THE 8 BEST DEEP FRYER ACCESSORIES IN 2021
1. BEST SKIMMER: HIWARE 5.4-INCH STAINLESS STEEL SKIMMER
WHAT I LIKE:
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Double coil design
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Dishwasher safe
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Long, ergonomic handle
WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
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Sharp edges
To protect yourself while removing food from hot oil, get yourself a skimmer. The long 15.5-inch handle, and wide 5.4-inch round mesh spider allows enough space between your hand and fryer, while affording the most real estate to grab your fried delicacies. This Hiware model is made of food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, which is heat-resistant and durable.
The double-coil design promises a faster, larger grab of food at one time with little oil retention. The hanging hole at the end of the handle makes for easy storage, and it's dishwasher safe for convenient cleanup.
Size: 15.5 inches x 5.4 inches x 1.6 inches
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
2. BEST THERMOMETER: CDN DIGITAL DEEP FRY PROGRAMMABLE THERMOMETER
WHAT I LIKE:
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Long probe with sleeve
- Secure clip
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Pre-programmed temperature settings
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Easy-to-read display
WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
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Slight learning curve
- Condensation may affect display
Oil temperature is key when it comes to frying. Too hot and your food may cook too quickly outside, while staying raw inside. Too cold and it may absorb too much oil and become soggy. The CDN Digital has a large display that makes reading the temperature a breeze.
It has seven pre-programmed temperature settings, as well as one all-purpose setting. All you have to do is set it and wait for the alarm to let you know it's within 3 degrees of your desired temperature. It goes one step further with the dual-progress display, which tracks the set temperature as well as the current temperature. The range is generous at 40 to 450 degrees.
Beyond the functional design of the CDN Digital are the extras, like the adjustable, stainless steel clip and heat shield that protects the thermometer from hot liquids. The probe is long, has a protective sheath, and wipes clean with a damp cloth.
Display: Digital
Power: Battery-powered
Temperature Range: Up to 450 degrees
3. BEST GLOVES: HEATSISTANCE LONG SLEEVE GRILL GLOVES
WHAT I LIKE:
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Length provides maximum protection
- Stain resistant
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Heat resistant
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Easy to clean
WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
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Stiff fabric
- Loose fit
Deep frying foods without risk of splatter burns is pretty attractive, and the Heatsistance Long Sleeve Neoprene Gloves are heat resistant up to an enviable 932 degrees. With 18 inches of oil-resistant, FDA-rated, food-grade neoprene, your forearms will be amply covered. They are stain resistant, non-slip, and wash easily with soap and water.
The gloves are double-layer cotton-lined for comfort and breathability. The flexible, loose fit allows good air circulation. These gloves are a versatile accessory, as well. You can add them to your grilling arsenal as the neoprene coating is resistant to melting, allowing you to easily handle hot pots, pans, grills, and even scorching hot meats. They also are great for brewing beer. And, the textured palm makes it easy to grip and handle smaller cooking tools like basting brushes or tongs.
Material: Neoprene
Size: 18 inches
Temperature Range: Heat resistant up to 936 degrees
4. BEST BASKET: WINCO 9-INCH ROUND WIRE FRY BASKET
WHAT I LIKE:
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Versatile
- Comfortable grip
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Durable
WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
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May rust
Sometimes you need more baskets than what's included with your deep fryer, and the Winco Round Wire Fry Basket offers the versatility of use beyond the traditional fryer. You can drop it in a cast iron or Dutch oven for a convenient stovetop application. The 9-inch size is ideal for making fries, shrimp tempura or even straining pasta and is a great choice for small kitchens. where a countertop deep fryer isn't always an option.
Known for its durable, high-volume commercial kitchen products, Winco creates reliable kitchen accessories for the home cook, as well. The stainless steel, nickel-plated round fryer basket is stylish and has a loop handle for hanging storage.
Size: 9 inches
Material: Stainless steel, nickel-plated
Shape: Round
5. BEST POULTRY RACK: BAYOU CLASSIC 0835 COMPLETE POULTRY FRYING RACK
WHAT I LIKE:
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Comes with accessories
- Versatile size
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Affordable
WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
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Metal is thin
Fried Turkey has become a popular preparation for Thanksgiving celebrations as well as backyard picnics, and it's so good—crispy, crackly skin with a moist, juicy, and tender inside. The Bayou Classic Complete Poultry Frying Rack has everything you need to fry a whole 18-pound turkey or three chickens. This set fits any standard turkey fryer and includes the perforated aluminum rack, a large lift hook, a seasoning injector, a 12-inch probe thermometer, and a three-piece skewer set.
The rack is crafted from durable stainless steel and finished in aluminum that's resistant to rust, but still lightweight. The Barbour family has been crafting Bayou Classic outdoor cooking equipment for 30 years, so you know you're buying a reliable product for your next fried poultry endeavor.
Size: 9.5 x 13 inches
Material: Stainless steel, aluminum finish
Lift Hook Included: Yes
6. BEST SET: NORDIC WARE RIMMED HALF SHEET WITH NON-STICK GRID
WHAT I LIKE:
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Tight grid design
- Does not warp or bend
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Durable construction
WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
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Pricey
The secret to crispy fried chicken is not the frying—it's what you do with the chicken when it's finished. A reliable wire rack and baking sheet are the secret weapons of fried foods. The elevated wire rack allows your parsnip chips and buttermilk doughnuts the opportunity to rest, release extra grease, and get airflow to keep them from getting soggy.
The Nordic Ware Half Sheet Set is crafted from durable aluminum with a galvanized steel rim, which guarantees they will never rust or warp. The tight grid design of the rack ensures food will not slip through or continue steaming, and the air circulation halts cooking, so no mushy fritters. This set is versatile enough to use for baked goods, bacon, or even roasted veggies.
Oven Safe: Up to 400 degrees
Material: Aluminum
Dimensions: 12 x 17 inches
7. BEST TONGS: OXO 12-INCH STAINLESS STEEL LOCKING TONGS
WHAT I LIKE:
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Sturdy
- Versatile
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Affordable
- Convenient storage loop
WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
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Will scratch non-stick pans
- Locking mechanism can be tricky
A good pair of tongs can be found in kitchens everywhere from commercial to cozy homes. The Oxo Good Grips Locking Tongs are constructed from brushed stainless steel with cushioned non-slip handles and thumb rests for comfortable grip. The locking tongs with a hanging loop store easily, and the scalloped edges allow a secure grasp on a myriad of food products from whole poultry to delicate stuffed squash blossoms.
These tongs are heat-resistant up to 600 degrees, making them ideal for high-heat deep fryers, and they can serve double duty as grill accessories, too. The tongs are thick, but balanced, and have a sturdy spring, which means less pressure exerted from you. The 12-inch length keeps you protected from splatter while still offering good mobility. They're dishwasher safe.
Size: 12 inches
Material: Stainless steel, silicone
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
8. BEST GREASE STRAINER: SUMERFLOS GREASE STRAINER AND CONTAINER
WHAT I LIKE:
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Easy to clean
- Durable
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Curved spout for pouring
- Attractive
WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
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Edges around top sharp
- Bulky
Often overlooked in the deep fryer setup, a grease strainer and container are necessary for maximum filtering and reuse of oil. Constant refilling of oil can be costly (and messy), but with a strainer and container, you can easily clean oil of food debris, store, and recycle it on your next round of hand-cut fries. The Sumerflos Stainless Steel Grease Strainer and Container is made of food-grade, 18/8 stainless steel offering reliable grease filtration, as well as attractive storage. It is rust-resistant, high-heat-resistant, durable, and the ergonomic handle coupled with the curved spout makes for mess-free dispensing.
One of the best features of the Sumerflos system is the ease of cleaning. Everything is dishwasher safe, including the mesh filters. The wide, dust-proof lid keeps oil clean, and the anti-slip base prevents slippage when pouring oil into the container. The 1.3-quart capacity is the right size for most home deep fryers or even if you just have a little bacon grease left over after breakfast.
Dimensions: 6.8 x 6 x inches
Capacity: 1.2 liters
Material: Stainless steel
What to Look for in Deep Fryer Accessories
Ease of Use and Cleaning
As with any kitchen tool you purchase, ease of cleaning is a priority. A deep fryer has its own cleaning requirements, so you don’t want to load up on accessories that require intricate cleaning, too. Look for dishwasher-safe tools when you can or items that wipe clean easily with a damp cloth or some soap. Don't buy an accessory that you think seems cool, but will never use because of a complicated setup or cleaning.
Purpose
When looking at deep fryer accessories, it can be easy to start collecting more than you need. It's important to keep in mind what you're using your fryer for and what tools will facilitate preparing those items. There are some basics, like a thermometer and spider, that will make any meal easier, but you may not need a new rack/sheet pan set if you already have one for baking. Ultimately, look at what you already have and make sure you're not duplicating or buying a single-use accessory that may just clutter up your drawers.
Storage
With some items, you don’t have a choice about storage options, like the poultry fryer—the size and configuration is what it is. But, when possible, look for accessories that offer good storage options, like loops to hang, compact size, or, if all else fails, an attractive design, so it can sit on the counter. You don’t want to buy another piece that gets lost in the gadget drawer.
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