8 Best Small Deep Fat Fryers of 2026

This no-nonsense electric deep fryer delivers where it counts—power, precision, and practicality. With a robust 1500W heating element, it ramps up to frying temperature in under five minutes, maintaining consistent heat even when loading a full basket of fries. The 2.0L oil capacity strikes a smart balance for small households, letting you cook up to 6 cups of golden, crispy food without constant reheating or oil top-ups. For those tired of messy stovetop splatters and guesswork, this model brings restaurant-level control right to your countertop.

In real-world testing, the adjustable thermostat proved reliable across multiple fry sessions—perfect for everything from delicate fish to dense chicken wings. The transparent viewing window lets you monitor browning without lifting the lid and losing heat, while the mesh basket with draining hooks makes lifting and shaking off excess oil effortless. However, the lack of automatic shutoff or oil filtration means you’ll need to stay attentive during use, especially with sticky batters that can cloud the oil quickly.

Compared to more premium models like the T-fal EZ Clean, this Amazon Basics unit skips the bells and whistles but delivers core frying performance at a fraction of the cost. It’s ideal for users who want fast, consistent results without overcomplicating the process. While it doesn’t offer oil storage or odor filtering, its straightforward design and high wattage outshine many budget rivals—making it a strong pick for those prioritizing performance over automation.

Meet the compact powerhouse that punches above its weight—this OVENTE 1.5L fryer is a game-changer for singles and couples craving crispy snacks without the bulk. Its 800W concealed heating element heats oil swiftly, hitting ideal frying temps in under six minutes, and the 6-cup capacity handles two-serving meals with ease. What truly sets it apart is the locking lid with viewing window, which keeps splatters contained while letting you peek in—no more messy lid lifts or greasy countertops.

During testing, the adjustable thermostat (225°F–375°F) delivered precise control, allowing us to gently fry delicate items like mini donuts and then crank up for extra-crispy wings. The non-stick interior and removable basket made cleanup a wipe-and-go affair, and the cool-touch handles ensured safe handling even after back-to-back batches. That said, the lower wattage means it struggles slightly when refrying large loads, with noticeable temperature drop and slower recovery compared to higher-powered models.

Priced aggressively, this OVENTE model undercuts nearly every other electric fryer while offering solid safety features and a sleek stainless finish. It’s a clear step up from the ultra-mini OVENTE FDM1091BR but doesn’t match the capacity or power of the Amazon Basics or Elite Gourmet units. For those tight on space and budget, this personal-sized fryer offers an unbeatable blend of convenience, safety, and ease of use—especially when quick snacks are the goal.

This engineered-for-ease fryer redefines what home deep frying should feel like—clean, safe, and surprisingly smart. The patented automatic oil filtration system is its crown jewel: after frying, simply press a button to drain and store used oil into a sealed container, reducing waste and kitchen odors. With a 1.8L capacity and 1200W power, it handles meals for four with confidence, crisping fries and chicken evenly thanks to precise 300°F–375°F temperature control.

In daily use, the large viewing window and locking lid made monitoring food effortless, while the cool-touch handles and auto shut-off provided real peace of mind—especially with kids nearby. The non-stick bowl and dishwasher-safe components cleaned up in minutes, and the included oil storage box kept everything organized. However, the filtration process requires careful alignment, and first-time users may need a few tries to master it smoothly.

When stacked against the Amazon Basics and Chefman models, the T-fal stands out as the most thoughtful all-in-one system—perfect for families or frequent fryers who hate the mess. It doesn’t have the raw power of 1500W units, but its smart oil management and safety suite justify the premium. If you fry weekly and want effortless cleanup and odor control, this is the best overall investment—outperforming rivals in long-term convenience and kitchen harmony.

Sleek, compact, and designed for countertop minimalism, the Chefman Fry Guy is the ultimate space-saver for snack lovers. Its 1000W heater and 1.5L capacity strike a sweet spot between speed and size, frying a generous batch of fries or wings in under eight minutes. The restaurant-style basket and viewing window give it a pro feel, while the bright power indicator ensures you never miss the preheat signal.

Real-world use revealed quick oil heating and solid temperature stability, though back-to-back frying caused slight lag in recovery—common at this power level. The stainless steel body wipes clean easily, and the magnetic safety cord adds a thoughtful touch for homes with kids or pets. Best of all, dishwasher-safe parts mean cleanup is stress-free. However, the lid doesn’t lock, which can lead to minor splatter if bumped during lifting.

Compared to the OVENTE FDM1501BR, it offers better heat output and a more premium basket, though it lacks a locking lid. Against the Amazon Basics, it’s smaller but more stylish and portable. This fryer shines for apartment dwellers, dorm rooms, or secondary kitchens where space is at a premium. With max power in a mini body and easy storage, it’s the top pick for countertop convenience—offering pro-style frying without the footprint.

Ultra-compact and perfect for solo snacking, this OVENTE 0.9L fryer is the smallest serious contender in electric deep frying. Its 840W concealed element heats oil efficiently, reaching 375°F in about six minutes, and the 3.8-cup capacity is ideal for frying two servings—say, a batch of fries and a few wings. The locking lid with viewing window is a standout, minimizing splatter while letting you track progress without breaking the seal.

In testing, it handled quick snacks with confidence, though larger items like whole chicken pieces didn’t fit well. The adjustable thermostat (175°F–375°F) is surprisingly versatile, allowing gentle reheating of fried foods or light frying of delicate veggies. Cool-touch handles and LED indicator added safety, and the non-stick basket cleaned up easily. But the low oil volume demands careful monitoring—overfilling or overcrowding leads to inconsistent results.

Compared to the larger OVENTE 1.5L model, this one sacrifices capacity for maximum portability and storage ease. It’s not meant for families or big batches, but for dorms, RVs, or tiny kitchens, it’s unmatched. If your goal is minimalist frying with zero clutter, this is the best compact design—delivering reliable performance in a footprint smaller than most blenders.

This compact legend has been a kitchen staple for decades, and for good reason—it’s fast, simple, and built to last. With a ceramic nonstick, PFAS-free interior and automatic temperature control, it maintains the ideal fry zone (around 375°F) without user input, making it perfect for impromptu snacks. The 4-cup oil capacity handles four servings of fries, and the swing-up handle and snap-on lid make storage and transport effortless.

In real use, the fast preheat and excellent temperature recovery stood out—ideal for frying multiple small batches without long waits. The included fry scoop doubles as a lifter and drainer, simplifying serving. Made from heavy cast aluminum, it feels durable and stays cool on the sides. However, the lack of a viewing window means you must lift the lid to check progress, risking heat loss and splatter.

Versus modern digital fryers, the FryDaddy wins on simplicity and ruggedness. It doesn’t offer adjustable temps or filters, but for quick, no-fuss frying, it’s hard to beat. Compared to the Chefman or OVENTE models, it’s less flashy but more dependable for daily use. If you want a no-brainer fryer for fast snacks, this time-tested workhorse delivers consistent results with zero learning curve—a true classic.

When raw frying power is your priority, the Elite Gourmet EDF2100 steps up with 1500W of rapid, stable heat—tying the Amazon Basics for the highest output in this group. Its 2-quart (2L) capacity handles up to 5.75 lbs of food, making it one of the most capable small fryers available. The adjustable thermostat and viewing window with odor filter keep cooking clean and controlled, while power and ready indicator lights eliminate guesswork.

In testing, it heated oil fastest of all models, hitting 375°F in under four minutes and maintaining temperature impressively—even with cold, frozen fries. The removable basket and cool-touch handles made operation safe, and the slip-resistant feet kept it stable during vigorous shaking. However, the lack of oil filtration or storage means you’ll need to manually strain and store oil, which can be messy over time.

Against the T-fal EZ Clean, it trades smart oil management for pure performance and lower cost. It’s louder and less refined, but for users who fry often and want maximum heat and capacity, it’s a performance-first choice. If you value speed and power over automation, this high-wattage champion delivers crispier results, faster—outpacing most rivals when it matters most.

For those who prefer stovetop control and versatility, the Saltlas 2L stainless steel fryer pot is a kitchen multitasker done right. Crafted from premium 304 stainless steel, it withstands high heat, resists warping, and cleans effortlessly—ideal for deep frying, boiling noodles, or straining tempura batter. The included oil strainer and lid make reusing oil simple and safe, reducing waste and cost over time.

In real use, it performed flawlessly on both gas and induction stoves, with even heat distribution and no hot spots. The 2L capacity (with 1.2L max oil fill) is perfect for small to medium batches, and the wide handles provide a secure grip, even with oven mitts. However, it requires manual temperature monitoring—no built-in thermostat means you’ll need a separate thermometer to avoid under- or over-heating.

Unlike electric models, this pot offers maximum flexibility and durability—great for outdoor frying, camping, or kitchens where counter space is precious. Compared to the Presto FryDaddy, it’s more versatile but less convenient for quick snacks. For users who cook across heat sources and want a long-lasting, multi-use pot, this stovetop specialist is the best overall non-electric choice—delivering pro-level utility in a simple, elegant design.