The best deep fryer in NZ for most households is the TSB Living Single Tank Electric Fryer, thanks to its simple dial controls, 10-litre tank and everyday-friendly running cost. This guide to the best deep fryers in NZ covers five electric fryers actually sold by New Zealand retailers, from budget single-tank models to Breville’s smart preset fryer and two commercial-grade options for households and small food businesses that fry in bigger batches. Every pick below has been checked for live NZ stock, real specs and genuine owner feedback rather than manufacturer marketing alone.
Quick comparison
| Fryer | Best for | Oil capacity | Power | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSB Living Single Tank | Best overall / everyday frying | 6L (10L tank) | 2300W | Simple dial controls |
| Breville Smart Fryer | Best for smart presets | 4L | 2200W | 7 one-touch presets + cool zone |
| TSB Living Twin Tank | Best for families / two foods at once | 6L x2 (10L tanks) | 2800W x2 | Dual oil drain taps |
| Caterlite Double Tank | Best for cafes & small food businesses | 3.5L x2 (7L total) | 2kW x2 | Independent tank temperatures |
| Apuro 5L Single | Best compact commercial-grade | 5L | 2.8kW | Thermal safety cut-out |
1. TSB Living Single Tank Electric Fryer – Best Overall
The best deep fryer in NZ overall for most households is the TSB Living Single Tank Electric Fryer, thanks to its straightforward dial controls and low running cost for everyday chips, fish and fritters. It is a compact single 10-litre tank unit measuring 29 x 45.5 x 30.5cm, a benchtop footprint that fits most NZ kitchens without hogging space. The body is commercial-grade stainless steel with a silver finish, analog dial controls rather than a digital display, and it includes a fryer cover lid and heatproof basket handle.
A separate temperature dial (60 to 200 degrees Celsius) and a 60-minute timer knob both need to be switched on before the element heats, a step testers found easy to overlook the first time. Owners on TSB Living’s own review page, five reviews and all five-star, describe setup and clean-up as straightforward. The tank takes a 6-litre oil fill and runs on a 2300W element through a 10A SAA-approved plug suited to a standard NZ power point.
Pros
- Simple, affordable single-tank fryer
- Easy to set up and clean per owner reviews
- Commercial-grade stainless steel body
Cons
- No viewing window or digital display
- Weight figures vary between retailer listings
Key specs: SKU PR9139, 10L tank, 6L oil fill, 2300W, 60-200C, 60-minute timer.
2. Breville Smart Fryer – Best for Smart Presets
Shoppers who want a fryer that does some of the thinking should look at the Breville Smart Fryer, which pairs seven one-touch presets with a cool-zone system designed to keep oil cleaner for longer. It has a noticeably larger footprint than a basic single-tank fryer at 40 x 22 x 27cm, built as a stand-alone benchtop appliance rather than a space-saver. The brushed stainless steel housing and illuminated LCD display, controlled by a single rotary dial, reads as a step up from dial-only fryers.
It offers seven presets (fries, twice-fried chips, fish, wings, calamari, donuts and a custom setting) plus a fresh or frozen toggle, and the cool zone beneath the heating element is meant to trap crumbs so oil lasts longer between changes. The removable vessel and lid are dishwasher-safe, and owner reviews on ProductReview.com.au (4.0 out of 5 from 17 reviews) praise fast reheating and easy disassembly for cleaning. It takes 4 litres of oil (2 litres minimum) and cooks up to 1.2kg of food on a 2200W element.
Pros
- 7 one-touch presets plus a custom setting
- Cool-zone system helps oil last longer
- Dishwasher-safe vessel and lid
Cons
- Owner reports of control-module reliability issues
- No oil drain tap
Key specs: model BDF500, 4L oil capacity, 2200W, 12-month warranty.
3. TSB Living Twin Tank Electric Fryer with Dual Oil Taps – Best for Families
Households that fry more than one thing at a time are better served by the TSB Living Twin Tank Electric Fryer, which runs two independent 10-litre tanks so chips and fish never have to share the same oil. Its footprint is understandably wider at 59.5 x 58 x 36cm, and it can run as two separate fryers or be used as one combined unit. The silver stainless steel body feels heavy-duty, with dial-style temperature and timer knobs on each tank, twin removable baskets with heatproof handles, and a cover lid for each side.
Each tank runs its own 2800W element (5600W combined), which is worth checking against the household circuit before plugging both sides in alongside other high-draw appliances. Every tank has its own temperature control (60 to 200 degrees Celsius) and 60-minute timer, and dual oil drain taps make emptying or swapping oil noticeably more convenient than lifting a full tank to pour it out. TSB Living’s own safety note warns that both the temperature and timer knob need to be turned on before frying starts.
Pros
- Two independent tanks for different foods or temperatures
- Dual oil drain taps for easier emptying
- Heavy-duty stainless steel build
Cons
- No independent owner reviews found for this model
- Warranty period not clearly stated by the retailer
Key specs: SKU PR9142, two 10L tanks, 6L oil fill per side, 2800W per element.
4. Caterlite Light Duty Fryer – Best for Cafes & Small Food Businesses
For anyone frying at cafe or market-stall volume without going fully commercial, the Caterlite Light Duty Double Tank Countertop Fryer packs two independent 3.5-litre tanks into a genuinely portable stainless steel body. It measures a compact 210 x 416 x 400mm and weighs just 5kg, with side carrying handles and non-slip feet that make it realistic to move between a home kitchen and a market stall. The fully stainless steel construction includes front-mounted manual dial thermostats for each tank, heat-resistant basket handles, two lids, and cord storage built into the base.
Each 2kW tank runs independently from 130 to 190 degrees Celsius, so one side can hold chips while the other fries fish at a different temperature. Removable inner pans and element blocks make it straightforward to strip down, and reviewers on Feefo and Catering Appliance Superstore call it very easy to keep clean, with one buyer specifically praising the size for domestic use without feeling oversized.
Pros
- Two independent tanks at a genuinely portable size
- Full stainless steel, easy-clean construction
- Positive owner feedback for domestic use
Cons
- Branded light duty, not for continuous commercial service
- No oil drain tap
Key specs: GG199-A, two 3.5L tanks (7L total), 2kW per tank, 1-year warranty.
5. Apuro 5L Single Electric Fryer – Best Compact Commercial-Grade Fryer
Shoppers who fry often enough to want proper commercial-grade construction, without needing a second tank, should look at the Apuro 5L Single Electric Fryer, a stainless steel unit built for low-demand catering sites that also suits heavy home use. It is compact at 280 x 270 x 410mm and 4.8kg, small enough to store away between uses or transport for pop-ups and mobile catering. The fully disassemblable stainless steel body includes a dial thermostat with a ready indicator light and comes with a lid that protects the oil and extends its life between fry-ups.
A 2.8kW element sits behind an element protection plate to extend its lifespan, and an EGO thermostat with a thermal safety cut-out shuts the unit down if oil starts to overheat. The frying basket has cool-touch grips for lifting a full load safely, and the retailer notes fast oil recovery between batches.
Pros
- Commercial-grade stainless steel construction
- Thermal safety cut-out and cool-touch basket grips
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- No verified owner reviews found
- Single tank only, cannot run two temperatures at once
Key specs: CU617-A, 5L oil capacity, 2.8kW, 2-year warranty.
How to choose a deep fryer in NZ
Tank size matters most. A single 10-litre tank fryer, like TSB Living’s single-tank model, suits a couple or small family cooking chips and fish a few nights a month. A twin-tank fryer earns its bench space if the household fries different foods at different temperatures, or feeds a crowd, since each tank runs independently. Commercial-style units from Nisbets add stainless steel built to be stripped down and cleaned daily, which suits cafes and market stalls more than an occasional home cook.
Power draw is worth checking against the household circuit. Twin-tank fryers running two 2000W-plus elements at once can pull more current than a single power point or multiboard is rated for, so it pays to check the plug rating before buying.
Look for a thermal cut-out or high-limit shutoff that stops the element if oil overheats, cool-touch handles on the basket, and a lid that keeps dust and splatter off unused oil. Shoppers who fry only occasionally may prefer to compare capacity and running cost in our guide to air fryers first. For shallow frying rather than deep frying, an electric frypan is worth a look too.
Related guides: shoppers stocking a NZ kitchen from scratch can also compare our picks for the best food processors. For weekend entertaining, our pizza oven guide covers wood-fired and electric options sold in NZ.
Verdict
The TSB Living Single Tank Electric Fryer remains the best all-round pick for most NZ kitchens: simple to run, easy to clean and inexpensive enough to replace if it wears out. Families who fry two things at once should step up to the twin-tank version, while the Breville Smart Fryer suits shoppers who want presets and a cool-zone system over manual dials. The two Nisbets units are worth a look if home frying happens often enough to justify commercial-grade stainless steel, or if the fryer needs to travel to a stall or event.
FAQs
Is a deep fryer better than an air fryer for chips?
A deep fryer generally produces a crispier, more traditional fried texture because food is fully submerged in hot oil, while an air fryer uses far less oil and is easier to clean. Deep fryers cook slightly faster and give an authentic fried result, but air fryers are more versatile day to day.
How much oil does a home deep fryer need?
It depends on the tank. Compact single-tank home fryers like the models here typically need 4 to 6 litres, while commercial-style countertop units may need as little as 3.5 to 5 litres per tank. Always fill to the manufacturer’s marked line rather than guessing, since underfilling exposes the element.
How often should you change deep fryer oil at home?
Most home cooks should change oil every 8 to 10 uses for lightly battered food, but only 2 to 4 uses for heavily breaded or fatty items, which break down oil faster. Watch for darker colour, a rancid smell, or foaming when hot as signs it needs replacing sooner.
Can you leave oil in a deep fryer between uses?
Yes, provided the fryer has a lid and the oil is strained of food debris first. Oil can typically be kept in a covered fryer for a few days to a couple of weeks between uses, or filtered and stored in a cool, dark place for longer. Discard it once it smells off.
What safety features should a deep fryer have?
Look for a thermal cut-out or high-limit shutoff that stops the element if oil overheats, a cool-touch exterior or handles, and a stable base with non-slip feet. A lid also reduces splatter risk and keeps stored oil cleaner between uses at home.
What size deep fryer suits a family?
A single tank of around 10 litres capacity, holding roughly 6 litres of oil, suits most households of two to five people cooking a few nights a month. Larger families, or households that fry different foods at once, are better served by a twin-tank fryer running two independent temperatures.
