Too fragile, September 10, 2007

This is a good fryer - as far as it goes. It works nicely, has some good features that make it easier to clean than an old-fashioned bucket-type fryer. But it has a glaring design flaw. The heating unit attaches to the metal frame using a plastic bracket. If that bracket breaks - and, believe me it will - the unit becomes useless. That heating unit has to be securely attached to the frame in order to operate and once that bracket cracks, there is no way to operate the unit. Might as well flush $89 down the toilet. I am on my third unit and it has happened every time. I recommend avoiding this machine until DeLonghi replaces the plastic bracket with a more durable metal one. With that change, I would give this unit a clear five stars.

From the ease of use to the ease of cleanup, this is an excellent Deep Fryer. It heats up in less than 15 min and the easy oil drain is a plus. It disassembles easily and every thing but the heating element can be put in the dishwasher.

We had a major crisis in our house the other. You guessed it, the deep fryer broke. Wholly smokes has the field of deep fryers changed in the few years since I purchased one. I thought I might have to go back to college to figure out what I needed... So I took a risk and purchased the DeLonghi. Normally I do not like to buy things I can not pronounce, but hey, not having any deep fried chicken makes a man go crazy.I was disappointed on opening the box, I thought it looked too small. I was planning on sending it back, but I really needed a chicken fix, so I filled 'er up with Emge lard (no California tofu eaters in this house) dunked a chicken in the basket and I had room for fries too!Wholly smokes! This thing is awesome. Next test, hamburgers on the grill. What goes with hamburgers? you guessed it, Newcastle Ale, but fries sometimes work too. So I cut up some tators and I was able to fill a double basket full of tators!Long to short, excellent...