For a compact electric deep fryer with a basket, Hamilton Beach’s 35021 is the clearest currently listed option in the manufacturer information available: it holds 2 liters of oil and is specified for up to 6 cups of food. Cuisinart’s CDF-100 series is smaller by oil capacity, at 1.1 liters, but the CDF-100P1 is identified as discontinued, so check availability before considering it. Compare both oil and food capacity, then measure the counter or storage space you actually have.
Compact fryer comparison
| Model | Oil capacity | Stated food capacity | Footprint | Current status in manufacturer information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch Deep Fryer, 35021 | 2 liters | Up to 6 cups of fries or chicken tenders | 8.58 inches high × 11.38 inches wide × 13.94 inches deep | Listed on the manufacturer’s product page; availability and price can change. |
| Cuisinart compact CDF-100 series (CDF-100P1) | 1.1 liters | Up to ¾ pound per batch | Not stated on the cited manufacturer page. | The CDF-100P1 parts page identifies the fryer as discontinued and lists a basket, lid, and replacement filter. |
Capacity labels need care: “8-cup” in a fryer category or product name may refer to oil capacity, not the amount of food cooked in a batch. Hamilton Beach’s category includes small-batch and larger fryers; check the product’s stated oil and food capacities separately at Hamilton Beach’s deep fryer category.
Which fryer fits a small kitchen?
Hamilton Beach 35021: a listed compact choice with more stated batch capacity
The 35021’s dimensions—8.58 × 11.38 × 13.94 inches—give you a concrete starting point for checking counter clearance and cabinet storage. Measure the space with room for safe operation, not just the appliance’s footprint. Its basket has hooks so it can drain, and the fryer includes adjustable temperature control, power and ready lights, a viewing window, and cool-touch sides, according to Hamilton Beach’s product page.
The lid, heating element, and enamel-coated oil tank are listed as removable, which can make cleaning more manageable. Confirm the manual’s cleaning instructions before removing or washing parts. The manufacturer page showed a price of $69.99 when accessed on October 8, 2026; price and availability are volatile, so verify them with the seller before buying.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four servings of french fries with just four cups of oil, making it an efficient and space-saving addition to any kitchen.
- AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Maintain the proper frying temperature effortlessly with this Presto deep fryer, ensuring your favorite foods like shrimp, chicken, and onion rings come out crispy and delicious every time.
- CERAMIC NONSTICK, PFAS-FREE SURFACE: The ceramic nonstick surface inside and out is not only PFAS-free but also ensures easy cleaning after each use, so your kitchen stays mess-free.
- HANDY SCOOP FOR EASY SERVING: The included fry scoop allows you to lift, drain, and serve fried foods with ease, making family meals or snacks quick and convenient.
- QUICK PREHEAT & OIL TEMPERATURE RECOVERY: This deep fryer offers a fast preheat time and excellent oil temperature recovery, allowing you to fry foods efficiently without long wait times.
Cuisinart CDF-100: smaller oil volume, but check status first
Cuisinart describes the CDF-100 compact fryer as using 1.1 liters of oil for batches up to three-quarters of a pound. That weight cannot be directly compared with Hamilton Beach’s food volume in cups. The cited CDF-100P1 page is a parts page, not confirmation of a current new-fryer listing: it labels the model discontinued and lists a fry basket, lid, and replacement filter. If you already own one, use the exact model number to confirm that a part fits; if buying, verify that the fryer itself is actually available.
What to check before choosing
- Oil versus food capacity: Oil capacity describes the amount of oil the fryer holds; food capacity describes the batch. Neither number substitutes for the other.
- Fit: Compare published dimensions with your counter, storage shelf, and the space needed to operate the appliance safely. Dimensions for CDF-100P1 are not stated on the cited page.
- Temperature and readiness: Hamilton Beach lists adjustable temperature and power/ready lights for the 35021. The cited Cuisinart parts page does not establish comparable controls for the CDF-100.
- Draining and visibility: Hamilton Beach lists a basket hook and a viewing window. Verify the basket and lid arrangement on any specific Cuisinart unit or replacement listing.
- Cleaning: Hamilton Beach lists a removable lid, heating element, and enamel-coated oil tank. Cuisinart’s cited page lists replacement parts, but does not establish comparable removable components or cleaning instructions.
- Replacement parts: For the discontinued CDF-100P1, check exact model compatibility and availability before ordering a basket, lid, or filter.
Use a countertop fryer safely
Follow the manual for your exact fryer; the directions below are from the Hamilton Beach 2-liter fryer guide and may not apply in every detail to another model.
Rank #2
- HIGH PERFORMANCE – Powered by a 1500W heating element that heats up quickly and maintains a constant temperature, ensuring your food is fried to perfection. With a 2L (68 oz) capacity and a viewing window, you can easily monitor the frying process for that perfect finish. The locking lid prevents hot oil splatters or spills, while the replaceable filters effectively eliminate unwanted grease and oil odors for a cleaner, more pleasant cooking experience.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL – Easily set the temperature from 275°F to 375°F to match your frying needs. This deep fryer offers the flexibility to fry a wide variety of comfort foods to perfection. From crispy French fries and chicken tenders to delicious chimichangas, corn dogs, poppers, spring rolls, fritters, doughnuts, beignets, funnel cakes and even homemade potato chips. The frying possibilities are endless.
- SAFE & CONVENIENT – The deep fryer's cord is designed for easy removal, allowing for quick disconnection in emergency situations. Built with cool-touch handles, it provides a comfortable grip and protects you from burns. It also features LED indicator lights that illuminate red when the unit is heating up and green once the desired temperature is reached, ensuring complete peace of mind while you fry.
- SLEEK MODERN DESIGN – Unlike traditional frying pots, this electric deep fryer features brushed stainless steel housing that adds a modern, attractive touch to any kitchen countertop. It's not only stylish but also practical, just wipe it down with a damp cloth before storing it in your cabinet or on a shelf. Plus, the removable frying basket is dishwasher safe. Enjoy professional-quality frying at home without the mess or hassle.
- US-BASED CUSTOMER SERVICE LETS YOU BUY WITH CONFIDENCE – OVENTE warranties that the product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and conditions, for 1 year from the original purchase date.
- Set the fryer on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface, and keep it where it can be monitored while operating.
- Fill only to the marked limit. Hamilton Beach’s guide says, “Never fill oil above MAX fill mark.”
- Dry food as thoroughly as possible before frying. The guide warns, “Do not add water or ice to oil.” Moisture can cause dangerous splattering.
- Cook a single layer per batch for best results, follow package directions, and use a cooking thermometer for meat, poultry, or fish.
- Do not move the fryer while it is operating or contains hot oil, and never leave it unattended while in use.
- Open the lid carefully, since escaping steam can burn. Let oil cool fully before filtering, and do not add fresh oil to used oil.
These directions come from the Hamilton Beach 2L fryer use and care guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPECIAL GREEN/GOLD EDITION: Our best-selling electric deep fryer now in a special edition color - Green and Gold. Makes the perfect gift!
- FOUR SERVINGS: Makes four servings of french fries with just four cups of oil, maintaining proper frying temperature automatically.
- VERSATILE FRYING: Fries crispy shrimp, chicken, onion rings, and more with quick preheat time and oil temperature recovery.
- NONSTICK SURFACE: Ceramic nonstick surface is PFAS-free and easy to clean, both inside and out.
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: Handy scoop lifts, drains, and serves; swing-up handle for easy carrying.
Rank #4
- COMPACT SIZE & HIGH PERFORMANCE: Equipped with a 2-quart oil container, our deep fryer gives you the ability to make 5.75lb. of food. Featuring a 1500W heating element, which has fast heat-up effect and keeps constant temperature, this deep fryer can fry food quickly and reach the perfect crisp.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE: With an adjustable temperature control, you can set the temperature according to your frying needs. You can freely make fries, onion rings, fried chicken and a variety of other fried foods.
- MESS FREE FRYING: Convenient lid with replaceable odor filter and viewing window prevents hot oil splatter or spills, but also allows you to keep an eye on the frying process.
- POWER & READY INDICATOR LIGHTS: Easily know when the temperature has been reached and food is ready for frying.
- SAFETY FEATURES & GUARANTEE: Includes anti-slip feet for increased stability. Plus, cool touch handles for convenient handling.
Rank #3
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE SETTINGS – With a temperature control range from 175 to 375°F, you can fry a wide variety of comfort foods such as French fries, fish sticks, nuggets, chicken wings, mini donuts, onion rings and other delicious fried meals. It features a user-friendly guide imprinted on it for easy frying without needing recipes.
- FAST HEATING SYSTEM – Its powerful 840 Watt concealed heating element easily fires up the deep fryer’s 5-inch depth and full capacity of 3.8 cups (0.9L/30 oz) in just a few minutes. It gives you the ability to fry food quickly with the perfect crispness good for 1 or 2 people.
- SAFE & EASY TO USE – This deep fryer is much safer to use than a big pot. Its locking lid prevents splattering and reduces odor, while the cool-touch handles provide comfortable grip and safety handling. It also comes with LED indicator light that will illuminate when it's heating up and goes off once the desired temperature is reached.
- CLEAN WITH EASE – No need to worry about cleaning! This deep fryer has a non-stick coated interior and a removable fry basket for easy cleanup. Simply wipe the exterior with a damp cloth before storing it in your cabinet or shelves.
- SLEEK & COMPACT DESIGN – Has a brushed stainless steel housing for a modern-attractive look that will flatter any kitchen countertop. This portable personal-sized deep fryer is ideal for small spaces like apartments, studios, dorms and more.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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