Most cooks have improvised a deep fryer from a deep sauce pan and a generous supply of cooking oil, but the results are notoriously variable. The oil temperature in a homemade deep fryer is difficult to control, the food items may not fit properly and all of that used oil must go somewhere else for storage. The solution may be a commercial deep fryer designed for home use, but how does one choose the right model for the job?

One important element in a professional deep fryer is portability and storage. A deep fryer is similar to a toaster oven or a microwave oven in this regard -- they all must have enough counter space and clearance to work properly. When selecting a deep fryer at the store, consider the amount of clear kitchen space you have available near an electrical outlet. You don't want to use extension cords with a deep fryer and you don't want to place it too close to an open flame or swinging door. If the deep fryer is to be stored out of sight between uses, look for a means to cover the oil or at least to protect the unit itself.

Another feature to consider is temperature control. Placing a frozen food item into a 350 degree deep fryer is going to reduce the cooking temperature until the heating elements reactivate. Avoid deep fryer models with overly simplistic temperature settings such as 'low, medium and high' or even just an on/off switch. You'll need to know when a deep fryer has reached the proper temperature for the specific food item you are preparing. A good deep fryer may have two separate compartments with two separate temperature gauges.

Capacity is another important feature to consider in a deep fryer. Some cooks may only want to prepare a few snack items or single servings, but others may want to cook entire chickens or a family-sized portion of french fries. Deep fryer manufacturers often market different sizes to suit individual needs. A poor choice of deep fryer would have such a low capacity that food would not be cooked thoroughly. While in the store, make note of the quality and size of the fryer baskets and wells. A good deep fryer should have sturdy baskets and deep oil wells for bulk cooking.

One new innovation in deep fryer technology is the rotating fry basket. Instead of lowering the food into a vat of oil, some modern deep fryer models feature a vertically-mounted basket turned by an electric motor. The food does not remain in the hot oil constantly, but is periodically pulled out as the basket rotates through the vat. The result is a crispy product with much less residual oil. This form of deep fat fryer is not suitable for every dish, but the results are often better than traditional deep frying methods.