Deep Fryers

1. "Joy!" we all say, when invited to be a dinner guest at the house of a cook who knows how to handle a deep fryer. The possibilities are endless and are not limited to those classic decadent items such as doughnuts, French fries, battered chicken and the like.

2. We know fried food probably isn't something you should get into doing every day, but there's no reason a health conscious person should dismiss it entirely. Using quality oils, like peanut oil, allows you to enjoy - in moderation, of course - fried foods without worrying about consuming too much fat.

3. A quality deep fryer isn't going to set you back all that far, but replenishing it with quality oil is not cheap. You can get small ones for as little as 20 dollars, but the best will cost over 100 dollars. If you want to cook for more than two people very often, you'll want to opt for something bigger than the cheapest deep fryers.

4. Keeping your oil clean and fresh is the easiest way to get your money's worth out of your fryer and oil. Learn how to safely and quickly filter your oil and clean the bottom of your fryer. Or better yet, get a fryer with a filtration and cleaning system.

5. If you've never handled a deep fryer, you'll realize quickly that it can be a dangerous item in the kitchen. Read all the instructions carefully, mind the temperature, and keep your oil clean. Perhaps most importantly, know the water content of whatever you're frying because that is the most common cause of boil overs.

6. Little known fact about deep frying: it is known as a "dry heat" method in the culinary world, more akin to roasting than anything else. Many wouldn't guess that but it's pretty obvious once you think about it.

7. If you're looking for a fryer that is inexpensive and small, there are definitely lots of options out there. However, we will advise to spend a little more to get one with a cool-touch exterior. Burns at those temperatures are not fun to deal with.

8. When hastily preparing dinner for a group, you may get caught up in the moment and forget to turn off your fryer. We also recommend choosing one with an automatic timer for safety's sake.