If you love the golden crunch of homemade fries or the satisfying crisp of fried chicken, Presto has probably been on your radar. The brand’s deep fryers have earned quite a reputation for being affordable, durable, and incredibly easy to use. But when it comes down to the Presto FryDaddy and GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer, which one deserves a permanent spot on your countertop?
I tested both side by side over a few weeks — from small snack sessions to full-on fry feasts — and found some interesting differences that might surprise you. Here’s my hands-on comparison between these two compact yet mighty deep fryers.
Key Difference Between Presto FryDaddy vs GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer
At first glance, the Presto FryDaddy and GranPappy look nearly identical — both have that signature bucket design and automatic temperature control. But once you start cooking, the differences reveal themselves.
The FryDaddy is designed for smaller batches, making about four servings using four cups of oil. It’s lighter, more compact, and ideal for single users or small families. The GranPappy, on the other hand, steps things up with a larger oil capacity (six cups) and a more powerful 1500-watt heating system, perfect for families or those who like to entertain.
In short: FryDaddy is the efficient everyday fryer, while GranPappy is the go-to for bigger appetites or gatherings.
- SPECIAL GREEN/GOLD EDITION: Our best-selling electric deep fryer now in a special edition color - Green and Gold. Makes...
- Makes six servings of french fries with just six cups of oil
Comparison Table: Presto FryDaddy vs GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer
| Feature | Presto FryDaddy | Presto GranPappy |
| Capacity | 4 cups of oil (makes ~4 servings) | 6 cups of oil (makes ~6 servings) |
| Wattage | 1200 watts | 1500 watts |
| Material | Ceramic nonstick, PFAS-free | Aluminum with ceramic nonstick, PFAS-free |
| Temperature Control | Automatic | Automatic |
| Weight | 3 lbs | 4.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 8.38″D x 8.13″W x 7.38″H | 9.87″D x 10.62″W x 9.18″H |
| Accessories | Handy scoop, snap-on lid | Handy scoop, snap-on lid |
| Ease of Cleaning | Easy wipe clean, PFAS-free ceramic | Easy wipe clean, PFAS-free ceramic |
| Ideal For | Small families, singles, light frying | Larger families, batch cooking |
| Check Latest Deals/Offers | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Before diving into each category, let’s set the scene. Both models are built on the same promise — simple, efficient frying without fancy controls or complicated cleanup. They share the same philosophy but cater to slightly different needs. Let’s look at how each performs in real kitchen conditions.
Design and Build Quality
Both fryers share Presto’s iconic “pot-style” design, which is refreshingly minimalist compared to bulky deep fryers with baskets and digital screens.
The FryDaddy is compact and lightweight — perfect if you have limited counter space or only fry occasionally. It feels solid, thanks to its cast aluminum construction, and the ceramic nonstick coating gives it a modern edge.
The GranPappy, while slightly larger and heavier, feels more robust. You can tell it’s built for frequent use. I particularly appreciated the broader base — it feels more stable when full of oil, especially if you’re frying heavier items like chicken pieces or fish fillets.
Winner: GranPappy, for sturdiness and family-friendly design.
- SPECIAL GREEN/GOLD EDITION: Our best-selling electric deep fryer now in a special edition color - Green and Gold. Makes...
- Makes six servings of french fries with just six cups of oil
Ease of Use
Presto’s deep fryers are famous for simplicity, and these two models stick to that philosophy. Both use automatic temperature control, which means there’s no need to fiddle with dials — they maintain the perfect frying heat automatically.
The FryDaddy heats up quickly and recovers temperature well between batches. For small portions like fries, nuggets, or onion rings, it’s almost effortless. The included scoop is a smart addition — no messy baskets, just scoop, drain, and serve.
The GranPappy offers the same convenience but with slightly faster heating, thanks to its 1500-watt power. It handles multiple servings better, so if you’re cooking for three or more people, you’ll appreciate the extra efficiency.
Winner: Tie — both are easy to use, but GranPappy edges ahead for handling bigger batches.
- SPECIAL GREEN/GOLD EDITION: Our best-selling electric deep fryer now in a special edition color - Green and Gold. Makes...
Performance and Frying Quality
This is where things get delicious. Both fryers produce crisp, evenly cooked results, but their performance varies slightly depending on batch size.
The FryDaddy gives perfectly crispy results for smaller batches, maintaining consistent oil temperature throughout the cooking cycle. However, if you overload it, the oil temperature drops quickly, resulting in slightly soggier food.
The GranPappy, with its higher wattage and larger oil capacity, maintains temperature better during back-to-back frying. I noticed that it recovers heat faster after adding food, which means fewer soggy fries and more consistent crunch across multiple batches.
Winner: GranPappy, for better heat recovery and large-batch performance.
- Makes six servings of french fries with just six cups of oil
Cleaning and Maintenance
This is where both models truly shine. The ceramic nonstick coating makes cleanup nearly effortless. After the oil cools down, I simply wiped the interior with a paper towel and gave it a quick rinse with warm, soapy water — no scrubbing required.
The FryDaddy is slightly easier to handle because it’s smaller and lighter, so washing and drying it feels less cumbersome. Both come with snap-on lids, allowing you to store oil inside the fryer between uses — a small but game-changing convenience.
Winner: FryDaddy, for lightweight handling and easy cleaning.
Size, Storage, and Portability
If counter space is at a premium, the FryDaddy clearly wins. Its compact footprint fits neatly in a cabinet or small corner of the kitchen. The swing-up handle makes it easy to carry, and the lid prevents spills during storage.
The GranPappy is bulkier, but that’s the tradeoff for its higher capacity. It’s still compact compared to most deep fryers, just not as travel-friendly or easy to stash away.
Winner: FryDaddy, for compactness and portability.
Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer
- SPECIAL GREEN/GOLD EDITION: Our best-selling electric deep fryer now in a special edition color - Green and Gold. Makes...
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving design
- Uses less oil (cost-effective)
- Quick heating and temperature recovery
- Easy to clean PFAS-free ceramic coating
- Affordable and reliable
Cons:
- Limited capacity (best for 1–2 people)
- Temperature recovery drops with larger batches
Presto GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer
- Makes six servings of french fries with just six cups of oil
Pros:
- Larger oil capacity — ideal for families
- Faster heating and better temperature consistency
- Same simple operation with automatic control
- Durable construction for frequent use
- Easy cleanup and convenient oil storage
Cons:
- Slightly heavier and bulkier
- Uses more oil per batch
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both, here’s my honest take:
If you mostly fry for one or two people, the Presto FryDaddy is the smarter pick. It’s compact, economical, and perfect for quick snacks or occasional fried meals.
However, if you cook for a family or host gatherings, the GranPappy is the clear winner. Its extra power and capacity make a noticeable difference in performance, especially when frying in batches.
In essence, both models deliver that signature Presto crispness with minimal fuss — it just comes down to how much you plan to fry.
My Recommendation:
- Choose FryDaddy for small households, dorms, or casual fryers.
- Go with GranPappy if you want power, capacity, and consistent results for family-size portions.
Either way, you’ll be getting one of the most reliable and budget-friendly deep fryers available in 2025.
