Deep Fryer Accessories

Ultimate Guide to Deep Fryer Accessories: What to Buy, Where to Shop, and How to Save

Introduction: Why the right deep fryer accessories matter

If you love golden, crunchy fries, perfectly crisp chicken, or restaurant-style onion rings, you know that a good deep fryer is only part of the equation. The right accessories turn a messy, risky chore into a quick, safe, and repeatable process. Whether you’re upgrading a home fryer or stocking a commercial kitchen, accessories like baskets, heating elements, liners, and OEM replacement parts make the difference between hits and misses. This guide walks you through must-have items, compatibility tips, and the best places in the US to shop, including big-box stores like Walmart and specialty suppliers where pros shop.

How accessories improve your frying results

Think of deep fryer accessories like the tools a musician uses to get the best sound out of an instrument. A mismatched basket or a worn heating element is like playing out of tune — everything else suffers. The right basket size, quality oil filter, reliable thermostat, and proper liners keep oil clean, heat consistent, and food safe. Accessories also save time on cleanup and extend the life of your fryer. For serious home cooks and restaurant operators alike, investing in the correct components pays off in crispier food, lower operating costs, and fewer headaches.

Top deep fryer accessories you should consider

There’s no single set of accessories that fits every fryer, but some items are universally useful. Below are the essential categories to evaluate based on how often you fry, what you cook, and whether you’re using a home or commercial fryer. I’ll call out popular product examples and what to look for when shopping.

1) Fryer baskets and specialty baskets

Baskets are the workhorses of frying. Look for stainless steel construction, riveted handles, and sizes that match your fryer’s dimensions. Telescopic or folding baskets are great space savers for kitchens with limited storage and they make draining oil easy. For home air-fryer conversions, silicone liners with small perforations are popular for delicate items and easier cleanup. If you want to buy ready-made options, some stores carry a stainless steel telescopic folding basket designed for french fries and degreasing tasks, which is handy for frequent fry nights.

2) Silicone air fryer liners and reusable baskets

Silicone liners are lifesavers in air fryer baskets or smaller electric fryers because they protect the nonstick surface and make washing faster. A 7.87-inch reusable silicone basket or liner fits many compact models; these liners resist high heat and prevent food from sticking while allowing air flow. For maximizing longevity, choose heavy-gauge silicone with reinforced edges and a size close to your basket’s diameter in inches.

3) OEM hangers, hinge weldments, and replacement hardware

For commercial fryers and older units, OEM hangers and hinge weldments are often the reason a fryer is taken out of service. Items like left-hanger baskets, right-hand hanger hinge weldments, and model-specific parts restore original functionality without forcing you to replace the whole fryer. Buying genuine OEM parts — for example, parts labeled for brands like Star, Pitco, or Frymaster — ensures fit and safe operation, especially when the flame or heating element must align precisely with the tank.

4) Heating elements and electrical tank heaters

Heating elements are the heart of an electric fryer. When they wear down, you’ll notice slow heat-up times and uneven frying. Look for elements made for your model — common parts include specific OEM elements or electrical tank heaters identified by model number. Some parts are rated by power in kilowatts; if you’re shopping in the US, check equivalents and ensure the element matches your fryer’s voltage and wattage requirements. Commercial kitchens often replace elements from brands like Keating or Hobart to maintain consistent temperatures.

5) Thermometers, thermostats, and safety controls

Good temperature control is everything in frying. A separate deep-fry thermometer can validate your fryer’s built-in thermostat and help you avoid undercooked interiors or burned crusts. For commercial setups, replace faulty thermostats and high-temperature limit controls promptly. Digital probes that clip onto a basket let you monitor oil without lifting the lid, and analog dial thermometers are rugged and easy to read during busy shifts.

6) Oil filtration, pumps, and storage tools

Oil is one of your biggest recurring costs, so filtration tools pay for themselves quickly. Manual strainers and fine-mesh oil filters remove crumbs that accelerate oil breakdown, extending the usable life of the oil. For larger operations, oil filtration pumps and recovery tanks make changing oil cleaner and faster. Keep storage containers covered and labeled; a dedicated, food-safe bucket with a spigot makes draining and reusing oil simple and reduces waste.

7) Skimmers, tongs, and draining tools

Simple tools like skimmers and heat-resistant tongs change the game when you’re frying delicate items. Looks can be deceiving: a sturdy skimmer with a wide 6- to 8-inch scoop clears bits and keeps oil cleaner, while long stainless tongs give you control and keep hands safely away from hot oil. Grease trays, drip racks, and slotted spoons help with draining and presentation, so food stays crisp rather than soggy.

8) Liners, crumb trays, and splash guards

Linings and splash guards protect your fryer and your kitchen. Removable crumb trays catch tiny particles that otherwise accumulate at the bottom and burn. Splash guards cut down on spillover and reduce cleanup time. For home users, silicone or mesh liners are perfect for air fryers and small electric fryers, while commercial kitchens often select removable stainless trays that can withstand high temperatures and frequent scrubbing.

How to maintain fryer accessories for long life

Buying great accessories is just the start — maintaining them matters. Always cool oil to a safe temperature before draining, clean baskets promptly to prevent carbon build-up, and inspect heating elements and hinges regularly for corrosion or warping. Use only non-abrasive cleaners on nonstick surfaces and replace gaskets or seals when they show wear. For commercial units, create a maintenance log with dates for element checks, basket replacements, and oil changes measured in hours of operation rather than days. Small routines cut costs and avoid downtime.

Where to buy deep fryer accessories in the US

Different stores specialize in different needs: big-box stores sell convenient, affordable options, while restaurant supply houses and specialty kitchen retailers offer OEM and commercial-grade components. Below are reliable places to start your search, along with what they’re best at.

Walmart — affordability and convenience

Walmart is a solid starting point for household deep fryer accessories and some OEM parts. You’ll find silicone air fryer liners in sizes around 7.87 inches, stainless steel folding baskets, and basic replacement components. Walmart’s advantage is availability and low price, plus many items are carried both in-store and online. If you want a quick, low-cost solution for home frying tools, Walmart often has what you need.

Amazon — massive selection and customer reviews

Amazon advantage is selection. From branded OEM parts to niche accessories like heavy-duty skimmers or model-specific heating elements, Amazon aggregates international and small-batch sellers. Use customer reviews to vet quality and confirm fit by checking product dimensions in inches and compatibility lists. Prime shipping is great if you need a part fast, but always confirm return windows and seller reputation for specialty parts.

Home Depot and Lowe’s — useful for electric parts and tools

While known for home improvement, Home Depot and Lowe’s often stock electrical heating elements, thermostats, and shop tools useful for fryer maintenance. If you’re tackling element replacement or need a replacement power cord or high-temperature silicon seal, these stores have reliable brands and knowledgeable staff who can point you to the right electrical ratings. They’re a particularly good fit for DIY maintenance on electric fryers.

Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma, and specialty kitchen stores

For premium home-user accessories and cookware-grade baskets, specialty kitchen shops like Sur La Table or Williams-Sonoma offer high-quality stainless options and curated tools made to last. Expect to pay more, but you’ll gain durable construction and polished finishes that look great for dinner parties. These shops often carry professional-grade tongs, thermometers, and presentation tools that elevate home frying.

Restaurant supply stores and WebstaurantStore — pro-grade parts

If you run a food business or want true commercial-grade parts, restaurant supply stores and online outlets like WebstaurantStore stock OEM hangers, Pitco or Frymaster replacement parts, electrical tank heaters, and high-capacity baskets. These suppliers list parts by model numbers and often carry manufacturer-specific items such as Star 2b-y8847 basket hangers and Pitco B5606006 hinge weldments. They’re the go-to for long-lasting, serviceable components.

How to choose compatible accessories and parts

Compatibility is critical. Always confirm dimensions in inches and match model numbers when buying OEM parts. For baskets and liners, measure your fryer’s interior diameter and depth in inches and allow for a small clearance for oil circulation. For heating elements, check voltage and wattage ratings and ensure the part number matches your unit. When in doubt, take a clear photo of the existing part and reference it in product searches or customer service chats — a picture often saves a wrong purchase.

Budgeting: balancing cost and durability

You don’t need to buy the most expensive accessory to get great results, but beware of ultra-cheap options that fail quickly. Prioritize stainless steel for baskets and skimmers, silicone for liners, and OEM or well-reviewed aftermarket parts for elements and hinges. For home use, mid-range items from general retailers are often ideal; for frequent or commercial use, invest in commercial-grade parts that can handle the extra hours and higher temps without warping.

Eco-friendly and cost-saving strategies

Reduce waste and save money by investing in reusable filters, proper oil filtration systems, and durable stainless accessories that can be sanitised instead of replaced. Use a filtration schedule — in hours of frying — to extend oil life safely, and consider lower-viscosity oils suited for high-heat frying. When disposing of oil, recycle or check local hazardous-waste guidelines; many communities accept used cooking oil for recycling into biofuel.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid these frequent errors: using undersized baskets that let food bunch together, replacing parts without checking electrical specs, and skipping regular cleaning that leads to burnt oil and shortened component life. Also, don’t mix parts from different fryer types without confirming fit; for instance, an air-fryer silicone liner that fits a 7.87-inch basket may not suit a larger electric fryer. Taking a few minutes to match dimensions and specs saves time and money later.

Conclusion

Investing in the right deep fryer accessories will dramatically improve your frying results, safety, and the longevity of your equipment. From baskets and silicone liners to OEM hangers and heating elements, each piece plays a role in creating consistent, delicious outcomes. Shop where the products match your needs — Walmart and Amazon for accessible options, specialty stores for premium pieces, and restaurant suppliers for professional-grade components. With the right tools, a little maintenance, and smart buying, frying becomes efficient, predictable, and more enjoyable.