presto 05420 frydaddy electric deep fryer review

I’ve tried many kitchen gadgets over the years, but few have surprised me like this little deep fryer. In this Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer review, I’ll share how it fits into real everyday cooking. From quick fries for the kids to crispy chicken on a weekend, it’s been part of my kitchen for years. I’ll walk you through what I love, what could be better, and why this fryer has earned a spot on my counter.

Is Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer Good?

When I first tried the Presto 05420 FryDaddy, I wasn’t sure if such a small fryer could keep up with my cooking needs. To my surprise, it handled French fries, chicken wings, and even onion rings with ease. It heats up fast, holds steady heat, and keeps the oil at the right temperature thanks to automatic temperature control.

The fryer only needs about 1 liter of oil to do its job, which makes it budget-friendly and less messy compared to larger fryers. For anyone looking for a compact kitchen deep fryer that is simple, reliable, and affordable, this one definitely deserves attention.

What I Like

Here are the things that stood out the most for me:

• Compact size – Fits neatly on the counter and is perfect for small kitchens.
  
• Even cooking – Fries chicken and shrimp evenly without overcooking.
  
• Oil efficiency – Uses less oil, which saves money and makes cleanup easier.
  
• Handy scoop – Simple but effective tool for lifting out fries or onion rings.
  
• Snap-on lid – Lets me store oil inside without making a mess.
  
• Durable build – The cast aluminum construction feels solid and long-lasting.
  

What Could Be Better

Nothing is perfect, and while I enjoy using it, here are a few things that could improve:

• No basket included – Scooping works fine, but a basket would make it easier.
  
• Exterior gets hot – You have to be careful when touching the sides.
  
• Fixed temperature – The automatic temperature control is reliable, but some people may want adjustable heat.
  

These points don’t take away from how useful this fryer is. They’re just things to know before buying.

My Personal Experience

I’ve been using the Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer for over two years now, and it has never let me down. From quick snacks to weekend treats, it has become a go-to appliance in my kitchen.

Cooking Capacity

It holds up to 4 cups of food, which is enough for a small family or a quick meal for two. I often fry a batch of fries for my kids and still have room for a few chicken tenders.

Temperature Control

The built-in automatic temperature control is one of my favorite features. It keeps the oil at the right heat, so I don’t need a thermometer or constant checking. Food comes out crispy without burning.

Basket Material

Instead of a traditional basket, it comes with a handy scoop. At first, I thought I’d miss the basket, but the scoop works better than expected and is easier to clean.

Preheating Time

The 1200-watt heating element brings the oil up to temperature quickly. By the time I’ve prepared the food, the fryer is usually ready.

Cooking Consistency

Whether it’s frozen fries or homemade onion rings, the FryDaddy cooks evenly. I’ve noticed that food doesn’t absorb as much oil compared to stovetop frying.

Performance

For a small fryer, the performance is solid. Chicken gets golden, shrimp stay tender, and fries turn out crispy every time.

Ease of Use

There are no buttons or timers—just plug it in, and it starts heating. It’s as simple as it gets. The ceramic nonstick surface also makes cleaning much easier.

Value for Money

For the price, this fryer is a winner. It does its job well, lasts long, and doesn’t require buying gallons of oil. It’s one of those appliances that quickly pays for itself.

Overall

The Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer is a simple, dependable, and affordable option for anyone who wants fried food without the hassle of a big fryer. It’s not fancy, but it does exactly what it promises—and that’s what I value most.

Alternative Option: Presto GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer

I have used many fryers over the past 22 years. Size and oil capacity matter a lot when it comes to results. The Presto 05420 FryDaddy has been my first choice for quick snacks. But when I wanted more space, I moved to the Presto GranPappy. Both are simple, but they serve different needs.

Presto 05420 FryDaddy vs. Presto GranPappy

The GranPappy reminded me of the FryDaddy, just a bit bigger. The design is still basic, with no dials or buttons. Both fryers heat food well, but the GranPappy can hold more in one batch. That makes it easier for larger meals.

Summary: The FryDaddy works best if you want small, quick, and low-cost frying. The GranPappy is better if you need larger batches and more oil.

Alternative Option: T-fal Deep Fryer with Basket

I like to test many brands to see how they compare. After years of using scoop-style fryers, I tried a T-fal deep fryer with a basket. It gave me more control, and it felt closer to a pro setup. Compared to the Presto 05420 FryDaddy, it has more features, but also takes more space.

Presto 05420 FryDaddy vs. T-fal Deep Fryer

The T-fal gives you a basket and a dial to set the heat. I found that helpful for foods that need care, like fish. The FryDaddy is much simpler. I often use it when I want quick fries or onion rings. For family meals, I switch to the T-fal.

Summary: The FryDaddy is great for simple meals and light use. The T-fal fryer works better for big meals and when you want to pick the heat.

My Bittersweet Experience: Presto 05420 Problems and Solutions

I’ve used the Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer for a long time. It’s handy for quick snacks, but along the way, I ran into a few issues. Here’s my real experience with the problems I faced and the solutions that worked for me.

No On/Off Switch

When I first used the FryDaddy, I looked everywhere for a power button—but there wasn’t one.

Problem: The fryer only works when plugged in, and the only way to turn it off is by unplugging it. This felt unsafe at times.

Solution: I started using it with a switch-enabled extension cord. That way, I can power it on or off easily without pulling the plug every time.

Small Cooking Capacity

At first, the size seemed fine. But when I wanted to fry food for more than two people, it became a challenge.

Problem: The fryer can only handle about 4 cups of food at once. Cooking for a family took multiple rounds, which was time-consuming.

Solution: I kept the FryDaddy for snacks and bought a bigger fryer (like the Presto GranPappy) for large meals. Using both based on need solved the issue.

Hard to Clean After Use

I love crispy fries, but cleaning up was a headache.

Problem: The fryer doesn’t have a removable basket. Draining the oil and cleaning the inside was messy and time-consuming.

Solution: I now use paper filters to strain oil after each use. I also wipe it with a damp cloth while it’s still slightly warm (but not hot) to avoid stuck residue.

No Temperature Control

This was the biggest learning curve for me.

Problem: The FryDaddy heats to a set temperature only. Some foods, like fish or donuts, need more precise control, but I couldn’t adjust it.

Solution: I stuck to foods that cook well at its preset heat—like fries, chicken nuggets, and onion rings. For delicate items, I used my other fryer with a thermostat.

Plastic Lid Concerns

The lid is plastic, which felt odd to me.

Problem: I first thought it could be used while frying, but it’s only for storage. Using it while cooking made it warp slightly.

Solution: I now only use the plastic lid after the oil cools. For covering food during cooking, I use a metal splatter screen instead.

My Final Thoughts on Presto 05420 

If you’re someone who values simple design, easy cleanup, and reliable results, the Presto FryDaddy could be perfect for you. It’s great for small families, quick snacks, or anyone who wants fried food without the fuss. But if you prefer large portions or advanced settings, you might want to look at bigger fryers. Based on my time with it, Presto offers real value without overcomplicating things.

FAQ – Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer

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Robnewaz

Hello! I’m Rob Newaz, the creator of KitchKap. I built this site to share my passion for smart cooking, especially with air fryers and modern kitchen appliances. Here you’ll find easy air fryer recipes, honest appliance reviews, and practical cooking hacks. My goal is to help home cooks save time, eat healthier, and enjoy every meal with confidence.