T-Fal FR7008002 Ultimate EZ Clean Pro-Fryer Stainless-Steel 2-2/3-Pound Deep Fryer

Comment: I purchased this unit and the electrical unit failed. I tried the reset button and it did nothing. I had to mail it back and they did send me a new unit in two weeks. Well I've used the new unit about 15 times over the course of the last year and the electrical unit has failed again. I have tried the reset button again--not sure what it is good for because it never reset anything. I feel this could definitely be a manufacturing defect.

Comment: This fryer works great, heats up quickly maintains constant cooking temperature. Large capacity and surface makes it a good fryer for making donuts in addition to other fried foods.
The one thing that the manual does not tell you and is key to making it a convenient appliance rather than an absoulute nightmare is you need to leave the oil tray plug off for drainage. The first three times I used it oil overflows as it drained. In three uses I had to clean over 2 cups of oil off the counter and was totally frustrated. After the fryer sat around unused for three months I thought the idea came to mind and thought I'd give it one more try. Poured the oil in the fryer and placed the plug on the counter, it worked as advertised, drained and filtered. I now used it about every other week and have not had an overflow.

Comment: I have mixed feelings about this fryer. On the one hand, I love the way the oil drains into its own container. It's filtered and ready to go the next time. Clean-up is relatively easy. So what's the issue? The fry basket is actually pretty small. the issue is the depth, it's only 4 inches at best. That means lots of small batches (which is better for maintaining oil temperature, so it is a tradeoff.) I selected this primarily for clean-up, and in that area I would rate it 5 stars. Just depends on what you plan to cook.

Comment: I've been making fried chicken, french fries etc in a cast-iron skillet forever and I wondered why it is that I threaten to burn down the house every time I do that. I've had more than a few spillovers where I've been anxiously grabbing for the fire extinguisher. Nuts to that.

I've had this fryer for a few weeks, used it six times, and I love it. The temperature gage is accurate enough, the drain/drawer thing is completely awesome and it seems to be solid in construction.

Addressing some things others have mildly complained about:

1. Oil drainage. I went for broke and just put this thing on the counter and let it drain. It hasn't spilled a drop. If you have drainage problems it's likely you're filled over the fill line, or (egads) you re-filled the fryer while the drawer was full. Or perhaps the valve is defective. The lever for drainage locks and should be foolproof. :)

2. Heating indicator light. I'm 6'2" and I can see the thing fine. :) If I were any shorter, though, yeah, bad positioning since to see it you'd have to lean over a hot device, or look at it from the side.

3. The fact that the light turns OFF when heating is complete. This is standard operating procedure for any device that heats up. The reason things work like this is so you know they are working. If it was the opposite way and, say, you forgot to plug the device in you might be sitting there forever waiting for it to heat up and thinking it's broken. The light coming on immediately when flipping the switch on indicates 'all systems go'. Plus, the amount of time to preheat vs the amount of time you will likely be cooking is a lot less. This will help the little bulb last longer as it will not be in use as often.

Anyway, big thumbs up for this device. The lack of timer does not bother me. My regular oven/stove has a timer (as does everyone's) but nobody uses them. I wouldn't likely use one on a deep fryer, either, just one more thing to have to reach over a hot device to use/touch.

If I had to nit-pick one tiny thing it's that the basket/fryer isn't quite deep enough to fry whole chicken pieces in one shot. You'll find yourself flipping breasts and thighs. Not a huge deal but just another half inch of depth would be perfect.

Comment: Works just as advertised. Simple to filter oil and store for next use. Cleans up easily. Set it up under a stove hood and leave the hood fan running while oil cools and you won't get any smells in the house. I have to agree with other reviewers that the temperature sensor light could be in a better location. Perfect for small batches. Don't waste extra money on Emeril branded product. Everyone has their own kitchen timers!