Aroma Deep Fryer Review

We give the Aroma ADF-212 Dual Basket Fryer a rating.

The Aroma Deep Fryer makes frying at home simple. You can cook two different items at the same time by using the dual baskets, like fish and chips or fries and onion rings.

If you need to make a big batch of one item, like chicken nuggets, use the extra large basket. The glass viewing window makes it easy to check your food safely.

The unit comes pre-programmed with ten different settings on the easy to use digital control panel.

Two charcoal filters are included to help control cooking odors. This fryer is perfect for making wings, tempura, French fries and more.

Aroma Fryer Pros

The Aroma Deep Fryer is very economically priced. It also cooks a lot of food at once. You can choose whether to cook a lot of one item using the extra large basket or to cook two different types of items using the two smaller baskets.

Having a choice like this makes this fryer very versatile. The oil heats quickly and returns to temperature in a few minutes between batches.

Clean up is so simple. The oil bowl can go in the dishwasher. This fryer holds over a gallon of oil, which helps diminish the dropping temperature when you put in cold food.

Aroma ADF-212 Cons

The Aroma Deep Fryer could have put the exhaust someplace besides right in front of the control panel. In order not to get burned by hot steam you need to reach for the control panel from the side of the fryer.

The timer is a bit challenging to use, especially if you want to set it manually instead of using a preset time. It's easier to just use a separate timer.

Watch out for the temperature of the outside housing. It gets very hot during operation. The handles do not fold down, making it a hazard if someone bumps into them.

The charcoal filter really doesn't do much since the lid doesn't seal during cooking. The window gets clouded during cooking with condensed water and oil, making it impossible to see how the food is cooking.

The power cord is short for safety reasons, yet they recommend using an extension cord.

Features and Specs

Controls: Ten pre-programmed settings on the digital control panel. By pressing the time/temp button and the up and down buttons you can easily program the right time and temperature for the food you are frying. You can time food in 30-second increments from 2 to 30 minutes. You can select temperatures from 300 to 375 degrees and adjust in 5 degree increments
Baskets: Two dishes can be made simultaneously with the side by side baskets or a single larger ( up to 4 pounds) servings can be made with the extra large basket.
Interior: The enamel coated oil container holds 5 quarts of oil and has a spout so you can easily remove the oil for reuse or dispose of it.
Exterior: Brushed stainless steel housing with built in viewing window
Handles: Cool touch handles for safety
Filter: Includes two filters (one carbon filter and one vapor filter) It is recommended changing filter after 30 uses.
Dimensions: 11 3/4"W (14" w/handles) x 14 1/4"D x 8"H (9 1/2"H w/lid)
Watts: Powerful 1,800 watts
Weight: 11 pounds, 10 ounces
Dishwasher: Oil container, lid and basket are dishwasher safe. Wipe the base clean. Do not put the heating element, control panel, cord or plug into water
Thermostat: Equipped with a safety thermostat sensor that will automatically shut down the fryer if the unit overheats

Summary

The Aroma Deep Fryer gives you a lot for your money. You just need to be aware of its weaknesses so you can work around them.

The ability to choose to cook two items or a lot of a single item is unique. You just don't find fryers this versatile.

Use a separate timer. Don't even bother using the one that is built in because of the possibility of getting burned as you reach for the control panel. The beep isn't very loud, either.

The oil heats up quickly for such a large capacity fryer.

This fryer is perfect for large families. The unit takes up only a small amount of counter space. The attractive stainless steel housing looks professional and cleans up easily.

You don't need to worry about oil leaking out of this model.