Presto CoolDaddy Deep Fryer review for crispy, easy homemade fried food!

Description

Design and Build Quality

I’ve got to hand it to this cool-touch deep fryer, the design is both sleek and practical. The black exterior gives it a modern look that doesn’t scream “kitchen gadget,” and the compact size makes it surprisingly easy to store. At just 3.42 pounds, it’s super lightweight, but it doesn’t feel flimsy. The locking cover is a thoughtful touch, keeping oil splatters at bay, which is a blessing when you’re frying something messy like chicken wings. The extra-large viewing window is another win—it’s so satisfying to watch your food fry without having to lift the lid and risk a face full of steam. The nonstick removable pot also deserves a shout-out for making cleanup a breeze.

Performance in the Kitchen

Using this electric fryer was like stepping into the world of professional cooking in the comfort of my home. The adjustable thermostat was a standout feature; I could easily set the temperature anywhere between 250°F to 375°F. Trust me, this makes all the difference when you’re frying delicate foods like shrimp versus hearty items like fries. The indicator light is a lifesaver, telling me exactly when the oil is ready so I don’t end up with soggy, oil-soaked food. What really impressed me was how evenly it cooked everything. The food came out golden and crispy every single time—I’m talking restaurant-quality French fries and perfectly fried chicken tenders.

Key Benefits

• Cool-touch exterior ensures safety, even when the fryer is in use.
• The removable air filter minimizes lingering frying odors.
• Large food capacity can handle up to six servings, ideal for family meals or small gatherings.
• The exterior basket handle lets you lower food into the oil without lifting the lid, reducing the risk of burns.

Areas for Improvement

While this fryer has a lot going for it, there are a few things that could use some tweaking:

• The charcoal air filter does work, but it doesn’t completely eliminate odors, especially when frying pungent foods like fish.
• Its cord storage isn’t the most intuitive; I found it a bit tricky to tuck everything neatly away.
• Although the nonstick interior is easy to clean, I wish the fryer basket were dishwasher-safe for even more convenience.

Versatility in Cooking

This fryer isn’t just for the standard fries and nuggets; its versatility really surprised me. I experimented with fried zucchini, tempura, and even churros, and each came out as if a professional chef had prepared them. The adjustable temperature controls allow you to cater to a wide variety of foods, making it far more than just a one-trick pony. The locking cover also gave me peace of mind when testing oil-heavy recipes that usually splatter everywhere.

Competitive Options

While this fryer is a solid choice, I couldn’t help but compare it to similar products I’ve tried. The T-fal FR8000 Deep Fryer offers a larger capacity and a two-basket system, which is perfect for cooking multiple items at once. However, it’s much bulkier and takes up more counter space. On the other hand, the Cuisinart CDF-200P1 is another contender with a similar sleek design but lacks the cool-touch exterior that makes this fryer so user-friendly. Where this fryer really shines is its compact storage, a feature missing from its bulkier competitors.

True Value

This fryer is a prime example of affordable quality. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some high-end models, it delivers where it matters most: consistent performance and user-friendly features. For anyone who loves fried food but hates the hassle of stovetop frying, this is a worthy investment. Considering its compact design, safety features, and how well it performs, it’s hard to find a better price-to-quality ratio in this category.

Additional information