Presto DualDaddy Review: Simple Design, Mixed Verdict
Starting at just $49, the Presto DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer has earned a solid 4.6/5 average rating, but the story behind those numbers is anything but straightforward. While praised for its simplicity and ability to fry two separate foods simultaneously, users have raised serious concerns over safety, heating times, and lack of core features. Reddit testers and verified buyers often frame it as “a heavy-duty cast aluminum bucket” rather than a modern fryer — with all the benefits and trade-offs that come with that design.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent for casual home frying without complexity, but safety-conscious or speed-priority buyers should look elsewhere.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple setup – no controls to set | Slow heat-up time (up to 20 minutes reported) |
| Divider lets you fry two foods at once | Exterior gets dangerously hot |
| Large capacity for home use | No adjustable thermostat, timer, or indicator light |
| Easy oil fill and removal | No basket, requires scoop retrieval |
| Snap-on lid for oil storage | No filtration system for oil reuse |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing claims boast “the easy way to fry two foods at once” with “no controls to set” and an “automatically maintained perfect frying temperature.” In theory, this makes it ideal for beginners or busy cooks who don’t want constant monitoring. However, Reddit reviewers and Trustpilot notes highlight that simplicity here comes with limitations. A Top Ten Reviews evaluation found it took 20 minutes for the 1,500-watt fryer to reach optimum temperature and another 8 minutes to recover heat after adding food — “much slower than average on both counts.”
A second claim is “easy to clean” due to a ceramic nonstick surface. While buyers generally agree cleanup is straightforward, the reality is less convenient for those accustomed to dishwashers. The unit is not immersible and must be hand-washed, as multiple users across Amazon and Reddit stress. The lack of a basket means food retrieval is done with an included scoop, which one Amazon buyer noted is “a little awkward for large pieces of chicken.”
Finally, the “special divider” promise is a genuinely well-received feature, with many saying it works as advertised to prevent flavor transfer between foods. Errica from Lancaster, TX shared: “Fries food up in a jiffy. I love it.” But tests showed the actual cook cycle depends greatly on oil preheat — meaning the divider’s benefit is partially offset by slower recovery.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Wayfair, and Amazon, the consistent high point is the fryer’s dual-compartment design and generous capacity. For families, parties, or those cooking both main and sides together, this separation without flavor mixing is a clear win. One verified Amazon buyer said: “I have made chicken, french fries, tortilla chips, battered shrimp, fish, hash browns — all come out great. So easy and fast!” The snap-on lid is another clear customer favorite, letting users store oil directly in the cooled fryer. For budget-conscious cooks, this prevents waste and mess, and has saved some buyers from buying extra storage containers.
Simple operation also gets praise. Without settings or complex menus, it’s plug-and-play. This appeals to occasional fryers who don’t want a learning curve. A verified buyer on Walmart mentioned: “Mini apple pies and chicken wings were first on our menu!... Ready to fry in less than 5 minutes.” (Notably quicker than test lab heating claims—user variation here may come from oil type and batch size.)
Common Complaints
The most consistent negative — and potentially deal-breaking for some — is safety heat. Testers recorded sidewall temperatures hitting 228°F, enough to cause burns if touched, and multiple buyers reported “really, really hot” exteriors. This makes it risky in households with children or small kitchens where contact is likely. Safety-conscious reviewers point to modern competitors with cool-touch bodies as preferable.
The absence of an adjustable thermostat, indicator lights, filtration systems, and timers frustrates tech-savvy or precision-minded cooks. For example, one Trustpilot review warns: “You have to plan your meals ahead — it takes 20 minutes to heat oil.” Without alerts, you must manually time readiness. Oil recovery post-food insertion also slows batch cooking, particularly when frying for groups.
Another frustration is the scoop retrieval method. Without a basket, you’re fishing pieces directly out of boiling oil. This can drip more than basket draining and isn’t ideal for high-volume cooking.
Divisive Features
While the large oil capacity (8 cups) is a strength for big batches, it’s a turn-off for light fryers. Several Amazon buyers mention the fryer “uses a substantial amount of oil,” making it less appealing for those who fry infrequently or want minimal oil waste. Similarly, the simple design appeals to minimalists but turns off those thinking “modern fryer” means more automation and screens.
Trust & Reliability
Concerns about durability are less pronounced than safety issues. Many buyers have owned Presto fryers for years without performance drops. A verified Amazon review claims they cook multiple times a week without issue. However, Trustpilot’s “least safe fryer” note due to hot exterior remains a caveat for long-term use. The skid-resistant feet and magnetic safety cord offer emergency protection — if the unit is jostled, power cuts immediately — but these small safeguards don’t offset the burn hazard fully.
Long-term use stories on Reddit suggest the fryer maintains nonstick performance well if cleaned promptly after cooling. The buildup and scratches risk appears minimal when owners follow manufacturer advice against abrasive sponges.
Alternatives
Community discussions frequently mention the T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean as a step-up model with oil filtration and adjustable controls. In testing, it reached temperature faster and allowed easier oil reuse. However, capacity was smaller, so large-batch users may still prefer the DualDaddy. The Presto GranPappy offers similar heating but is smaller and faster to preheat — a choice for single households. For professional-style frying, the Presto Dual ProFry has baskets, adjustable thermostat, and more safety shielding.
Price & Value
On Amazon, the fryer sits around $49–$58, with eBay listings as low as $40. Resale values hold decently — used units still fetch 70–80% of retail if in good condition. Buying tips from community threads emphasize grabbing it during seasonal sales or second-hand from low-use owners, as the basic design means wear is minimal if maintained.
While the build feels “flimsy” to some (per one Amazon two-star review), many see value in its simple reliability. For frequent fryers with space to store oil, the lid and large capacity offset lack of advanced features.
FAQ
Q: Does the fryer come with a basket?
A: No. Food cooks directly in oil, and you retrieve it with the included slotted scoop. This works for small items but can be tricky for big pieces.
Q: Can you store oil in it after use?
A: Yes, once cooled. The snap-on lid lets you store oil right in the fryer, which many users say helps avoid messy transfers.
Q: Is it dishwasher-safe?
A: No. It must be hand-washed with warm soapy water after oil cools. Avoid abrasive cleaners to protect the nonstick surface.
Q: How fast does it heat?
A: Lab tests report about 20 minutes to reach optimal temperature, but some home users say they fry in under 10 depending on oil and batch size.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want a simple, affordable deep fryer suited to large family batches and don’t mind manual timing or lack of cool-touch safety. Avoid if you need fast preheat, precise controls, or a basket system. Pro tip from community: Preheat early while you prep ingredients — this offsets the long warm-up and makes the two-food divider feature shine.
