is hot.
Lid with Viewing Window: A lid keeps oil splatters contained. A window lets you check your food without opening the lid and letting heat escape.
Removable Parts: The best models have baskets, lids, and oil tanks that you can easily remove for cleaning.

Important Materials That Matter

The materials used in your fryer affect its durability and how long it lasts.

Stainless Steel vs. Non-Stick

Stainless Steel: Most high-quality fryers use stainless steel for the body and basket. Steel heats up quickly and cleans up well. It lasts a long time.
Non-Stick Coating: Some fryer interiors use a non-stick coating. This makes cleaning easier, but you must be careful not to scratch it with metal utensils.

Heating Element

The best small fryers have a heating element that is submerged directly into the oil. This design heats the oil much faster and keeps the temperature stable when you add cold food.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all small fryers perform the same. Pay attention to these quality indicators.

Quality Boosters

Temperature Recovery Time: When you drop cold food into hot oil, the temperature drops. A quality fryer quickly brings the oil back to the set temperature. This keeps food crispy, not greasy.
Oil Filtration System: Some mid-range fryers include a simple filter. This helps keep the oil cleaner for longer, meaning you can reuse it a few times.

Quality Reducers

Thin Plastic Construction: If the housing feels very light or cheap, it might not last long. Thin plastic can also get very hot on the outside.
Inconsistent Heating: If the fryer has “hot spots” (areas that get much hotter than others), your food will cook unevenly.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how and when you plan to use your small fryer.

Easy Storage

Since it is a “small” fryer, storage should be easy. Look for models with handles that fold away or a compact, vertical design that fits well inside a cabinet.

Common Uses

Quick Snacks: Perfect for making a batch of frozen mozzarella sticks or French fries for movie night.
Small Batch Cooking: If you are cooking for one or two people, a small fryer uses less oil than a large one, making cleanup faster and cheaper.
Countertop Presence: Small fryers take up less counter space, which is great for smaller kitchens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much oil does a small deep fryer usually need?

A: Small fryers typically need between 1 and 2 liters of oil to reach the minimum fill line. Always check the instruction manual before adding oil.

Q: Can I use my small fryer to cook battered foods, like tempura?

A: Yes, many small fryers handle light batters well, provided you control the temperature carefully. Keep the oil hotter than you would for frozen food.

Q: Is it hard to clean a small deep fryer?

A: Cleaning is easier if you choose a model where the heating element lifts out. Always let the oil cool completely before attempting to drain or clean it.

Q: What is “temperature recovery time”?

A: This is how fast the fryer heats the oil back up after you put cold food in. Fast recovery means crispier food.

Q: Do small deep fryers smell up the kitchen?

A: All deep frying creates some smell. However, models with tight-fitting lids and built-in charcoal filters help trap most of the cooking odors.

Q: Can I use the same oil for different foods?

A: You should avoid mixing flavors. For example, don’t fry fish and then sweet donuts in the same oil. Filter the oil well and change it if it looks dark or smoky.

Q: Are small fryers energy efficient?

A: Because they heat a smaller amount of oil, they generally heat up faster and use less energy than full-sized models.

Q: What is the maximum safe temperature for most small fryers?

A: Most small deep fryers reach up to 375°F (about 190°C), which is perfect for most common fried foods.

Q: Should the basket have a hook?

A: Yes, a hook on the basket is very useful. It lets you hang the basket on the side of the fryer to drain excess oil before putting the food on a plate.

Q: Are these fryers safe to leave unattended while cooking?

A: No appliance should ever be left unattended while hot. Always stay nearby when you are deep frying.