Breville Smart Fryer - Best Overall & Most Intuitive
The Breville Smart Fryer combines sophisticated digital controls with exceptional thermal performance, delivering perfectly crisp results with minimal effort, making it the top choice for serious home cooks.
- +Intuitive digital controls with seven cooking presets and fresh/frozen selector
- +Excellent heat management with quick temperature recovery after adding food
- +Cool zone under heating element prevents food debris from burning
- -Lacks an integrated oil filtration system for easier cleanup
- -Higher price point compared to analog models
- -Cleaning requires manual handling of oil as internal parts except control panel are dishwasher-safe
The Breville Smart Fryer stands out as the premier countertop deep frying appliance, distinguished by its advanced digital interface and superior heat management. Its brushed-metal exterior houses an easy-to-read control panel featuring seven dedicated cooking presets for items like fries, wings, fish, and doughnuts, alongside a selector for fresh or frozen ingredients. This level of programmability removes guesswork and ensures consistent results. A key technical advantage is its rapid temperature recovery; when cold food is added, the temperature drop is minimal and the system quickly returns to the set point, which is critical for achieving non-greasy, crispy exteriors. The design includes a 'cool zone' beneath the heating element where food particles settle, preventing them from burning and smoking in the hot oil, which enhances oil longevity and reduces odors. The appliance heats oil to 375°F in approximately 10 minutes.
In performance tests, it produced golden-brown French fries and chicken tenders with tender interiors, and soft doughnuts with a slight crisp. The main drawback is the absence of a built-in oil drainage or filtration system, requiring users to manually pour out cooled oil. However, the removable oil pot, basket, and lid are dishwasher-safe for straightforward cleaning. With a 4-quart capacity and 1,800 watts of power, it efficiently handles family-sized batches. For those seeking the pinnacle of convenience and precision in home deep frying, the Breville Smart Fryer delivers professional-grade control.