Presto 05411 GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer

I’ve owned one of these before, and I must say it’s worth coming back to. This appliance heats up remarkably quickly, making it perfect for those busy evenings. Although I don't eat meat, I appreciate its versatility; it can easily fry a variety of proteins for anyone who does. The cleanup process is incredibly straightforward, as it doesn’t retain the unpleasant greasy smell typically associated with frying foods.To use it, you simply plug it in, and it powers on effortlessly. Within moments, it's ready to cook, which is incredibly convenient. I particularly enjoy using it for making a batch of delicious French fries, as it delivers that perfect crispy texture that I crave instead of relying solely on the air fryer. Overall, it’s a fantastic kitchen tool for preparing tasty meals with minimal hassle. I almost forgot to add that it also makes stews or soups for 1-3 people and three is pushing it depending on the serving size. I used to make Gumbo and lasagna soup in mine.

I have been looking at deep fryers for a while and narrowed my choice down to this one. I am glad I did!It works exactly as it is advertised to.The measurements are 8.25 inches in diameter, and 8.25 inches from the counter to the top edge of the pot. I couldn't find anything that measured 10 inches except the strainer ladle, which has a 4x4 inch spoon. It is sturdy and not likely to bend or get soft from the heat.The outside of the pot DOES get VERY HOT! So be very careful when using it. Don't have anything plastic or otherwise non-heat resistant, including the lid, near the fryer when it is plugged in. And do NOT touch it with your bare hands/skin!Depending on the material your countertop is made with, you might consider placing the fryer on a 1/4 baking sheet to protect your countertop from heat.The plastic lid snaps on easily AFTER the oil and fryer have completely cooled, and fits well.So, I received my GranPappy yesterday. After reading through the little manual for instructions for use and cleaning, I washed it as directed, made sure it was thoroughly dry, filled it to the oil line with vegetable oil and allowed it to heat up for 15 minutes before making some French fries.Because I am an avid cook for close to 50 years, I know that oil and water do NOT mix! With that in mind, I placed my frozen fries on a paper towel and zapped them in the microwave for a minute or two until the ice crystals melted, then gave them a quick pat with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture. I didn't want hot oil splattering everywhere; especially not on me!The fries took about 12 minutes to cook to a nice golden brown. The time it takes your fries to cook might vary depending on the thickness of your fries, whether they are fresh, thawed, or frozen, and how many you put in the fryer. You don't want to over-crowd food in the fryer or it won't cook properly.Tonight, I decided to fry up some chicken!I had 4 pretty good sized thighs that I had just bought. The were raw and unfrozen. I read several comments here saying bone-in chicken wasn't completely cooked and when left in the fryer to fully cook, the chicken ended up burnt. Because of that, I am passing along another tip --I placed my chicken thighs in the microwave on DEFROST for about 10 minutes. Then I breaded them with a double coating for some extra crispy chicken, place them immediately in the fryer for 14 minutes and they came out perfectly cooked, golden brown and crispy as ever! And the crispy stayed ON the chicken. I did put all 4 thighs (1.95 pounds) in the fryer at the same time without difficulty.I am VERY pleased with my GranPappy and look forward to frying shrimp, okra, apple fritters, oysters, potato chips, donuts, and more!

After using an air fryer for a while to make french fries (um limp buggers I might say), I decided to buy the GranPappy based on price and reviews. I love the air fryer for chicken tenders, tater tots, etc. but it does not make crispy homemade fries (even though they say they do). I did not want to spend alot of money on a stainless steel fryer, which I had previously for many years until it died. (The stainless steel fryers are a PAIN to clean, they get "glumped" up from the grease that inevitably gets on the stainless steel and is nearly impossible to clean completely. That oil "residue" leaves an unpleasant odor and stickiness and many of them have so many parts to clean.) I know the Presto Fry Daddy/GranPappy has been around ALOT of years, and after reading the reviews and seeing the GranDaddy at my local WalMart, I decided to get the GranPappy as the GranDaddy is very small (frying for 1-2 people) whereas I need to fry for 4 people. I was hesitant as it does not have a temperature dial and in making homemade fries, I do the twice-fry method (1st fry at lower temp, freeze, final fry at higher temp). So far, the GranPappy has worked perfectly. My family is loving the "carnival-like" fries and I love being able to pop the lid on after it has cooled down to store with the oil (which I reuse for a few times if just used for veggies). I absolutely HATED having to drain/strain the oil from the stainless steel fryers, messy job! The GranPappy allows me to store the oil in it and I just put it in my cupboard and there is no "greasy" smell in storage like I had with the stainless steel fryers (even AFTER they were cleaned!)Since there isn't a temperature dial, in doing the "twice-fry" method, I kinda "wing it". Any fryer oil will cool down when ingredients are added, so instead of letting the GranPappy heat up for the full 15 minutes, which I believe puts the temp at 375 F, I do my 1st fry around the 10 minute mark. I've been doing homemade fries for years, so I know by looking at the fries when they are ready in the 1st fry. (they get VERY SLIGHTLY golden and a few bubbles on the exterior- also they will start to float to the top). Then I freeze them spread out on a cookie sheet lined with parchment (so they don't all clump together), package when frozen and when we want fries, I let the GranPappy heat up for the full 15 minutes, add the fries and they are done in just a couple of minutes. Servings per fry (not french fry-but "fry-ing") depends on who I'm serving, If just my husband and me, then I get about 2 servings per fry - if my sons then maybe 1 serving per fry-HAHA)- My family LOVES them though! Crispy exterior, fluffy interior. I do agree with the other reviewers that the plastic scoop that comes with the GranPappy is useless, I use a wooden-handled spider.Cleaning has been simple, dump the oil, wipe out the inside with paper towel, cover or add new oil and you're good to go! If you're tired of cleaning stainless steel fryers or just want a "no-frills fryer that works" I recommend the GranPappy. It's simple but does a great job! Sometimes simplicity is the best.

its awesome, and i love this product. it makes dinner in a snap, and the lid is really nice and tight when not in use. highly recommend