Hamilton Beach 35021 Review Cool Touch Deep Fryer with Adjustable Temperature

Description

Hamilton Beach Cool Touch Electric Deep Fryer Review: A Game-Changer for Home Frying?

I recently got my hands on the Hamilton Beach Cool Touch Electric Deep Fryer 35021, and let me tell you, this was one of those purchases that made me question why I didn’t have a deep fryer in my life sooner. I’ll admit, I was nervous about adding another appliance to my already cramped kitchen, but the promise of golden, crispy perfection was too tempting. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t disappointed, but there are a few quirks you might want to know about before clicking “Add to Cart.”

My Experience: Frying Like a Pro (Almost)

The first thing I noticed was its sleek black design and surprisingly lightweight build. It fits snugly on the counter and doesn’t feel bulky, which is great because my kitchen doesn’t have the luxury of endless counter space. Setting it up was a breeze; the components—basket, lid, and oil tank—all come apart for easy assembly.

Testing it out felt like a mini science experiment. I decided to start with something simple: French fries. I poured in enough oil to hit the 2-liter capacity (which is about 8 cups) and waited for the 1500-watt heating element to do its thing. The adjustable temperature control and “ready” light made it super simple to know when it was time to fry. Within about five minutes, the oil was hot and ready to go.

The process was surprisingly clean—thanks to the special lid design for fewer splatters—and the fries came out golden-brown and crispy in no time. My kids gave me a standing ovation (okay, not really, but they were impressed).

Good, But Not Perfect

While the Cool-Touch sides are a lifesaver for clumsy folks like me, I did notice a couple of downsides. The power cord is ridiculously short, meaning you better have an outlet nearby or prepare for some kitchen acrobatics. Also, the “ready” light sometimes seemed a bit wonky. I had to double-check with a thermometer to ensure the oil was hot enough for frying.

The size of the fryer basket is another thing to note. It works great for small batches—perfect for snacks or a small family—but if you’re planning to fry for a party, you might want to consider a larger model.

Comparing Competitors

I’ve used air fryers before, and while they’re great for healthy-ish snacks, nothing can replicate the taste and texture of actual deep frying. Compared to other deep fryers like the Cuisinart CDF-200, I found the Hamilton Beach had an edge in ease of cleaning and overall design. However, the Cuisinart offers slightly more capacity and precision with its heating system. Cost-wise, the Hamilton Beach is more budget-friendly, making it a solid choice for casual fryers.

Is It Worth the Investment?

For what it offers—splatter-free frying, adjustable temperature, and dishwasher-safe parts—the Hamilton Beach 35021 provides excellent value. Sure, it’s not the cheapest fryer out there, but considering how well it performs and how easy it is to use, I think it’s worth every penny.

Features I Loved

The viewing window was another standout feature. Being able to monitor the food without lifting the lid is a small but mighty convenience. Plus, the enamel-coated oil tank makes cleanup a dream. No scrubbing required!

All in all, the Hamilton Beach Cool Touch Electric Deep Fryer has earned a spot in my kitchen. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But if you’re someone who needs to fry in bulk or wants ultra-precise temperature control, you might want to explore other options.

Pros

• Splatter-Free Frying: The special lid design minimizes mess, making cleanup much easier.
• Compact and Lightweight: Fits well even in smaller kitchens and is easy to move around.
• Quick Heat-Up: The 1500-watt heating element gets the oil ready in minutes, reducing wait time.
• User-Friendly Features: Adjustable temperature, ready light, and a viewing window make it simple to use.
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: The removable lid, basket, and oil tank make post-frying cleanup a breeze.

Cons

• Short Power Cord: The magnetic cord is only about 20 inches long, which can be limiting.
• Small Basket Capacity: Great for small batches but not ideal for larger families or parties.
• Inconsistent “Ready” Light: Some users (including me) found the temperature indicator unreliable at times.
• Bulky Design: While compact for its capacity, it’s still a bit large for very small kitchens.
• Limited Top Temperature: Some users reported difficulty reaching the advertised 375°F.

What Comes with the Product

• Fryer base with cool-touch sides
• Removable basket with handle
• Removable enamel-coated oil tank
• Lid with viewing window and filter
• Magnetic breakaway power cord

How to Use Guide

1. Assemble the Fryer: Attach the basket handle, place the oil tank in the fryer base, and secure the lid.
2. Add Oil: Pour oil into the tank, keeping it within the minimum and maximum fill lines.
3. Preheat: Plug in the fryer, set the desired temperature, and wait for the ready light to indicate the oil is hot.
4. Prepare Food: Place food in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it.
5. Lower Basket: Carefully lower the basket into the hot oil with the lid closed to prevent splatters.
6. Monitor Cooking: Use the viewing window to check on your food, and adjust time based on recipe requirements.
7. Remove Food: Lift the basket and let excess oil drain before transferring food to a plate.
8. Clean Up: Turn off and unplug the fryer, allow it to cool, and clean all removable parts.

Warranty & Support Information

The Hamilton Beach Cool Touch Electric Deep Fryer comes with a limited 1-year warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. For any issues, you can contact Hamilton Beach customer support through their website or toll-free number. Replacement parts and guidance on maintenance are also available. Always keep your proof of purchase handy when reaching out for warranty claims.

In case of troubleshooting, the manual provides detailed instructions for common issues like uneven heating or error lights. Their customer service is reportedly responsive, ensuring you won’t be left in the lurch should any problems arise.

Additional information