Head to head
Presto FryDaddy vs Hamilton Beach 35021 (2026)
Presto FryDaddy vs Hamilton Beach 35021 compared on 4-cup open pot vs 2-liter basket and lid, fixed vs adjustable temperature, and household fit.
Presto FryDaddy Deep Fryer 05420 vs Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer 35021 2 Liter: the specs, side by side
| Spec | Presto FryDaddy Deep Fryer 05420 | Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer 35021 2 Liter |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 cup oil, 4 servings of fries | 2 liter oil, 8 cup food capacity |
| Power | 1200 watts | 1200 watts |
| Dimensions | 8.4 x 8.9 x 7.9 inches | 13.1 x 11.4 x 9.5 inches |
| Weight | 3 pounds | 7.3 pounds |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 1 year limited |
PrestoPresto FryDaddy Deep Fryer 05420
A tiny 4 cup fryer with no thermostat to set, just plug in and fry.
- Capacity: 4 cup oil, 4 servings of fries
- Power: 1200 watts
Sources: Presto official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
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Hamilton BeachHamilton Beach Deep Fryer 35021 2 Liter
A 2 liter basket fryer with a viewing window and breakaway cord.
- Capacity: 2 liter oil, 8 cup food capacity
- Power: 1200 watts
Sources: Hamilton Beach official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Check price on Amazonor add to your Amazon cartOur recommendation
Choose the Presto FryDaddy for the simplest, smallest frying for one or two people with almost no oil. Choose the Hamilton Beach 35021 if you want a real basket, a splatter containing lid, and adjustable temperature in a still compact fryer for small families.
Format: open pot versus basket and lid
The FryDaddy is an open nonstick pot with a scoop. The Hamilton Beach is a basket fryer with a lidded, windowed body. The lid alone changes the experience: far less splatter on counters and stovetops.
The basket also lifts and drains food cleanly, where the scoop leaves more oil on the food and the cook.
Capacity and temperature control
The Hamilton Beach holds 2 liters of oil and up to 8 cups of food against the FryDaddy 4 cups of oil. It also offers an adjustable thermostat, while the FryDaddy holds one automatic frying temperature.
Delicate foods like donuts, which want lower heat, are only realistic in the Hamilton Beach.
Size and oil economy
The FryDaddy weighs about 3 pounds and stores anywhere; the Hamilton Beach is a proper countertop appliance at 7.3 pounds. Oil economy runs the other way: the FryDaddy fill is a fraction of the Hamilton Beach fill and turns over fresher.
Cleanup and putting it away
Cleanup effort splits along the format line. The FryDaddy has no basket to wash and a nonstick pot inside and out, and its snap-on lid stores the cooled oil in the pot itself, so washing up is a wipe and a rinse for most sessions.
The Hamilton Beach parts clean up easily in the sink, but there are more of them: basket, lid, and pot, and the lid window fogs during steamy cooks and needs wiping to stay useful. In exchange, that lid contains the splatter the open FryDaddy releases.
Choose Presto FryDaddy Deep Fryer 05420 if…
- You fry for one or two people
- Storage space is extremely tight
- You want zero settings and minimal oil use
Choose Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer 35021 2 Liter if…
- You want a basket and a splatter lid
- You fry for three or four people
- You need adjustable temperature for varied foods
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
Which is less messy to use?
The Hamilton Beach, clearly. Its lid contains splatter that the open FryDaddy pot releases into the kitchen.
Which is better for frozen fries?
Both handle small loads. The Hamilton Beach basket makes shaking and draining easier and fits more per batch; the FryDaddy heats its small oil volume faster.
Can either fry a whole chicken breast?
The Hamilton Beach can manage a modest breast in its basket. The FryDaddy pot is sized for fries and small pieces, not full chicken portions.