My grandmother is Italian to the bone, 100% and she is an excellent cook as you might imagine, but what is my favorite thing that she cooks? Anything fried! As a fried food addict who calls her every other day to fry me something, my grandmother decided to buy me the Presto Fry Baby when I moved into my new house.

The fryer is actually quite small, but perfect for just my boyfriend and I. It is round and made of a non-stick surface. While the older fryers had baskets, this model came with a scoop like spatula that is stainless steel.

When I was younger and lived at home my mother had an older version of the Fry Baby. My sister and I would slice potatoes nearly every day for lunch. We also used it for zucchini and mushrooms. I was very much a “fried food” child.

Now that I am older I have to stray from so much fried food because I just can’t seem to hide it as well. I love to make French fries though and with the Presto Fry Baby, it is so easy and takes only 10-15 minutes.

When I got my fryer I took it out of the box, the power cord is separate and plugs into the back of the fryer itself. There is a plastic lid for storing the oil directly in the fryer itself, I choose to store it this way only because I use it frequently and it isn’t quite as messy for me. You could also choose to empty the oil into an old coffee can or throw it away after each use.

One thing I didn’t like is there is no fill line inside of the fryer. I had to guess how far up to add oil. This isn’t a major issue, but if you put too much in it you can’t add as much and if you put to little in you risk the chance of burning your food much easier. I filled mine just a little over half way. I personally use Canola Oil, it is a personal preference you can use any oil you choose, and I recommend liquid for the simplicity.

Once the oil is added you can plug in your fryer. Always be sure that the plastic lid is off the fryer or it will melt and could cause a fire. It is a good idea to leave the fryer on a solid surface not to close to the edge and away from anything flammable. I set mine on my stove since it is smaller.

It generally takes about 5 minutes for the oil to heat up to the right temperature. An easy way to make sure it is hot enough is to wet your fingers and just drop a few drops of water on the oil if it sizzles your ready. You can add your food, but be careful not to throw pieces in cause the oil is hot and if it splashes it does burn (I know from experience).

French fries take about 10-15 minutes depending on how thick they are cut and how many are placed in pan. I made chicken wings the other day that took about 20 minutes to be cooked all the way through and crispy. That is all I have made in my fryer so far. Other have made fried chicken, breaded mushrooms, fried dough, zucchini…basically anything that can be fried!

I love this fryer for its size simplicity and design. It works well for me and fits into my cupboard easily after use. Always be sure the oil is completely cooled before placing the lid on the fryer and store somewhere that it won’t be spilt. Changing the oil is simple also, make sure you don’t poor down your drain though or you may clog those nasty pipes. Just simply dump the old oil in an empty coffee can, wipe the inside of your fryer with a damp cloth and fill with fresh oil!




Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): gift