Presto 05466 Dual Basket Pro Fry Deep Fryer Review for Home Use

Description

Presto 05466 Stainless Steel Deep Fryer Review: My Experience with This Kitchen Workhorse

The Presto 05466 Stainless Steel Dual Basket Pro Fry Immersion Element Deep Fryer has turned my kitchen into a haven for crispy, golden delights. Let me walk you through my experience, which has been both satisfying and, at times, eye-opening. Spoiler alert: this fryer is a game-changer for anyone who loves fried goodies!

Testing the Features and Performance

The first thing I noticed about this professional-style deep fryer was its dual basket system. Frying two different types of food simultaneously? Yes, please! I tested it out with chicken wings in one basket and fries in the other. The oblong-shaped baskets were a perfect fit for larger pieces, like drumsticks, which cooked evenly without awkward adjustments. The 12-cup food capacity made frying for my family of five much easier—no more batch cooking and waiting for everyone’s meal to finish.

The 1800-watt immersion element was another standout feature. It preheated the oil quickly (though not as fast as I’d hoped) and recovered the temperature rapidly after adding cold or frozen food. This ensured that everything came out crispy instead of soggy—a huge win in my book. A signal light conveniently let me know when the oil was ready, so I didn’t need to guess or keep checking.

One surprise was the adjustable thermostat, which allowed me to switch effortlessly between temperatures for different recipes. I tried doughnuts one morning and fish filets the next, and both turned out restaurant-quality. The thermostat’s accuracy was impressive, and it made a noticeable difference.

Ease of Cleaning and Storage

After the frying party ended, cleanup was a breeze. The heating element and enameled pot are removable, making it simple to wipe down and wash. Plus, the spatter-shield cover helped reduce messy oil splashes during cooking. Storing the fryer was equally convenient since the frying baskets and heating element nest inside the pot—a small detail, but one that saves precious counter space.

A Few Gripes

Although I’m thrilled with the fryer, it’s not without a few flaws. The heating time takes longer than I’d prefer, so I learned to turn it on 15 minutes before starting meal prep. Also, the outer shell’s aluminum material feels a bit more delicate than I expected. It dents easily, so I handle it with care. Neither of these issues is a dealbreaker, but they’re worth mentioning for potential buyers.

Comparing to Competitors

When I looked at competitors like the T-fal FR8000 and Cuisinart CDF-200, the Presto 05466 stood out for its dual baskets and impressive capacity. While the T-fal offers a built-in oil filtration system, it doesn’t have the flexibility of dual baskets, which I find crucial for multitasking meals. The Cuisinart, on the other hand, heats up quicker but doesn’t match the Presto’s capacity or ease of cleaning.

Is It Worth It?

Given its features and functionality, this fryer offers excellent value for its price point. It’s a great option if you’re looking for restaurant-quality frying at home without breaking the bank. Just be prepared for a slightly longer preheat time and handle the unit gently to avoid dents.

All in all, the Presto 05466 Stainless Steel Dual Basket Pro Fry Immersion Element Deep Fryer has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen—and in my heart. If you’re on the fence, I say give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you.

Pros

• Dual Baskets for Multitasking
  Fry two different foods simultaneously without flavor mixing.

• Large 12-Cup Food Capacity
  Perfect for family-sized meals or cooking for a crowd.

• Quick Temperature Recovery
  Keeps the oil at an optimal frying temperature, even with frozen food.

• Easy-to-Clean Design
  Removable heating element and enameled pot simplify cleanup.

• Adjustable Thermostat
  Offers precise control for different recipes and cooking needs.

Cons

• Extended Heating Time
  Takes longer to preheat than some competitors, so plan ahead.

• Delicate Aluminum Exterior
  The outer shell dents easily with light pressure or handling.

• Short Power Cord
  Restricts placement options, requiring the fryer to be near an outlet.

• No Oil Filtration System
  Unlike some advanced models, it lacks a built-in mechanism for filtering oil.

• Bulky Design
  While compact storage is possible, it still takes up significant counter space during use.

What Comes with the Product

• Stainless Steel Dual Basket Pro Fry Deep Fryer (Main Unit)
• Two Oblong Frying Baskets
• Spatter-Shield Cover with Charcoal Air Filter
• Adjustable Thermostat Control Panel
• Removable Heating Element
• Enameled Pot (for Oil)
• Instruction Manual

How to Use Guide

1. Assembly: Attach the heating element to the fryer base and insert the enameled pot.
2. Add Oil: Pour oil into the fryer, ensuring it’s between the 3.5-quart minimum and 5-quart maximum levels.
3. Set Temperature: Turn the thermostat to your desired temperature. Wait for the signal light to indicate readiness.
4. Prepare Food: Load food into the oblong-shaped baskets, being careful not to overfill.
5. Start Frying: Lower the baskets into the hot oil. Use the cover with charcoal air filter to minimize spattering and odors.
6. Monitor Cooking: Check periodically and remove food when golden brown.
7. Drain and Serve: Lift the baskets, letting excess oil drip back into the pot, and serve your perfectly fried dish.

Warranty & Support Information

The Presto 05466 Stainless Steel Dual Basket Pro Fry Deep Fryer comes with a 1-year limited warranty, covering defects in materials or workmanship. For support, customers can contact National Presto Industries, Inc. via their customer service hotline or website. Always retain your original purchase receipt for warranty claims. Additionally, the instruction manual includes troubleshooting tips and maintenance advice to help you keep your fryer in top condition.

Additional information