After reading the reviews here that prompted me to buy this model, I thought it was only right that I share my thoughts after purchasing this model.I've been using it about a month and am very pleased with the unit. It lets you know when the oil is at the right temperature (probably the biggest failure with deep frying... not hot enough). I didn't time it, but think it takes anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes to reach 375 degrees. Clean-up is 'relatively' easy.
'Relative' because I have come to the conclusion that "hot oil" just doesn't relate to being 'clean' or 'easy.' With this unit you will need a funnel. A plastic funnel is fine, as you shouldn't drain it while it is hot... and typically you are draining it back into a one-gallon plastic container. That's another thing. You're going to use a gallon of oil. Peanut is "suppose" to be the best, but seems to be the most expensive. I've only used peanut oil so far with this unit. Forget hard lard (Crisco) since it isn't recommended (as others have noted the heating element is in the oil, so I suspect that hard fat and the heating element would work somewhat like putting an egg in a microwave).
Also plan on buying a lot of oil. Oil breaks down due to the heat and just because you see them cooking chicken at KFC in one batch of oil all day, it doesn't work for the home unit. In other words, if they cook 15 lbs. of chicken a day per gallon of oil, you won't be able to cook 1 pound of chicken each day of the next 15 days. I think this is because you actually have the oil 'hot' for about 4 hours whether you cook just 1 pound or 15 pounds of chicken. It takes 3 hours for the oil to cool enough to pour it back into the plastic bottle. I would say that at the most, one should use the same oil 3 times... and probably 2 times is pushing it.
My previous experience was with the Presto Fry Daddy, Kid, brother, uncle, etc. I got one of those when they first came out and continued to be grease sick until about three years ago when I picked up another no-improvement Fry Daddy. It really does make a difference cooking hot enough and at the right temperature. But, recalling the complaint on one of the reviews of this unit... folks, this is cooking and you'll just have to do some experimenting. This ain't microwave where you set the time to 24 seconds and things come out perfectly. A chicken breast will take longer to cook than a chicken nugget.
I consider the 'acid' test for these fryers is using hush puppies (375 degrees) and then checking how much they retain the oil. Excellent, in my opinion.
I don't want to sound like a "generic warning label" but I do think you should have some safety concerns. It relates more to the amount of oil. We are talking about a gallon of oil that is very hot and stays hot for a long time. If you have little ones around (or a family get-together) I think this thing should stay in the cabinet. Yes, it has a unique plug that "should/might" detach if it is pulled, but accidents happen. I've worked in a burn center before and no matter what you can imagine, it IS worse. And to the patient, it is worse than what I can imagine looking and listening to them. The entire 'family' is changed forever.
Everything but 2 things can go in the dishwasher. The heating element is attached to the plastic display panel (one piece) and you'll need to hand wash the heating element (or wipe it down with a paper towel). The display will need some wiping with a cloth also since it gets some splatter. The outside wrapper (part that you see in the photos) is not recommended to be placed in the dishwasher. I sort of doubt it would cause any damage on the outside wrapper so I'll probably put it to a test someday, just like my "hand washables." Basically all the real dirty/greasy stuff goes in the dishwasher.
I would have given this product a 5 star but think a funnel or other way of easily pouring the oil back into the neck of a one-inch container should have been included with the fryer.
I bought this at Sears (higher price than Amazon) and they keep this model in stock. You might consider the GE unit that looks 'very' similar to this unit for less money. Do some research first, however. I was willing to pay the extra due to the numerous times that I got things that "looked the same" but turned out to be a different animal.
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Product Description:
EURO-PRO DEEP FRYER 5LB STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR ELECTRONIC F1066
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