Mini Fryer Review – Things you should know

The mini fryer can of course be compared to a large fryer. The function behind it is quite simple. A heating coil is embedded in the bottom of the mini fryer. You can just connect the mini fryer to the electrical circuit and set the temperature, the heating coil begins to build up heat.

A mini fryer or a deep fryer is an essential kitchen appliance for modern day kitchen operation. You can have tasty fries quick and it is quite easy to prepare fried food in a mini fryer.

Best Mini fryer list 2022 – the best mini fryers test & comparison

• Hamilton Beach mini fryer
• Oster
• Presto
• Cuisinart
• T-Fal
• Elite Gourmet
• Aigostar
• Chefman
• Secura
• Aicok

What is a mini fryer?

A mini fryer is an important everyday helper in your kitchen. Households of one or two people can benefit from a mini deep fryer. Basically, a mini fryer is just like a larger model. This means that the task behind the mini fryer is to deep-fry various foods. The big difference is that a mini fryer is much smaller. Usually their volume is between 0.5 and 1.2 liters.

This makes the mini fryer ideal for small households that do not have to prepare a large amount of food. In addition, a mini fryer can be used perfectly in a small kitchen, because the small dimensions make the fryer space-saving and practical.

Otherwise, the mini fryer is no different from its large relatives. In terms of function, structure, cleaning and performance, the two models are almost identical.

How does a mini fryer work?

The mini fryer can of course be compared to a large fryer. The function behind it is quite simple. A coil, which is also known as a heating coil, is embedded in the bottom of the mini fryer. Now connect the mini fryer to the electrical circuit and set the temperature, the heating coil begins to build up heat. The interior of the mini fryer sits above the spiral coil. This usually consists of coated material so that you can easily clean the mini fryer later.

The oil or fat remains in the container. As the heating coil heats up, the fat or oil is heated up. Thanks to a built-in thermometer, the device immediately shows when the desired temperature has been reached. It usually shows this on a display or LEDs. Now you can put the ingredients in the frying basket and let it slide into the hot fryer. The lid protects you from splashes and prevents an unpleasant odor.

Another method is a hot air fryer, but that is different from deep fryer. The function behind such a mini fryer review winner is comparable to a hot air oven, but it has a higher heat output so that the foods are cooked faster. This means that a circulating stream of hot air is generated which is directed into the container. This hot air “washes around” the ingredients and ensures that they become hot and crispy. Usually you only need a few drops of oil for a perfect result.

You can also bake and grill in a hot air fryer.

Advantages & areas of application of a Mini Fryer

Space saving

The advantages of a mini fryer are manifold. Start with the small dimensions. Of course, a mini fryer is significantly smaller than other fryers. You will notice this just by looking at the volume. If large deep fryers easily offer two to four liters, you will receive a maximum of 1.2 liters with devices from a mini deep fryer review. But that can be a big advantage, because you use less electricity and less fat. You don’t need a large deep fryer, especially in small households.

Energy Saving

If you are trying to deep fry or cook a small amount of food then a large deep fryer is a huge waste of energy for you. The mini-fryer, on the other hand, is designed precisely for small quantities. Usually it is enough for one to three people. Another benefit is that you can easily stow away and store the mini fryer.

Faster than large deep fryer

You do not need a large, open space anymore, but the mini-fryer can be placed anywhere. This saves you important storage space. Not only that, preparation of food also has its advantages. Surely you can prepare food to be fried in the oven, but you never get as crisp and delicious foods like from the fryer.

Since the mini fryer is very small and heats up quickly, you can use it within a few minutes. Another advantage is that you can prepare many different dishes in the mini fryer. Even desserts are no longer a problem.

Mini fryer – a travel mate!

The mini fryer can even be used on the table or on a windowsill. The small dimensions naturally vary depending on the manufacturer. Otherwise, a mini fryer is great for traveling. For example, you are traveling with a caravan or mobile home.

The mini fryer doesn’t take up much space, but it can prepare delicious food for you while traveling.

What types of mini fryers are there?

The mini fryers are becoming more popular every day, so there are more and more types on the market. This is of course advantageous for buyers, because you can get exactly the mini-fryer that meets your needs. We have summarized the most important aspects of the different types for you.

Traditional

The traditional mini-fryers are devices that completely heat the fat or oil. This means that the oil / fat has a constant temperature. The advantage is that you get very good frying results. Thanks to the hot oil, all types of food are fried until crispy and brown.

In addition, many different foods can be prepared in it. However, they also have two disadvantages. Traditional mini-fryers are not good for the body. The breadcrumbs in particular absorb the fat. But old residues also collect on the ground and burn. This can produce carcinogenic substances.

The advantages of traditional mini fryer:

• Very good frying result
• Fast preparation
• Easy to use

The disadvantages:

• Leftovers burn on the base and needs proper cleaning.

Cold zone mini fryer

Do you love an intense taste and are you traditional? In such a case, a cold zone mini fryer is exactly the right solution for you. The big difference to the other types is that the oil does not heat up completely. A cool layer of fat always remains under the heating element.

The plus point of this technique is that leftovers that fall through the basket are not fried too long or even burned. This means that no harmful substances are formed. Of course, cold zone deep fryers are not exactly a figure flatterer, but you will get the best frying results for this.

The advantages of cold zone mini fryers:

• Excellent frying
• No burned leftovers
• Intense taste

The disadvantages:

• It is not going to give you a flat tummy!!

Hot air fryer

One of the more recent additions to the market is the hot air mini fryer. As the name suggests, it works with hot air instead of oil. As a result, this deep fryer is almost fat-free and particularly healthy. The hot-air mini-fryer is the perfect solution, especially for people who want to look after their lines but still don’t want to do without anything fried. In addition to the hot air, usually only a tablespoon of oil is needed to prevent the food from sticking together.

The food is nowhere near as crispy and crunchy as in a cold zone or traditional deep fryer.

The advantages of hot air fryer:

• Healthy frying
• Less fat

The disadvantages:

• Not a good frying result

What should you look out for when buying a mini fryer?

Buying a mini fryer needs to be carefully considered. After all, there are many aspects that must be considered. Certainly you could also use the first model from a mini-fryer test, but this does not ensure that the model really meets your expectations. Therefore, please note the factors we have specified.

Power of a mini fryer

The mini fryer can only heat up quickly and also deliver the best frying results if it performs well. Therefore, you should look for the performance also. Especially with mini-fryers with fat, the power should be high so that the oil / fat can be heated up in the shortest possible time.

This saves you energy. A good mini fryer should have at least 1,000 watts of power. If the volume is above one liter, 1,200 to 1,500 watts are acceptable.

Only with a small volume, such as 500 milliliters, can you also use a lower output. If, on the other hand, you would like a mini fryer with hot air, the performance plays a minor role, as you do not have to heat the oil. Nevertheless, the performance should not be too low, so that you do not have to wait too long for your food.

Capacity of a mini fryer

The capacity, also called volume, depends on your needs. This means that if you only fry for yourself, you will need a very small mini-fryer. If, on the other hand, you are preparing food for two to three people, the mini fryer must also be larger. Fortunately there are in many different sizes of mini fryers are available. 500 milliliters in volume are perfectly adequate for one person.

For two people you should choose up to 1 liter. For three people, 1.2 liters are usually sufficient. It is important that there is a good balance between capacity and performance. This means that if the volume is large, the output should also be higher. The less fat is prepared in the mini fryer, the less power is required.

Temperature

The temperature plays an essential role because it determines how quickly and easily you can prepare your food. It is ideal if the mini fryer offers you at least 190 degrees. Although 170 degrees are considered risky, you need a higher temperature for frozen food. 190 degrees are recommended temperature for a mini fryer. There should be no lower limit, so you can also use low temperatures of 100 degrees. These are ideal for vegetables, for example.

Functions and Manual of a mini fryer

Operating a mini fryer should be easy. This means that you don’t have to read a long manual, but the device from a mini fryer test is self-explanatory. Most manufacturers print a table on the front of the device. This means that you can read directly on the device which temperature should be selected for the most popular deep-fried dishes.

For example, you see a fish and behind it is a temperature of 160 degrees. So you know that you need a temperature of 160 degrees for fish and similar products. Otherwise a dial or suitable buttons should be available. It is best if you can adjust the temperature continuously. This means that there are not only fixed temperatures, but also intermediate values. Of course, the buttons and controls should be easy to understand and easy to clean. A display is rather rare on a mini fryer.

Security of a mini fryer

There are some safety precautions that should not be ignored. Protection against overheating is particularly important. This ensures that the fat or oil is not heated too far. In this respect you prevent the formation of dangerous substances.

There should also be a safety shutdown. For example, if the mini-fryer is forgotten, it switches off automatically after a certain period of time.

Brief information on 7 leading manufacturers of mini fryer / deep fryers

Certainly there are many little things observed, but not everyone has the desire or time to study these aspects most exactly. It is therefore convenient that we introduce you to seven well-known, popular and leading manufacturers of mini fryers. So if you don’t want to deal with the various factors for long, you can simply choose one of these providers. In the end, you will definitely get a high-quality and suitable mini fryer.

Cuisinart mini deep fryer

The Cuisinart is a good brand to go if you are looking for multifunctional and affordable models from a mini fryer. The Cuisinart devices can be used both as deep fryers and as fondues. So you kill two birds with one stone. The infinitely variable thermostat and the cool-touch housing are practical. This keeps the device surprisingly cool. Everything is rounded off by an odor and grease vapor filter.

Hamilton Beach deep fryer

The Hamilton Beach brand offers you many different products for the kitchen. Of course, a mini fryer is also not far. It has a heat-insulated housing and a container with a capacity of 950 milliliters. Thanks to the non-stick coating, it is possible that you can easily remove the fat. You are also offered an adjustable temperature controller up to 190 degrees, as well as overheating protection. The window allows a good view.

T-Fal mini fryers

A large and well-known brand in the manufacture of kitchen appliances is T-Fal. Of course, a small but complete deep fryer is good. It can deep-fry up to 600 grams of french fries in 1.2 liters of oil. Thanks to the output of 1,000 watts, you save energy, oil and time. Of course you can prepare many different dishes in the T-Fal mini fryers, such as samosa, croquettes, falafel or donuts. The device is also easy to clean.

Elite Gourmet mini fryer

The mini-fryers from Elite Gourmet show a modern yet clean design. The devices are ideal for small portions that are produced within a very short time. Conventional oil or fat is used here. With an output of 600 watts, the device can also be used as a fondue set. The infinitely variable thermostat allows you to heat up to 190 degrees. Everything is rounded off by the thermally insulated housing.

Presto mini deep fryer

The mini fryer from Presto is really small. You get an oil volume of 0.9 liters, so you can prepare one or two servings. Of course, the oil container has a non-stick coating so that you can easily clean it. The temperature is freely adjustable up to 190 degrees. The insulated housing, however, is for your safety. Of course there is a removable cover with an integrated permanent filter. The temperature control light, however, shows you whether your food is ready.

Aicok – best mini deep fryer

Aicok products are considerably low priced and have long life. Usually a black and silver housing is used, which fits perfectly into every kitchen. Of course, the case is equipped with the Cooltouch function so that there is no burn. But the convenient and versatile use is also impressive. In this respect you can set temperatures from 0 to 190 degrees. The transparent viewing window allows a good view of the basket.

Secura best deep fryer

Secura has many different products on offer. A mini fryer is therefore not far. You get a continuously adjustable thermostat and a capacity of one liter. The frying basket has a removable handle. The practical thing is that you can use the Secura deep fryer not only as a deep fryer. The device also functions as a fondue, you can use fondue forks.

Useful Link : Best Gas Cooktop With Downdraft- Buyer Review

Internet vs. Retailers: where is the best place to buy my fryer?

Specialist store for a mini fryer

A mini fryer has many practical advantages, but one question remains: should you buy your mini fryer online or from specialist retailers? Of course, a lot of people choose to go to specialist retailers. Because here you get a distinct advantage: you can take a look at the mini fryer beforehand, which is very useful if you don’t know exactly what you are looking for.

Check the device from a mini fryer test 2020 carefully; reconsider the size, functions and material. In the end, you will know if the mini fryer is really the right one. Unfortunately, the specialist trade does not have any more advantages to offer. You will notice this when you make your selection, because it is quite meager. Only popular and well-known models from a mini fryer test are represented. You might end up with a mini fryer that is not suitable for you.

So you only have the option to compromise or to forego the model. However, there are even more disadvantages. For example, the price is a major nuisance. You can easily pay 20 to 40 percent more in a specialist shop, although you would get an identical product from a mini-fryer review on the Internet. That is precisely why you should look around the Internet first.

Buying a mini fryer from Online Store

Of course, you do not have this opportunity to touch the products before but this need not necessarily be a disadvantage. This means that you receive all important information directly from the manufacturer. But most of the time you don’t know whether he really says everything. For this reason there are still customer reviews. Thanks to these, you can read about what the mini-fryer really does or whether buying it is a bad idea.

Another advantage of the internet is that you no longer have to spend a long time looking for a store or looking at opening times. The internet is available to you around the clock, so all you have to do is pull out your Smartphone, tablet or PC. In a few seconds you will get a good collections of mini fryers to choose from. This is very useful if you have little time or do not want to spend a long time looking for the mini fryer.

The history of the mini fryer

Before the mini fryer could be born, first the simple fryer had to be developed. Although this is a relatively recent invention, the process of deep-frying goes back thousands of years. Even the ancient Egyptians fried with oil and fat. In addition, immersing food in animal or vegetable fats is a tradition in many cultures.

Nevertheless, deep-frying was mainly used as a quick and easy way of preparing food. Within a short time fried food is ready to eat. That is why the deep fryer is still considered the perfect helper for people who are in a hurry.

The first deep fryer known today was developed more than 200 years ago. In 1789, a Frenchman developed a process for deep-frying food. At the same time, this Frenchman also invented the preparation of a whole chicken in the deep fryer. The entire kitchen history could quickly revolutionize itself. Of course, the early models were not comparable with today’s products.

That was solely because there was no electricity yet. In this respect, the first deep fryers were heated over fire. Then the individual foods could be placed in the hot fat or oil. Many manufacturers used matching lids so that the smoke and odor development was as low as possible. For many years nothing happened to the deep fryers, until the invention of electricity.

As soon as electricity was invented and more and more people were able to use electricity, deep fryers could transform themselves again. It was no longer necessary to heat the fat over the fire. Thanks to a heating coil, the fat could easily be heated and melted with electricity. The first electric deep fryer was born. Of course, a lot has happened and new opportunities have always come onto the market. As a result, most deep fryers developed in two directions. These have either become larger, for example for the catering sector, or smaller for private users.

The mini fryers have always been very popular. They are characterized by a small volume, which is why they are perfect for single or two-person households.

Facts About The Mini Deep Fryer

We have discussed earlier, mini fryer has many uses in the kitchen. In recent years in particular, more and more products have come onto the market that are perfect for the deep frying. So all you have to do is toss these foods into the hot oil and wait.

What to cook in the mini fryer

Of course, the question now arises as to which products are most popular. Unbeaten in first place you will find the french fries. They are considered classics and can be prepared in the mini fryer in just a few minutes. The frozen potato particularly popular because they save you time and effort.

However, not only French fries are suitable for frying in the oil, vegetables, fish and meat also find their way into the mini deep fryer. So after the fries, meat comes second. Especially chicken nuggets, chicken wings or other types of meat can be prepared in a mini fryer. It looks similar with fish. In vegetable as often one comes breading used, because this keeps the vegetables crisp and protect it from too much fat.

Is frying in a mini fryer bad for health?

Unfortunately, there is a rumor about mini-fryers persist: deep-frying is unhealthy. This statement is partly true. Of course, eating fried foods every day is unhealthy. Above all, breadcrumbs soak up the fat or oil, so that they not only harm the body, but also bring a lot of calories. However, enjoying fried foods is not a problem if you have them in moderation. That means don’t deep fry every day or use alternatives.

Alternatives to mini fryer / deep fryer

Since manufacturers also wanted to put a stop to the bad reputation of the deep fryer, they invented the hot air fryer. There are only a few mini-format models, but these have the advantage that only a few drops of fat / oil are needed to make the food crispy and tasty. A hot air fryer is the perfect solution, especially for health lovers who do not want to forego the enjoyment of fried food.

It is considered healthy, quick and tasty. Unfortunately, the result is not quite as perfect as with a deep fryer.

How to use the mini fryer correctly in seven steps

Proper use of the mini fryer is very important. One reason, of course, is so that you can have tasty and crispy food. However, since many mini fryers work with oil or fat, this can be a health hazard. You can burn yourself quickly or the food will become mushy. That is why we will show you how to use your mini fryer safely and easily. You can use these tips with a large fryer as well.

Step 1

Before you start working, make sure that the mini fryer is completely in order. Take a close look at the device from a mini-fryer review and check that all parts are ready for use. If you have used the mini fryer several times, you should look at the oil. This mustn’t be too dirty. If you are unsure, take a look at the instruction manual. You will find a manual included with every good mini fryer. You can read in it how to use the mini fryer correctly.

Step 2

If you are using the mini fryer for the first time, you must first fill it with fat or oil. The instructions indicate how much fat / oil is sufficient. Do not exceed the specifications, as the oil could quickly splash uncomfortably or even overflow. In most cases, you would rather add a little less oil to the mini-fryer and deep-fry. Pour the oil into the container and then turn on the mini fryer. It reduces risks to a great extent.

Step 3

The right choice of temperature is very important. It is important to avoid temperatures that are too high. If deep-frying oil is heated above 170 degrees, harmful substances such as acrylamide or acrolein can form. These even increase the risk of cancer.

Avoid temperatures that are too high and rather fry a little longer. It is also practical if the mini fryer has a temperature sensor. This protects against overheating and keeps the risk low. During the heating process, you should close the lid. You can look inside through the viewing window. Most devices from a mini-fryer review have indicator lights. As soon as these go out or turn green, you know that you have reached the desired temperature.

Step 4

Open the lid and take out the basket. For some products from a mini fryer test, you can only use the basket. Place the food to be fried in the basket. It is important not to overfill the basket. There should be about a finger’s breadth of space between the food and the end of the frying basket.

In addition, you should not put frozen products in the mini fryer. Of course you can, but before you lower the food into the hot oil, you should definitely close the lid. Otherwise it is dangerous as oil can splash dangerously. In general, you should first hook the basket, close the lid, and then lower it down. This will prevent burns.

Step 5

The cooking time depends on what you are preparing and what consistency it had. For example, frozen French fries take much longer than products made from fresh potatoes. Most mini-fryers mention on the front or in the operating instructions how long you should cook well-known or popular food items. Of course, you can always take a look inside the device. Thanks to the window, you can immediately see how brown the food is and you can lengthen or shorten the deep-frying process as you wish.

Step 6

As soon as the food is ready, switch off the appliance. Pick up the basket but keep the lid closed. The basket should drain briefly. Meanwhile, you can have some kitchen paper or a plate ready. Now take the basket out and place it on the paper. This will prevent unsightly grease stains. Now take the fried food out of the basket with tongs, a wooden spoon or other helpers. But be careful not to touch the basket. It’s still very hot.

Step 7

Let the mini fryer cool down completely. Fat solidifies as the temperature of oil decreases. Before the fat has completely solidified, you should remove any coarse dirt with a sieve. This allows you to use the fat again. If the fat or oil is already too dirty, you have to remove it.

Wait until the fat / oil has cooled down completely. You can empty the solidified fat into a garbage bag using gloves and kitchen paper. On the other hand, you should shake oil directly into the bin with the help of a second pair of hands. Then dispose of the fat / oil in an environmentally friendly manner.

10 Tips To Maintain A Mini Fryer

A mini-fryer can’t last forever. After a few weeks or months, depending on how much the mini fryer is used, you will need to clean it. This will not only guarantee a long life for the mini fryer but also protect your health. Follow these ten tips to maintain your mini fryer:

1. You should clean the frying basket after each use. Many models offer the option of removing the handle and you can clean the frying basket in the dishwasher. It’s very convenient. Otherwise you should clean the basket with a little hot water and washing-up liquid. A sponge will help you in removing burnt-in breadcrumbs and other impurities.
2. The bottom of the mini fryer can quickly become a collecting basin for the leftover food. Pieces of breadcrumbs, small leftovers and much more land directly on the floor. One of the biggest dangers is that the leftovers burn in because the floor gets extremely hot due to the heating coil. It will be good to buy a device that has a filter or grid above the floor. This allows you to easily clean it.
3. Unfortunately, you can’t use the oil forever. You can understand from various factors when the replacement is necessary. If the oil is extremely dirty and can no longer be cleaned with a sieve, you should remove all of the oil and replace it. After all, the old leftovers could get stuck on the freshly fried food. This is not only unsavory, but also dangerous.
4. The removal of fat and oil is quite simple. You can simply pour oil into a garbage bag and dispose of it appropriately. Fat solidifies over time. Therefore, you should put on gloves and remove the solid fats with a kitchen towel. Throw these straight into a bin bag. Once all of the oil and fat have been removed, you should clean the entire mini-fryer one more time with a kitchen towel.
5. Clean your mini fryers bottom with soft cloth and hot water. It will remove all the stains and food residue.
6. Clean inner side of the mini fryer and the housing as well. The housing comes in contact with the oil used for frying. After each use, you should remove grease from the housing with warm water and a little washing-up liquid. Grease-dissolving detergents are very useful because they do not spread the grease on the housing. Especially clean the stands, because too much grease on them can affect the stability.
7. Most mini fryers work with a filter in the lid. This prevents both a large amount of smoke and unpleasant smells. Over time, however, more and more oil collects in the filter. Therefore, you must also pay sufficient attention to the filter. Of course, it is good if you made sure that the filter is replaceable when you bought it. Otherwise, the performance of the filter decreases more and more from use to use.
8. The viewing window is also very important. After all, you can watch your food being fried without opening the lid. But grease and oil may obstruct the viewing window, it will make impossible to see anything. Use water, degreasing detergent and a sponge or cloth. Use it to clean the inside of the window. Before you wipe the window dry, wipe it again with clean water. You can then dry it with a kitchen towel or paper towel.
9. Proper storage of the mini fryer is very important. Thanks to its small dimensions, you can of course leave the device in your kitchen. This is useful if you use it a lot. Otherwise, you should let the device cool down completely before storing it. You should also remove grease from the housing so that you do not leave any unsightly grease stains behind. Now you can simply put the mini fryer in a cupboard or in a storage room closing the lid.
10. Do not store the mini fryer where it comes in contact with heat. Heat does not damage the mini fryer but it will cause the oil to get warm inside the fryer. This increases the risk of germs and bacteria. You should therefore avoid storing it where the mini fryer is in direct sunlight. Do not keep the fryer near a heater.

Useful accessories for a mini fryer

Of course, there are a number of accessories that you can use with the mini fryer. Spare parts are especially important. After a few years, the mini fryer can wear out more and more and the individual parts no longer function properly. This is precisely why it is important that you check your mini-fryer every time you use it. If you notice any problem, contact the manufacturer or refer to the manual.

Here you can quickly read how you should handle it in such a case. Many manufacturers also offer you suitable spare parts or repairs. Otherwise, you need to ensure security. A fire extinguisher should not be forgotten if the mini deep fryer is used frequently.

If you leave the device to work unattended, a fire can result. With a suitable grease fire extinguisher, you can ensure that you get a fire under control quickly. Never extinguish the mini fryer with water.

You will need the right fryer fat or oil and it is very important. Fortunately, you can get many different varieties today. From the classic rapeseed or sunflower oil to animal and vegetable fats and palm oil. Everything is available. You decide for yourself which fat or oil you like.

Conveniently, many manufacturers also offer you other deep-frying baskets. For example, these are tailored to a very special type of food, such as French fries. Such baskets are often found in large fryers, but the small models are also catching on. Otherwise you will need a suitable mixing spoon. In the best case, this consists of heat-resistant metal. Make sure the heat is not conducted. A heat-resistant handle will be very helpful. Likewise, there should be a long stem so you don’t get too close to the fat.

Conclusion

Though it is not healthy to have deep fried food frequently we can surely enjoy them once in a while! In a fast paced life we need solutions that can be easier and user friendly.

A mini fryer or a large deep fryer is a must have kitchen appliance you need. I have reviewed couple of them and you can go with anyone of them that suits your requirement. Take good care of your appliances and they will serve you better. Feel free to ask me question about mini fryers in the comment section.