Top-Rated Deep Fryers for Making Donuts -- An Actionable Guide

Making donuts at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience, from crafting the dough to frying the perfect ring of crispy sweetness. However, to get that perfectly golden and crispy donut, the choice of deep fryer is crucial. A good deep fryer ensures even cooking, temperature consistency, and safety, all while helping you achieve those ideal donut textures---crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.

If you're serious about making donuts at home, it's important to choose the right fryer that will give you the best results. In this guide, we'll explore the top-rated deep fryers for making donuts. Whether you're a seasoned donut maker or just starting out, this actionable guide will help you select the best fryer for your needs.

Why a Dedicated Deep Fryer for Donuts?

While you can technically fry donuts in any type of deep fryer, certain models are more suited to the job. Here's why a specialized or high-quality deep fryer makes all the difference for donut-making:

1. Precise Temperature Control

Donuts require an optimal frying temperature to achieve that perfect balance of crispiness and fluffiness. A good deep fryer allows you to control the temperature accurately, ensuring your donuts aren't undercooked or overly greasy.

2. Consistent Heat Distribution

In a deep fryer, the oil should remain at a consistent temperature throughout the frying process. A fryer with efficient heat distribution ensures that your donuts cook evenly, preventing uneven frying or burning on one side.

3. Safety Features

Deep frying can be dangerous if the fryer doesn't have safety features like a lid, heat-resistant handles, or automatic shut-off mechanisms. These features are especially important when frying dough that can cause oil splattering or overheating.

4. Ease of Use and Clean-Up

Frying donuts can be messy, but a high-quality fryer with a non-stick coating, removable parts, or a drain valve can make cleaning up much easier. Additionally, a fryer with a large capacity can handle multiple batches, reducing the time you spend frying.

Top-Rated Deep Fryers for Making Donuts

1. Breville BDF500XL Smart Fryer

• Key Features:

  • Oil Capacity: 4 liters (1 gallon)
  • Temperature Control: Adjustable thermostat with a wide range of settings (up to 375°F)
  • Basket System : Includes a cool-zone feature to keep oil clean.
  • Build: High-quality stainless steel construction for durability.
  • Cleaning : Removable parts for easy cleaning and a dishwasher-safe basket.
  • Price: ~$200--$250

• Why It's Great for Donuts : The Breville BDF500XL offers precise temperature control, which is crucial for perfect donuts. Its large oil capacity of 4 liters allows you to fry larger batches, making it perfect for donut enthusiasts or small businesses. The cool-zone technology helps maintain the oil's freshness, preventing the buildup of burnt dough particles. With removable parts that are dishwasher-safe, this fryer is convenient and easy to clean. Additionally, its sleek stainless steel exterior makes it a durable and attractive addition to any kitchen.

2. Cuisinart CDF-200P1 Deep Fryer

• Key Features:

  • Oil Capacity: 4 liters
  • Temperature Control: Adjustable thermostat with a wide range up to 375°F.
  • Basket: Dual baskets for frying multiple batches at once.
  • Cleaning : Removable parts and a built-in oil filtration system.
  • Safety: Cool-touch handle and an automatic shut-off feature.
  • Price: ~$100--$150

• Why It's Great for Donuts : The Cuisinart CDF-200P1 is an excellent choice for home donut makers due to its efficient oil filtration system that extends the life of your oil. With dual baskets , you can fry two batches of donuts at the same time, making it a great option for those who want to fry in larger quantities. The fryer also has an adjustable thermostat, allowing you to easily control the heat for frying donuts at the ideal temperature. Safety features like cool-touch handles and auto shut-off offer peace of mind while cooking.

3. T-Fal FR8000 Oil Filtration Deep Fryer

• Key Features:

  • Oil Capacity: 3.5 liters
  • Temperature Control: Adjustable thermostat up to 375°F.
  • Oil Filtration: Built-in filtration system that automatically drains and filters oil.
  • Capacity: 2.65-pound food capacity, ideal for making donuts in batches.
  • Cleaning: Removable, dishwasher-safe parts.
  • Price: ~$130--$180

• Why It's Great for Donuts : If you're looking for a fryer that keeps oil clean and fresh for longer, the T-Fal FR8000 is a solid choice. Its automatic oil filtration system ensures that the oil is always free from impurities, which is particularly important when frying donuts. This fryer has a moderate oil capacity of 3.5 liters, perfect for making small to medium batches of donuts. The removable parts make it easy to clean, and the adjustable temperature allows you to maintain the perfect heat for frying donuts without any guesswork.

4. Hamilton Beach 35021 Deep Fryer

• Key Features:

  • Oil Capacity: 3 liters
  • Temperature Control: Adjustable thermostat with a range up to 375°F.
  • Basket: Single basket for frying up to 6 cups of food.
  • Cleaning: Non-stick coating and removable parts for easy cleaning.
  • Price: ~$40--$60

• Why It's Great for Donuts : The Hamilton Beach 35021 is a great budget-friendly option for those who want to make donuts without breaking the bank. Despite its affordable price, this fryer offers great temperature control, so you can fry donuts at a consistent heat for perfect results. The 3-liter oil capacity is perfect for smaller batches, and the fryer's non-stick coating makes it easy to clean. If you're just getting started with donut-making, this fryer offers great value for money.

5. DeLonghi D677UX Deep Fryer

• Key Features:

  • Oil Capacity: 1.25 liters
  • Temperature Control: Adjustable thermostat with a range up to 370°F.
  • Basket: Non-stick frying basket with a cool-touch handle.
  • Cleaning : Removable parts and oil draining system for easy disposal.
  • Price: ~$90--$120

• Why It's Great for Donuts : The DeLonghi D677UX offers a compact design with a 1.25-liter oil capacity , making it a great option for small batches or casual donut frying. It's ideal if you're only making donuts occasionally or for one or two people. The fryer's oil draining system allows you to dispose of the oil easily, and the cool-touch handle ensures safe handling while frying. The adjustable thermostat is also perfect for getting that crispy, golden donut texture without overcooking the dough.

Key Features to Look for in a Deep Fryer for Donuts

When selecting a deep fryer for making donuts, here are some important features to consider:

1. Temperature Control

Donuts need to be fried at the right temperature, usually around 350°F to 375°F, to achieve that perfect texture. Look for a fryer with precise temperature control and an adjustable thermostat to ensure you can hit the right heat for your donuts every time.

2. Oil Capacity

The oil capacity of your fryer determines how many donuts you can make in one batch. A larger capacity allows for frying more donuts at once, reducing the overall cooking time. However, if you're only making donuts occasionally, a smaller fryer may be sufficient.

3. Basket System

Having a basket with your fryer makes it easier to lower and lift the donuts from the hot oil. Some fryers come with dual baskets for frying two batches simultaneously, which is useful if you're making donuts for a crowd.

4. Oil Filtration System

A built-in oil filtration system is ideal for maintaining oil quality, especially when frying sugary items like donuts. This system will help remove food particles from the oil and extend the life of your frying oil, ensuring better-tasting donuts and less frequent oil changes.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

Look for fryers with removable parts that are dishwasher safe. A fryer with a non-stick coating or oil-draining system will make clean-up easier and faster, so you can spend more time enjoying your donuts.

6. Safety Features

Frying can be hazardous, so always prioritize safety. Look for fryers with features such as cool-touch handles , automatic shut-off , and non-slip feet to prevent accidents during use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right deep fryer is crucial for making donuts that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Whether you're frying small batches for yourself or large quantities for a party, the right fryer will give you control over temperature and oil quality. Models like the Breville BDF500XL and T-Fal FR8000 are perfect for those who need consistent results and easy clean-up, while more budget-friendly options like the Hamilton Beach 35021 are great for beginners. No matter your preference or budget, there's a fryer out there that can help you achieve the perfect donut every time.