Euro-Pro EP564 Deep Fryer -- Helping to support my local heart specialist

I love fried foods. I know that I've gotten into this whole organic, chemical-free mode lately... but a part of me (the part that'll never let me be model-skinny) can't help but love things fried. From funnel cakes to french fries to catfish, everything tastes better when dropped into hot oil (occasionally dipped in batter). We used to make due with our puny little Fry Daddy, which served its purpose... but my husband wanted more. Something bigger and better.

So, for his birthday a few years ago I purchased the Euro-Pro Cool Touch Stainless Steel Deep Fryer -- number EP564.

Product Information

Imagine my dismay when I looked around and had a hard time finding this model online. I know I purchased it at Bed, Bath and Beyond, but you can't find this specific one there. I also know I spent around $48 (counting their 20% off coupon), which means it would have retailed for $60. Currently, BB&B has a newer model for $79.99. Otherwise, you can find the same models on ChefsCatalog.com or CSSDeals.com. Don't be fooled by the other listings for $40, they aren't talking about the same model.

Anyway, this is a digital, cool to the touch, stainless steel deep fryer. It has a 6 liter capacity and 1800 watts of power. This is a single deep fryer and comes with one large basket. The controls are on the front of the machine and the lid has a clear window and mesh vent. You can set it to a specific temperature (in 5 degree increments up to 385) or use the timer (up to 15 minutes) by turning a dial on the front. Press the dial once for temperature and another time for timer. The three buttons on the right side (of the front) indicate if the machine is plugged in, turned on or at the right temperature.

The interior bin, heating element and basket are all removeable and can be cleaned (though I definitely don't think you should throw them in the dishwasher).

Other than that, the unit is essentially stainless steel and black -- which means it is fairly attractive. The stainless steel does show marks (such as oil spots or fingerprints), but it's easy enough to wipe off with some cleaner.

Fry 'em up baby

This machine advertises a cool-touch exterior, and I must say it does stay nice and cool. Since the heating element is in the oil itself, only the metal tin and oil actually get hot. The machine also advertises that the heating element allows food to be cooked faster and with less oil absorption, as well as an "auto-lift" feature which allows you to raise the basket without opening the lid.

What I think

This thing is pretty easy to set up... just clean off the heating element, metal tub, basket and lid and you're good to go. Filling the oil is easy and fool-proof and since the metal tub is removable, emptying it is as well. There is a little mark on the tub letting you know where to fill the oil to when pouring it in. It's also easy to use. The dial makes adjusting the temperature a breeze and the machine will beep when the oil is to the correct temperature. This is great because if your oil isn't hot enough, your food will absorb more oil. The oil heats up quickly and the food fries fast.

The basket is easy to load and easy to lower. The food will stay in the basket most of the time, but occasionally you'll get a run away... not often, though (this usually only happens if I overload the basket). I'm having a really tough time estimating exactly how much food I can fit in the basket -- probably around two good-sized handfuls of fries. It takes us about four batches to do two pounds of catfish cut into chunks... so that translates into about half-pound per batch. I want to note that we don't use the basket when doing catfish because they are batter-dipped and would stick together. We just drop them in one at a time and let them rise to the top before dropping another in. That auto-lift feature is ridiculously silly because the handle is hard to maneuver when the basket is immersed in the oil. That being said, it's easy to lift the basket out of the oil and dump the food on a paper towel (remember to salt them right after they come out of the oil). The lid is handy in keeping oil from splattering your kitchen, but I wish the glass window was a little larger. The oil lasts a long time in this and it's easy to filter (to remove the particulate matter).

We've used the fryer on and off for the past few years and have experience no mechanical or other issues with it... the only problem is that the hot oil will get on the front and when you go to wipe it off... the writing comes off as well. That's made operating it a little irritating (I am forever forgetting which button is for "on"... but it's not a huge detractor. Speaking of oil splattering, when the lid isn't on, oil will get everywhere... so be prepared for a massive clean-up.

Overall

I, honestly, really like this fryer. It's priced reasonably, has a large capacity and has a digital thermometer to heat the oil just right. It's easy to clean and easy to use. We've fried everything from frozen french fries to sweet potato fries to catfish in this... and everything turns out perfect -- not too oily. It fries a large amount at a time and keeps the temperature constant. I can't really think of anything else I'd want my fryer to do (or be). My husband is especially thankful -- this is everything our Fry Daddy wasn't. In addition, it's lasted us about two years with no major or minor problems. The basket and all the parts still look as good as new (with the exception of the front being clean of any writing).

The only real drawback is the inability to actually find this in a store right now. Try checking around online because I really feel this deep fryer is worth it (if you're looking for this kind of thing). I give the Euro-Pro Deep Fryer Five Stars and a If you want to fry foods yourself, you should check this out Yes on the recommendation.