Finally a fryer that gets perfect temperature

My Previous on the counter deep fryer experience. I had bought a Philips Deluxe Deep Fryer before this one. Actually I had two because one died in less than a year. I replaced it with an identical one, and it bit the dust in less time than that. I also had a FryDaddy and a Kettle Creation before this Waring Pro. My biggest gripe with other home fryers is that the temperature of the oil was never accurate. French fries are very yucky and soggy when your oil can't reach a good hot temperature.

How does this one compare? After having a few different kinds, I will say that this is my most favorite of them all. Easy to clean. Quick to heat oil at high temperatures. Domed lid for covered cooking with window for viewing. Stainless steel construction with nickel-plated basket. Immersible heating element that is styled after the professional deep fryers often found in restaurants.

How quick is it? Most reviews of this fryer say it is quick to heat the oil. I just tested it for this review specifically. I heated it to its highest setting (375 degrees), and it took 13 minutes. Other fryers state that you should wait until 20 minutes. If you cook at 350 degrees, you probably can heat your oil in 10 minutes. WOW!!!

How do you dispose of oil? The oil reservoir insert has an indention to make it easier to pour oil out. First, you can lift the heating element out. It is attached to the top of the fryer that has your temperature control, indicator lights, and timer on it. You can lift the insert right out of its holder. (Note: Frozen foods do not dirty oil as fast as fresh things like chicken and fish. Anything that is battered and not frozen will also mess your oil up faster.) Fryers aren't easy to clean, but this is the easiest of them all. Thank the lord for this fryer. Don't go with any non-stick versions of fryers because the oil gets sticky if any is left on the finish.

How to clean fryer? After you have removed the oil and disposed of it, you can either hand wash or put in your dishwasher. The oil reservoir, basket, and lid are all dishwasher safe. You can wipe down the other parts by hand.

How roomy is it? This fryer is roomy and has plenty of room to cook a 3-5 pound bag of hot wings in 2 batches or 4 corn dogs at one time. The oil reservoir measures around 11 1/4" x 7" deep. The design of the basket handle (locks upward or folds down for storage) is easy to clean. The actual basket measures at 6 3/4" wide x 9 1/4" long x 2 3/4" deep.

Length of cord? I think the cord length is fine at 3'. Just how long do you really need a cord to reach to a fryer full of hot oil. Any longer and it will be extremely dangerous.

I have found that you get what you pay for when it comes to electronics, appliances, and beauty products. Pay the extra money so you don't have to keep replacing your old ones.

My only warning is to be careful when cooking at highest temperature even with lid on. This fryer's design is supposed to be cool to the touch for anybody who gets near it while it's hot. That is true to touch the sides. The steam that comes off of it through the vents tends to get extremely hot. So, if you are cooking up some home-made French Fries and you are on the last part of it and you kicked up the temperature up on high to give it its nice crispy finish, don't grab the handle like you normally would - overhanded. Make sure and grab carefully underhanded. It is not enough steam to hurt you but just scare you and make you jump.

Safety Features 3 foot breakaway cord, auto shutoff, and interlock operation.

Buzzer - the buzzer does better for longer times than it does for short times. You can time up to 30 minutes with it. If you are going to use it on a few minutes (like with all buzzers) turn it back to around 5-10 minutes and then turn it down to 2 or so. It works better if you do that. The sound of this buzzer sounds like a metal bell that gets tapped in a diner. It is not electrical.

Moving this baby around on the counter. My advice is to place this fryer some place where you intend on it staying. Please do not move while oil is hot - very dangerous. It has side handles to help move it. It can seem very heavy while filled with a gallon of oil. It slides nicely on a counter.

Documentation My last point to make is that the documentation that comes with this fryer is less than other fryers. It did include a few recipes and instructions. They assume that you know how to use a fryer if you are purchasing this model. It did not specify how long to heat the oil up and points like this.