Cuisinart CDF-100 Deep Fat Fryer

The Cuisinart CDF-100 is one of those deep fat fryers that you either love or hate. If you happen to fit the market it was designed for, this little puppy is going to be your best friend. If not, well you may need to look elsewhere.

The first thing you notice is that this fryer is small, about the size of a bread box. It has an oil bowl capacity of a very frugal 1.1 liters. If oil expense is an issue with you, this little fryer is one of the most economical out there. The bowl is a sturdy die-cast metal with a kind of ceramic coating that is non-stick and very easy to clean. Draining the used oil is made simple by a pour spout on one corner.

The next thing that stands out is the unusual configuration of this fryer. For one, the basket handle protrudes from the right side instead of from the front. This is probably the only right-handed deep fat fryer we know of.

The basket has a capacity of 3/4lbs and has a fairly wide, shallow design. The CDF-100 is very much geared towards single-serving and spur-of-the-moment frying. Great for throwing together some fried calamari to top a salad or mozzarella sticks for kids. When you're done the basket handle can be detached and stored with the basket. A handy feature if you're tight on cupboard space.

The CDF-100 comes with a hinged lid with viewing window and charcoal filter. Unlike some other mini deep fat fryers, you cannot lower the basket with the lid closed, but the lid is detachable and dishwasher safe. Cuisinart sell replacement filters on their web site.

Operation is simplicity itself. Basically you fill the bowl with oil and turn the thermostat to the desired temperature. In most cases this will be the maximum setting of 375°F. This should be fine for most everyday frying jobs, but if you want more precise control we recommend you invest in a good quality candy thermometer. The fryer's control knob is poorly calibrated with no temperature indications. Without a separate thermometer you are just guessing.

The heating element is rated at 1000 watts which makes for a rapid pre-heat time. This fryer won't make you stand around waiting for the oil to reach the correct temperature before you can go to work. The rear power cable connection is magnetic and, like most other electric fryers, will detach itself at the slightest bump. This is for safety reasons so make sure you have the fryer in a suitable location before you start.

Cuisinart offer a limited 3 year warranty but to make a claim you need the serial number. Unfortunately, the serial number is just printed on the fryer and has a tendency to fade after a few cleanings to the point where it is illegible. To be safe make a note of the serial number while the fryer is new and keep it in a safe place.

Specs:

1000-watt heating element
1.1-liter maximum oil capacity
Extra-wide removable fry basket accommodates up to 3/4 pound
Nonstick bowl for easy clean up
Adjustable thermostat up to 375°F
Charcoal odor filter
Basket and lid dishwasher-safe
Measures 11-1/4 by 8-1/4 by 7-2/5 inches
3-year limited warranty

Compact, frugal and stylishly designed the Cuisinart CDF-100 offers a basket load of useful features for small frying jobs at quick notice. For the fashion conscious the stainless steel case and black accents should seal the deal.