Crispy golden crust: 5 household fryers

Polaris products are preferred for the optimal balance of price and functionality. And the POF 1002 deep fryer also captivates potential buyers with its compact size, thanks to which the model takes up a minimum of precious space in the kitchen.

The "baby" is dressed in a white "outfit" made of heat-resistant plastic, under the outer shell of which there is a stationary bowl with a volume of 1 liter. In fact, it is better to fill it with oil by less than 3/4, otherwise the boiling foam tries to leave the fryer through the top. The same can be said about the capacity of the basket for products — out of the 0.5 kg claimed by the manufacturer, half as much is actually placed in it.

Model management is simplified to the point of impossibility. Judge for yourself, the user just needs to plug the device into the network and turn the temperature mode selection knob (from 80 to 190 °C). You will have to mark the cooking time yourself from the moment the built-in heating indicator lights up. For the most common categories of products, the approximate cooking time is marked in the form of pictograms on the body of the fryer. Unfortunately, they wear off over time, as does the temperature scale around the handle.

The additional assets of the Polaris POF 1002 have an observation window and a filter placed on guard to prevent the formation of unpleasant odours. And convenience in handling the fryer adds a basket with a removable handle. However, it is inconvenient to disconnect it during cooking, because there is a risk of burning yourself with boiling oil. Constructive flaws, although they take place on board the model, but they are more than covered by the extremely democratic cost of the fryer.

Under the sign of the Clatronic brand, several diverse models of fryers are produced at once. One of the popular solutions for cooking fried goodies at home is a device with the index FR 3649.

The "rounded" stainless steel fryer body, diluted with black plastic inserts, hides a non-removable bowl under the automatically folding lid, which holds up to 2.5 liters of oil. It can be used to cook about 0.7 kg of potatoes or other delicacies (breaded fish and meat, sweet donuts, etc.) in one sitting, loaded into a basket with a convenient folding handle.

The model is equipped with a thermostat with smooth temperature control in the range from 130 to 190 °C, and a pair of light indicators on the front panel informs about its readiness for operation. You will need to control the degree of cooking yourself, since there is no timer in the Clatronic FR 3649. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided for the presence of an observation window, which is one with the top cover. You can also find a removable filter in it to catch oil vapors and prevent the spread of unpleasant odours throughout the kitchen.

Perhaps the only negative aspect in the design of the model is considered to be a non-removable bowl, which slightly complicates the task of draining waste oil. In contrast to this defect, a non-stick coating of the inner walls has been installed, which prevents the products from burning and sticking. As a result, cleaning of the bowl from contamination at the end of the cooking process is greatly simplified. For their money, Clatronic FR 3649 gives 100%, delighting households and guests with snacks with a crispy golden crust.

When a large capacity is given priority, there is no better option among low-cost fryers for household needs than the Clatronic FR 3587. The model boasts of its peers with high power (2000 watts) and an impressive volume — up to 3 liters of oil can be placed in the bowl of the device when fully loaded.

Almost all the elements of the fryer are made of stainless steel, in addition, the design is collapsible, which greatly simplifies the maintenance tasks of the device. Plastic inclusions are found in place of handles, also plastic is a block with a temperature selection controller in the range from 130 to 190 °C, from which the threads of heating spirals spread. Right in the block there is a compartment for winding the excess power cord, so that it does not get under your hands during cooking.

It is convenient to observe the cooking process through the viewing window in the lid. At the same time, oil vapors and odours are captured by a replaceable filter. Safety in the operation of the fryer is added by an overheat protection system (in case the temperature rises above the permissible limits) and rubberized legs for better stability of the device.

Taking into account the increased volume of the model, it can be recommended for purchase in large families, where it is customary to cook on a grand scale. Also, the Clatronic FR 3587 will appeal to fans of hosting guests often — deep-fried food is not useful, but as a snack, potatoes, mushrooms or chicken sticks with the prefix "fries" will occupy the centre places on the table.

The Princess 182611 mini-format fryer fits in with most kitchen interiors — stainless steel, which prevails in the materials used to manufacture the appliance body, always looks advantageous and fresh.

In one approach, 300 g of products can be cooked in a deep fryer using about 1.2 liters of oil. It is proposed to observe the process through an observation window made in the removable cover of the device. In addition, the lid is equipped with a safety lock and an oil filter, which simultaneously prevents the spread of unpleasant odours.

Princess Classic Mini combines the functions of a deep fryer and a fondue dish in one bottle — the device includes 6 special skewers for the convenience of impaling small pieces of bread, vegetables or mushrooms immersed in melted cheese. When frying in oil, information about the duration of cooking and the temperature regime for the main categories of products in the form of pictograms on the front panel of the case will be useful. There is also a mechanical temperature setting controller (140-190 °C).

The reviews of the model are dominated by positive ratings. Except for the moment associated with the non-removable design of the bowl and the absence of a spout or a hole for draining used oil. And the most praiseworthy are the compact dimensions of the fryer (20x25x21 cm), which becomes the main argument "for" when looking for a solution for a small kitchen.

For almost 100 years of the availability of the German brand Steba, its products have managed to gain a lot of credibility in the European market. An important role in the segment of kitchen appliances is given to fryers, in particular, the model of a curious design — DF 200 is popular with the public.

"Out of the box" the device is assembled in the image and likeness of the designer — first a bowl is installed in the stainless steel case, and then a control unit with heating tubes is inserted into it along the guides, which are immersed directly into the oil for rapid heating and cooking without smoke and odour. Having a good power reserve (2200 W), the heating elements spend less than 10 minutes bringing a "full tank" of oil with a volume of 4 liters to a boil.

The Steba DF 200 kit includes one large basket with a capacity of up to 1.2 kg, as well as two smaller baskets that allow you to cook two dishes at the same time (for example, breaded wings and French fries). What exactly to cook in a deep fryer is a matter solely of your culinary imagination, because it can be onion rings, dough products, breaded seafood and much more.

Special skills in order to "make friends" with the device are not required, since all control of it is based on setting the temperature regime in the range from 130 to 190 °C. You can spy on the products taking an oily "bath" through the viewing window, with the only caveat that it quickly fumes up. And in fact, the model is devoid of other shortcomings, being one of the most desirable devices for true gourmets of fried dishes.