A smart, affordable way to make crispy, golden fried food at home.
If you crave restaurant-style fries, wings, or shrimp without the mess or mystery oil, the presto deep fryer family might be your answer. I’ve tested these budget-friendly workhorses in small city kitchens and busy family homes. They heat fast, keep oil at the right temp, and deliver crunch on cue. In this guide, I break down how each model fits daily life. I share pros, cons, and real ways to win at weeknight frying. You’ll see who should pick which presto deep fryer, and why.
Presto 06009 Kitchen Kettle XL (10-Quart)
The Presto 06009 Kitchen Kettle XL is a large multi-cooker that also works as a deep fryer. It gives you room to fry family-sized batches of chicken, fries, and donuts. It is also a steamer and a stock pot for soup, chili, and pasta. The control keeps your oil at a steady heat, so your food stays crisp, not greasy.
I like the 10-quart capacity for game day and holidays. You can steam a mountain of dumplings or boil corn on the cob with ease. As a presto deep fryer, it offers stable heat and quick recovery between batches. The pot cleans up fast thanks to a smooth, nonstick interior.
Pros:
- Huge 10-quart capacity for big families and parties
- Multi-cooker versatility: fry, steam, boil, and simmer
- Steady temperature control for crisp, even frying
- Nonstick pot helps food release and speeds cleanup
- Great value since it replaces several bulky pans
Cons:
- Large footprint takes space on small counters
- No built-in oil filtration system
- Single large pot, no split baskets for separate foods
My Recommendation
If you host big dinners, this is the presto deep fryer to buy. It handles a crowd and also works year-round as a soup pot and steamer. I reach for it when I want to fry wings and also toss in a batch of fries right after. The generous size keeps oil temp steady even with heavy loads.
Choose it if you need one pot that does almost everything. It costs less than many single-purpose fryers of similar capacity. Stock tends to move fast around holidays, so grab it when you see a good price.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Large families and parties | 10-quart size handles big batches without crowding food |
| One-pot versatility | Fry, steam, and boil in a single appliance |
| Consistent crisp results | Stable heat helps prevent soggy, oily food |
Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer
The FryDaddy is the classic presto deep fryer that many home cooks start with. It is tiny, simple, and fast. It uses a fixed temp that hits the sweet spot for fries, nuggets, and onion rings. No basket here; you use a scoop to lift out food with less mess.
I love it for quick snacks, small kitchens, and first apartments. Oil use is low, so it heats fast and costs less to run. Clean up is easy thanks to the nonstick interior and snap-on lid. For late-night fries or a fast fish fry for two, it is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Ultra simple: plug in and fry, no dials to set
- Low oil use keeps costs down and preheat fast
- Compact size fits tiny counters and cabinets
- Nonstick pot and storage lid streamline cleanup
- Great for snacks, sides, and small portions
Cons:
- Fixed temperature limits control for delicate foods
- No basket; scoop technique has a small learning curve
- Not ideal for large batches or whole chicken pieces
My Recommendation
Pick the FryDaddy if you want the simplest presto deep fryer at a low price. It nails staples like fries and shrimp without fuss. It is also the easiest to store, which matters if space is tight. I use it when I just want crispy sides without heating the whole kitchen.
It is best as a starter fryer or a second fryer for sides. Keep a supply of paper towels and a wire rack for draining. For the money, it is a high-joy, low-risk buy that stays in rotation.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Small kitchens and dorms | Compact body and low oil use |
| Beginner fryers | No settings to manage; consistent heat |
| Quick snacks | Fast heat-up and simple scoop system |
Presto 05466 Dual Basket Pro Fry, Stainless
If you want to fry two foods at once, this dual-basket model shines. It uses an immersion heating element that recovers heat quickly after you drop in cold food. You get adjustable temperature control to fine-tune results. The stainless body looks sharp and stands up to heavy use.
This is the presto deep fryer I choose for fish and chips nights. I cook fries in one basket and fish in the other. The oil stays hot, so both sides come out golden at the same time. The baskets hook on the rim for draining, which keeps the counter tidy.
Pros:
- Two baskets let you cook separate foods at once
- Immersion element brings fast heat-up and recovery
- Adjustable thermostat adds control for varied recipes
- Stainless steel housing is durable and easy to wipe
- Great for families and game day feasts
Cons:
- Takes more counter and storage space than compact units
- More oil needed compared to small pots like FryDaddy
- No built-in filtration; plan to strain oil manually
My Recommendation
Choose the 05466 if you want a flexible presto deep fryer for full meals. The dual baskets save time and keep flavors separate. It is ideal for cooks who like to run a tight schedule. I also like it for tempura and party platters where timing is key.
This model balances speed and control well. The stainless finish fits most kitchens and wipes down with ease. It is a strong buy for frequent fryers who value choice and capacity.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Two-course frying | Dual baskets handle sides and mains together |
| Fast, even results | Immersion heat recovers quickly after each batch |
| Recipe control | Adjustable temp suits fish, chicken, and doughs |
Presto 05461 Pro Fry, Stainless Steel
The 05461 Pro Fry is a sturdy, single-basket presto deep fryer with a roomy oil tank. It uses an immersion element for strong heat and fast recovery. The thermostat lets you dial in the right setting for wings, donuts, or fish. Its stainless shell looks clean and resists stains and smells.
I like it as a mid-size option that does not feel cramped. The single basket handles family portions without crowding. It has fewer parts to store than dual-basket units. It is a smart pick if you want power and space, but no extra bulk.
Pros:
- Strong heat from an immersion element
- Adjustable thermostat for consistent results
- Roomy basket for family-size portions
- Durable stainless housing wipes clean
- Straightforward setup and use for daily cooking
Cons:
- Larger oil volume than compact units raises cost per fill
- No split baskets; you must fry items in sequence
- Oil storage requires a separate container or filter
My Recommendation
Get the 05461 if you want a balanced presto deep fryer for weekly use. It pairs simple operation with fast, even heat. I trust it for wings, tenders, and beignets. It is perfect for families who want one fryer to do most jobs well.
It sits between tiny snack fryers and big party machines. If you cook for four to six people often, this is a sweet spot. Prices vary, but the value stays strong for how much it can do.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Family dinners | Single large basket handles full meals |
| All-around frying | Thermostat control fits many recipes |
| Easy upkeep | Stainless body cleans fast with minimal effort |
Presto 06003 Options Electric Multi-Cooker
The Presto 06003 is a smaller multi-cooker that can fry, steam, and simmer. It shines for weeknights when you want one appliance for many jobs. The control keeps heat steady for crisp frying and gentle simmering. The nonstick surface helps you clean up fast.
This is a great entry-level presto deep fryer for couples or small families. It uses less oil than large tanks, which saves money. You can steam veggies, boil noodles, then fry a topping, all in one pot. It is light, easy to store, and quick to set up.
Pros:
- Compact multi-cooker that still fries well
- Lower oil use and faster preheat
- Easy cleanup thanks to nonstick interior
- Steady heat for both frying and simmering
- Good price for a flexible, everyday cooker
Cons:
- Not ideal for large or back-to-back party batches
- Single pot means you cook foods one at a time
- Shallower depth may limit extra-large pieces
My Recommendation
Pick the 06003 if you want a small, flexible presto deep fryer that does more than fry. It works for ramen nights, quick stews, and light frying. I like it for apartment life and small kitchens. It punches above its price while keeping things simple.
It is the “daily driver” for two to three people. If you need more space later, it still serves as a handy side fryer. Stock tends to be steady, but watch for sale dips.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Small households | Compact size and lower oil needs |
| Multi-use cooking | Steams, simmers, and fries in one pot |
| Budget shoppers | Strong value with easy cleanup |
FAQs Of presto deep fryer
How much oil should I use in a presto deep fryer?
Follow the max fill line in the fryer. Leave space for bubbling when food is added. Too much oil can cause spills and soggy food.
What oil is best for the presto deep fryer?
Use oils with high smoke points like peanut, canola, or sunflower. Filter oil after each use to extend life and keep flavors clean.
How do I keep food from getting greasy?
Heat oil to the right temperature and avoid crowding. Dry food before frying and drain on a rack after. This keeps the crust crisp.
Can I reuse oil in a presto deep fryer?
Yes. Let oil cool, strain through a fine filter, and store in a sealed container. Discard when it darkens, smells off, or smokes early.
How do I clean a presto deep fryer safely?
Unplug and cool fully. Remove the control unit if it detaches. Wash the pot per manual, and wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want the most versatility, the 06009 Kitchen Kettle XL is my top presto deep fryer pick for big families. For snackers or small spaces, the FryDaddy is fast, simple, and cheap to run.
Need control and speed? Go 05466 for dual baskets or 05461 for a strong single basket. If you want a do-it-all pot for two or three, the 06003 is a smart daily driver.