The Potential Drawbacks Of Cooking With An Electric Fryer

Determined to make the crispiest batch of french fries? The perfect fried catfish? Investing in an electric fryer might be a good idea, although temperature limitations, size and potential unforeseen expenses can present potential drawbacks. 

It doesn't take a fancy contraption to deep fry food; you can deep fry in a dutch oven, or simply use a pot on the stovetop. If you consider yourself to be a frequent fryer, however, having a designated item like an electric fryer can simplify the process.

A popular type of deep fryer, electric fryers are user-friendly and have temperature control settings. That feature of electric fryers, however, can also serve as an Achilles' heel for the appliance. While temperature control aims for the food to be cooked without getting burned, since electric fryers won't go above a certain temperature (most around 375 degrees Fahrenheit), it may circle the neighborhood of ideal oil temperatures for making fried chicken, but according to the Spruce Eats, the real temp can vary as much as 10 to 15 degrees. This can make a huge difference in the texture of your fried food.

Not only does this temperature trip-up place restrictions on what can be made in an electric fryer, but it often prolongs cooking time as well. Electric fryers are more expensive than most gas fryers, which tends to make smaller, cheaper sizes more likely to be in circulation. If cooking for only one or two people, a smaller basket size may be bearable. But waiting on batch after batch of food to finish frying up can mess up the flow of any meal. Attempting to fry larger items poses another problem, as sometimes the basket may simply be unable to accommodate the desired dish. 

Making matters worse, since electric deep fryers are not as powerful as gas deep fryers, the oil takes a significant amount of time to heat up. This leads into the consideration of electricity bills, typically more expensive than gas bills, and likely to be impacted by round after round of cooking. The bottom line? Electric fryers can be a fun way to prepare favorite foods, but make sure you understand all the pros and cons before purchasing one.