George Foreman GSF026B Deep Fryer with Smart Spin Technology

So, I my first fryer was the Emerilware Deep Fryer by T-Fal. I liked it. I liked it so much I bought two of them (one for my mom). Along comes the George Foreman Fryer and after taking it out of the box and getting it set up, I was prepared to give the Foreman 1 star. But it pleasantly surprised me.

1. It was HEAVY! The empty Foreman fryer possibly weighed twice as much as the empty Emerilware.

2. DESIGN: The Foreman fryer's parts were difficult to assemble and take apart. The plastic parts appeared flimsy. The door latch is only on one side and both the latch and the open button seemed to get stuck. The fry basket was difficult to get in and out of position. The oil well has to be perfectly slid into position, then snapped into place. There's a lock/unlock button to keep the well in position that also...Read more

I have various pros and cons of the George Foreman Deep Fryer with Smart Spin Technology. This review is based on making fresh french fries from 3 medium sized potatoes.

Pros:

1. It does what it says and passes the paper towel test with flying colors. Our fresh fries left very little residue on the paper towels and this was quite impressive.

2. Fried our french fries quickly.

3. Heats up quickly.

4. Modern look

5. Great and logical concept.

6. A covered deep fryer reduces the odor in the house.


Cons:

1. The unit is HUGE and the capacity for my trial was 3 medium sized potatoes. The basket is too small relative to the overall size.

2. It requires a large counter space footprint. 10"(W), 10"(H), 10" (depth).

3. The use (raising) of the basket did not work for me (there must have been a defect). It would not grab onto the...Read more

Fried foods with less fat? sounded too good to be true but my curiosity got the best of me and I tried it. WOW! I can finally TASTE the food again instead of the oil! I tried onion rings and I don't lie when I say my fingers had no oil when I was done (try this at any restaurant and you have to get up and wash your hands!). French fries were also good and crispy. I did these 2 in HIGH speed for the smart spin.

I also made empanadas and croquettes (both family favorites) but I did them in LOW spin speed. None of my foods were crushed so don't worry about that part! Even wontons made it perfect.

I thought it was easy to use - not too many controls and I got it all set in a few minutes. It heated the oil very fast (it also has a light to let you know it is ready) and it did not take long at all to be "ready" again between batches.

I put all the parts I could remove in the dishwasher -which is actually OK- and cleaned the others with a paper towel...Read more