Waring DF250B 1800-Watt Deep Fryer, Brushed Stainless

We've had this fryer for almost a year and it's performed pretty well. As other reviewers have noted, the unit doesn't reach 375 degrees but cleans up very easily. The magnetic power cord, however, is poorly designed. We prefer to use the fryer on our kitchen island so it doesn't vent underneath and onto our cabinets, but the cord is so short it can barely reach the standard island-height outlet. Consequently, the unit has to sit on the very edge of the counter (which isn't safe) and the cord constantly disconnects from the magnetic receptacle. After months of replugging multiple times just to make a batch of fries, we bought a heavy duty power strip to extend the power cord's reach. Although this isn't recommended by the manufacturer, it's safer than the alternative (hanging off the island) and less messy than venting the steam and oil everywhere. This would be a five-star product if they'd add six inches to the cord so it could easily and safely be used anywhere but next to a wall outlet.

I bought another one (same model DF250B) a year earlier. We (including my teenagers) use it all the time. Beats my propane fryer 10 to 1. Because of the thermostat, it consistently does a better job of evenly cooking without burning, or breading falling off, because of the oil being too cold. I fry everything on the 335 degree setting. It is safe, and will not burn your house down, as would happen with my propane fryer, if someone turned it on, walked away, and forgot about it. (think of kids, the elderly, and people with a lot on their minds) There are a lot of other styles and brands. This one worked so well, and trouble free, I made sure I got the same one, for my parents. Reasonably easy to clean, and your oil lasts a lot longer, because of good temperature control. There are higher quality, more expensive commercial units. I did not pay full retail. Seems like it was in the $80s. For the price, I am well satisfied. The newer model is digital. I am not familiar and chose to stay with the more manual thermostat and controls. Just a personal preference.

I bought this exact fryer in 2011, and we have been extremely happy with it. It’s been a terrific fryer. No complaints. However, the green “ready” light recently started malfunctioning, so I got on Amazon and ordered this exact model again a few days ago. That’s how happy I was with this fryer.Well, I received the new fryer today, and all I can say is, WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. Waring has made everything about this fryer cheaper/flimsier. EVERYTHING. The fryer/oil tub isn’t as good/nice. The fryer basket is substantially cheaper/flimsier, and I won’t be a bit surprised if it soon breaks. And though it could be my imagination, even the outer frame and heating unit seem a little bit lighter/weaker/flimsier. But what really disappointed me was the lid. Not only does the metal it’s made of seem slightly thinner, they took the metal vent filters out of the lid! This means that splashing/splattering oil, and oil infused steam will have a much easier time making everything (especially the control panel) a horrible, mucky mess.In the Waring video for this fryer they even mention the vent filters, and in the Waring provided picture for this item, you can clearly see the metal filter below the vent openings. However, I assure you, they no longer exist, and Waring/Amazon needs to immediately update the picture, and remove the video to reflect the current (not nearly as good) version of this model.How much money per unit are you saving by doing all this, Waring? Three bucks? I hope it’s worth it. I was a very happy customer, now, not so much.Is this still a decent fryer? I suppose. But it sure isn’t the fryer it once was, and my disappointment is likely going to cause me to send it back.If you have any questions about this fryer, please feel free to ask, and I'll try my best to answer. I hope you found this review helpful.

I purchased this fryer a few weeks ago- my first trip into the world of deep frying, and I will never go back. I know I have nothing to compare it to, but as a rookie, I found the Waring to be very easy to use and cleanup is no problem at all. The first time I used it, it was up to temp in about ten minutes, and I fried up catfish using peanut oil. My first thought upon tasting the fish was that I had no need to ever pay a restaurant for fish and chips ever again. It was the best Iv'e ever had. I have gathered through the negative reviews that it seems a lot of folks are throwing frozen food into hot oil and then complaining the temperature isn't maintained. Then don't do that. If you are having problems with this fryer other than that, you just got a defective one. Again, if a fry rookie can make delicious, non oily fish, mushrooms, onion rings, chicken, and mozzarella sticks, then I would think anyone could. Do yourself a favor- buy this fryer, and you will be deliciously rewarded.