Hamilton Beach 35034 Deep Fryer Review – Large Capacity and Versatile Features

Description

Hamilton Beach Electric Deep Fryer with Lid Review: A Home Chef’s Delight

As someone who loves whipping up crispy delights in the kitchen, the Hamilton Beach Electric Deep Fryer (Model 35034) has been a game-changer for me. With its 4.5-liter oil capacity, powerful 1800-watt heating element, and three frying baskets, this stainless steel fryer has earned its spot on my countertop. While it does have its quirks, the overall performance makes it a worthy investment for any home cook looking to up their frying game.

My First Frying Adventure: Crispy Chicken and Golden Fries

When I first unboxed this sleek Hamilton Beach fryer, I was immediately impressed by its professional-grade design. The stainless steel finish screamed durability, and the vented lid with a viewing window was a thoughtful touch. My first experiment involved making crispy fried chicken and golden French fries. The 1800-watt heating element heated the oil quickly to a perfect 375°F—the adjustable temperature control made it super easy to find the sweet spot for frying different foods.

I loved the versatility of the three baskets. The two smaller baskets allowed me to fry chicken and fries simultaneously, while the larger basket was perfect for bigger batches. The splatter-free design meant no greasy mess on my kitchen counter—a huge plus for someone who dreads cleaning up after cooking.

The Real-Life Test: Family Dinner

Cooking for a family of four can be chaotic, but this fryer made it surprisingly manageable. The 12-cup food capacity meant I could fry enough chicken wings in one go to keep everyone happy. The breakaway cord added an extra layer of safety—something I appreciated when my curious toddler wandered into the kitchen.

However, I did notice the fryer takes around 15-20 minutes to heat up fully, which felt like an eternity when my kids were hangry. Also, while the baskets are dishwasher-safe, cleaning the oil pot required a bit of elbow grease. But hey, the crispy perfection of the fried chicken made it all worthwhile!

Comparing to Competitors

Having borrowed a friend’s T-fal Deep Fryer before, I can confidently say the Hamilton Beach model holds its own. While the T-fal offers an oil filtration system, it lacks the three-basket versatility that Hamilton Beach provides. Additionally, the Cuisinart Deep Fryer is another popular alternative, but its smaller capacity and higher price point make it less appealing for larger families. The Hamilton Beach fryer strikes a sweet balance between affordability and functionality, though it does fall short in terms of oil-draining convenience.

Cost and Value for Money

The price point for this fryer is reasonable given its features. The large capacity, safety features, and ease of use make it a great bang for your buck. While it doesn’t come with the bells and whistles like automatic oil filtration, it delivers restaurant-quality frying at home without breaking the bank.

Exploring Features in Detail

One of the standout features is the viewing window, which lets you monitor the cooking process without opening the lid. The fryer also includes a ready light indicator, ensuring the oil is at the perfect temperature before you start frying. The chrome-plated baskets drain excess oil effectively, making your food less greasy. Lastly, the manual timer is a handy tool for avoiding overcooked disasters.

Despite some minor inconveniences, the Hamilton Beach Electric Deep Fryer has added a professional touch to my home cooking. Whether you’re frying up chicken wings for game night or making tempura for a dinner party, this fryer is up for the job.

Pros

• Large Oil Capacity: Holds up to 4.7 quarts (19 cups), allowing you to fry up to 12 cups of food at once. Perfect for families or parties.
• Three Frying Baskets: Includes one large basket and two smaller baskets for cooking multiple items simultaneously.
• Ease of Cleaning: The removable oil pot, lid, and baskets are dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup.
• Temperature Control: Adjustable temperature range from 265°F to 375°F with a ready light for precision frying.
• Safety Features: Equipped with a breakaway cord to prevent accidental spills and burns.

Cons

• Slow Heating Time: The fryer can take 15-20 minutes to reach the desired temperature, which may be frustrating for quick meals.
• Bulky Size: At 14.1”D x 21.4”W x 10.5”H, it takes up considerable counter space, making it less suitable for smaller kitchens.
• No Oil Drainage System: Unlike some competitors, this model lacks a built-in spout for draining used oil, making the process messy.
• Short Power Cord: The cord length limits placement options, especially in larger kitchens.
• Manual Assembly Required: The heating element must be installed correctly, which could confuse first-time users.

What Comes With the Product

• One Large Frying Basket
• Two Smaller Frying Baskets
• Removable Oil Pot
• Vented Lid with Viewing Window
• Heating Element and Control Panel
• Instruction Manual

How to Use Guide

1. Assemble the Fryer: Attach the heating element securely, ensuring it clicks into place.
2. Fill with Oil: Pour the desired type of oil (e.g., canola, peanut) into the removable pot, making sure not to exceed the maximum fill line.
3. Preheat the Oil: Set the temperature dial to the desired level (e.g., 375°F for most frying) and wait for the ready light to illuminate.
4. Prepare the Food: Pat food items dry to minimize splattering and place them in the appropriate basket(s).
5. Start Frying: Lower the basket(s) into the hot oil and close the lid. Use the viewing window to monitor progress.
6. Drain Excess Oil: Once frying is complete, hook the basket on the edge of the pot to drain oil before serving.
7. Clean Up: Allow the oil to cool completely. Detach the heating element and clean the components as needed.

Warranty & Support Information

The Hamilton Beach Electric Deep Fryer is backed by a one-year limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. For support, customers can contact Hamilton Beach via their website or customer service hotline. Replacement parts, such as baskets or lids, are also available for purchase directly from the manufacturer. Detailed troubleshooting guides and FAQs are included in the user manual for added convenience.

Hamilton Beach’s customer service has a reputation for being responsive and accommodating, offering replacement parts or repairs when necessary. Keep your receipt handy, as proof of purchase is required for warranty claims.

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