Deep Fryers

Top Deep Fryers in the US: Best Picks, Where to Buy, and How to Choose

Why a Deep Fryer Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

If you love crispy fries, golden chicken, or perfectly battered fish, a deep fryer can be the secret weapon that turns weekend snacks into restaurant-quality treats. Deep fryers give you consistent oil temperature, faster cook times, and better texture than shallow pan frying. Think of a fryer as a small, loyal sous-chef that handles the hottest, messiest part of cooking so you can focus on the fun parts—seasoning, plating, and devouring.

Where Americans Shop for Deep Fryers

When it comes to buying a deep fryer in the US, a handful of big retailers tend to dominate the scene. Walmart is a go-to for budget-friendly and variety-packed options, often carrying everything from compact countertop fryers to commercial-style pressure fryers and air fryer ovens. Amazon is unbeatable for selection and user reviews, Target blends style with good mid-range picks, and Costco can be the place to score larger-capacity units at a value price. Don’t forget specialty retailers like Williams Sonoma for premium countertop models and restaurant-supply stores for heavy-duty gear.

Walmart: Big Selection, Often Budget-Friendly

Walmart stocks a wide range of fryers that match different cooking needs and budgets. On the entry and mid-level side, you’ll find 12-quart-style electric countertop fryers—perfect for family meals—and popular air fryer ovens, including refurbished Curtis Stone models with rotisserie functions. Walmart also lists larger stainless steel dual-basket fryers and commercial pressure fryers for anyone cooking at scale. If you want variety without breaking the bank, Walmart is a strong starting point.

Amazon and Target: Convenience and Reviews

Amazon’s strength is selection plus user feedback. Want multiple brand comparisons, customer photos, and real-world pros and cons? That’s Amazon’s domain. Target offers curated picks and stylish appliances that fit modern kitchens. If you prefer testing in-store, Target’s brick-and-mortar locations make it easy to see build quality before you buy.

Types of Deep Fryers: Which One Fits Your Cooking Style?

Not all fryers are created equal. The right type depends on how often you fry, what you cook, and how much space you have in your kitchen. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you match your cooking style to the right machine.

Electric Countertop Deep Fryers

These are the classic home deep fryers. Compact and fairly simple, countertop units hold several quarts of oil, heat quickly, and usually include removable baskets for easy draining. They’re great for families who fry a few times a month and want consistent results without wrestling with a heavy pot on the stove.

Air Fryer Ovens and Combos

Air fryer ovens use hot air and a small amount of oil to mimic deep-fried textures. Some models, like the popular Curtis Stone Dura-electric air fryer oven with rotisserie, add multi-function cooking and reduce oil use dramatically. If you want versatility—air fry, roast, bake, and rotisserie in one appliance—an air fryer oven is attractive. Expect crisp results with less oil, though truly deep-fried textures still come from oil fryers.

Commercial and Pressure Fryers

If you cook large volumes or want restaurant-grade crunch, commercial fryers and pressure fryers are the real deal. Brands like Intsupermai produce pressure-style electric fryers designed for heavy use—perfect for backyard parties or small catering operations. These machines often require more space and a higher budget, but they deliver speed and consistency that home fryers can’t match.

Dual-Basket and Stainless Steel Fryers

Dual-basket stainless steel fryers let you fry two items at once without flavor transfer—think fries and shrimp simultaneously. Stainless steel models are durable and easier to degrease, and dual baskets reduce waiting time when cooking for a crowd. If you entertain often, a dual-basket fryer is like having an extra set of hands on a busy night.

Capacity and Size: Choosing the Right Fryer

Capacity matters. Buy too small and you’ll be stuck doing batches; buy too large and you waste space and oil. Here’s how to think about capacity in practical, imperial terms.

Small Households (1–2 people)

Look for fryers in the 3 to 6 quart range. These compact units are easy to store and heat oil fast, perfect for one-pan dinners or small snacks. They’re also a good way to get used to deep-frying without committing to gallons of oil.

Families (3–5 people)

For families, a 6 to 12 quart fryer hits the sweet spot. That capacity lets you fry a family-sized batch of fries or multiple chicken pieces in one go. Models in this class balance volume and countertop footprint well.

Entertaining and Commercial Use

If you host regularly or cook for larger groups, consider 12 quarts and up. Some units, like the Zokop 24.9 quart dual stainless steel fryer, are built to handle big loads and reduce batch times. Commercial fryers and pressure fryers often work in the 16–32 quart range or more—think backyard events and small food-service setups.

Key Features to Look For Before Buying

Buying a fryer isn’t just about size and price. The best models combine practical features that make frying safer, cleaner, and more precise.

Temperature Control and Accuracy

Precise temperature control is everything with frying. Too cool and food becomes greasy; too hot and it burns. Look for digital thermostats or reliable analog dials that hold steady. Some models also include temperature presets for fries, chicken, and fish.

Oil Capacity and Drainage

Check whether the fryer has a built-in oil drain or a removable oil container for easy filtering and storage. A smaller oil capacity wastes less oil when you’re frying small batches, while larger reservoirs are better for extended cooking sessions.

Ease of Cleaning

Removable baskets, nonstick interiors, and dishwasher-safe parts save time. Stainless steel exteriors help with scrubbing. If cleaning feels like a chore, you’re less likely to use the fryer often—so prioritize models with simple take-apart designs.

Safety Features

Auto-shutoff, cool-touch handles, and sturdy lids are musts. Safety clips or locking baskets prevent splashes when removing hot food. For commercial-style fryers, heavy-duty lids and overheat protection help avoid dangerous oil fires.

Top Deep Fryer Picks and Where to Find Them

Below are standout models and the typical places you’ll find them, based on popularity and real-world performance. These picks range from budget countertop units to heavy-duty commercial fryers.

Easingroom 12-Quart Electric Countertop Deep Fryer — Walmart

This kind of model is a solid mid-range option for families. With roughly 12 quarts of usable capacity, it handles family dinners and weekend gatherings. Walmart often lists these with simple digital or dial controls and removable baskets—good value if you want reliable frying without a big investment.

Curtis Stone 22-Quart Dura-Electric Air Fryer Oven with Rotisserie (Refurbished) — Walmart & Other Retailers

Refurbished multi-function air fryer ovens like the Curtis Stone model are great for people who want one appliance to do many jobs. With about 22 to 23 quarts of interior space, you get full-oven capacity plus rotisserie and air-fry functions. Buying refurbished can be a smart value move if you’re comfortable with inspected, renewed units that come with a warranty.

Sanptent 5.8-Quart Air Fryer — Walmart, Amazon

If counter space is limited, a 5.8 quart air fryer is an excellent choice. This size crisps up staples for a couple or small family and fits neatly under cabinets. Expect digital touchscreens, auto-shutoff, and multi-function presets in this range—ideal for kitchens short on real estate.

Zokop 24.9-Quart Dual Stainless Steel Electric Deep Fryer — Walmart, Online Retailers

For big batches and simultaneous frying, the Zokop 24.9 quart dual-basket model makes entertaining easy. Stainless steel construction adds durability, and the dual baskets let you fry different foods at once without flavor crossover. It’s a favorite for parties and bigger households.

Intsupermai Commercial Pressure Fryer — Walmart & Restaurant Supply Retailers

Pressure fryers take frying to a professional level: shorter cook times, juicier results, and consistent outcomes. Intsupermai’s commercial-style pressure fryer is designed for heavy use—great for backyard chefs who want that true crispy, fast finish for chicken and large batches of fries.

Price Ranges and Where to Find the Best Deals

How much you’ll pay depends on capacity, build quality, and features. Expect to find smaller countertop fryers and basic air fryers in the $40–$120 range, mid-range multi-function units and larger electric fryers between $120–$300, and commercial or large-capacity models from $300 up to several thousand for professional equipment. Look for sales at Walmart, seasonal deals on Amazon, and bulk discounts at Costco. Refurbished units offer a path to premium features at lower prices.

Maintenance and Safety Tips to Keep Food Tasting Its Best

Frying is fun—but it’s also hot and messy. These practical tips help you keep your fryer in good shape and reduce risk.

Oil Care and Storage

Filter oil after it cools and store it in a sealed container for reuse. Strain out crumbs to extend oil life—use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. For most home use, oil can be reused 3–5 times before it’s time to replace, depending on what you fry and how clean you keep the fryer.

Cleaning Routine

Always unplug and let the oil cool before cleaning. Remove baskets and detachable parts and wash with warm, soapy water. For stainless steel fryers, a gentle scrub with a non-abrasive pad keeps the finish looking new. Regular cleaning not only improves taste but also prevents build-up that can trigger splattering and smoking.

Monitor Temperatures and Stay Present

Never leave a fryer unattended while heating or cooking. Keep an eye on the temperature and use a thermometer if your fryer’s gauge seems off. If oil starts to smoke, cut the heat and ventilate the room—that’s a sign the oil is too hot and breakdown is imminent.

Making the Most of Your Fryer: Recipes and Tricks

Once you own a fryer, it’s about more than just fries. Try battered fish, tempura vegetables, hush puppies, or even fried desserts like doughnuts. For crispier results, pat ingredients dry before battering, preheat oil between 350–375°F, and avoid overcrowding the basket so oil temperature recovers quickly. Small tweaks like double-frying fries—brief fry at lower temp then a quick finish at higher temp—turn good results into great ones.

Conclusion

Choosing the right deep fryer comes down to how you cook, how often you fry, and how much space you have. Walmart and Amazon offer wide selections that suit most needs, from compact 5–6 quart air fryers to 24.9 quart dual-basket stainless steel models and commercial pressure fryers for large-scale cooking. Focus on capacity, temperature control, safety features, and ease of cleaning, and you’ll be biting into perfectly crisp results in no time. Ready to take the plunge? Pick the model that matches your cooking habits and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without that extra crunch.