In my kitchen, deep frying isn’t just an occasional indulgence — it’s a ritual. Whether it’s crispy fries, golden onion rings, or homemade chicken wings, a reliable fryer makes all the difference. Recently, I got my hands on two of Presto’s most popular appliances: the Presto Kitchen Kettle Multi-Cooker/Steamer and the Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer.
At first glance, they both seem to do similar things — both can fry, both promise easy cleanup, and both are compact. But once I started cooking with them, it became clear that these two machines are designed for very different kinds of home cooks. So, after several weeks of testing, frying, and even steaming, here’s what I’ve learned.
Key Difference Between Presto Kitchen Kettle vs FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer
The main difference lies in versatility.
The Presto Kitchen Kettle is a true multitasker — it can deep fry, steam, roast, simmer soups, and even cook pasta. It’s more of an all-in-one cooker that adapts to different recipes.
The FryDaddy, on the other hand, is a specialist. It’s compact, focused entirely on deep frying, and does that one job exceptionally well. It’s the fryer for people who want no fuss — just plug it in, let it heat, and you’re ready for perfectly crispy snacks.
In short: Kitchen Kettle is the multi-tool; FryDaddy is the expert.
- Deep fries up to six servings of french fries
- COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four servings of french fries with...
Comparison Table: Presto Kitchen Kettle vs FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer
| Feature | Presto Kitchen Kettle | Presto FryDaddy |
| Type | Multi-Cooker / Deep Fryer / Steamer | Compact Deep Fryer |
| Capacity | 6 servings | 4 servings |
| Wattage | 1200 watts | 1200 watts |
| Material | Aluminum with ceramic nonstick | Ceramic nonstick, PFAS-free |
| Dimensions | 12.25”L x 8.75”W x 9.44”H | 8.35”D x 8.5”W x 7.5”H |
| Weight | 1 lb | 3 lbs |
| Functions | Deep fry, steam, simmer, cook, roast | Deep fry only |
| Accessories | Tempered glass lid, steaming/frying basket | Handy scoop, snap-on lid |
| Ease of Cleaning | Fully immersible (after removing heat control) | Easy wipe clean |
| Best For | Versatile cooking, families | Quick frying, singles/small households |
| Check Latest Price / Deals & Offers | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Before diving into specifics, let’s establish a baseline — both machines come from Presto, a brand known for reliable, affordable kitchen gear. But using them back-to-back showed me that they don’t compete as much as they complement each other. One’s for everyday versatility, and the other’s for quick convenience.
Let’s break that down.
Design and Build Quality
The Presto Kitchen Kettle is the larger of the two, and you can tell immediately that it’s built for multitasking. It’s shaped like a small pot with a sturdy aluminum body, a tempered glass lid, and a wire basket inside. Everything about it feels durable yet lightweight. The basket and lid make it feel like a true “cooker,” not just a fryer.
The FryDaddy, especially the Green/Gold edition I tested, looks much sleeker and more compact. It’s built for quick frying sessions rather than all-day cooking. The cast aluminum body feels solid, and the ceramic nonstick finish gives it a premium look. It’s simple, functional, and designed for one primary purpose — frying.
If you want a device that looks neat on your countertop and stores easily, the FryDaddy wins in compactness. But if you value flexibility and durability, the Kitchen Kettle’s design offers more substance.
Winner: Kitchen Kettle — for versatility and functional design.
- Deep fries up to six servings of french fries
Ease of Use
Both are straightforward, but in very different ways.
The FryDaddy is the definition of plug-and-play. It has no temperature settings — it automatically maintains the perfect frying temperature. You simply add oil, wait a few minutes, and start frying. The included scoop replaces a traditional basket, which actually makes serving easier and less messy.
The Kitchen Kettle, while just as user-friendly, gives you more control. You can adjust the temperature depending on what you’re cooking, which makes it ideal for recipes that require more precision — like simmering soup or steaming vegetables. The temperature probe is easy to adjust, and the glass lid helps you monitor your food without lifting it.
Both are beginner-friendly, but if you value one-button simplicity, the FryDaddy is unbeatable. If you like a bit more flexibility, the Kitchen Kettle feels more empowering.
Winner: Tie — FryDaddy for simplicity, Kitchen Kettle for control.
- Deep fries up to six servings of french fries
- COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four servings of french fries with...
Performance and Cooking Results
This is where the real difference becomes clear.
In deep frying, both do a great job. The FryDaddy heats up fast and maintains consistent oil temperature perfectly. I fried batches of onion rings, fries, and chicken strips — all came out crispy, golden, and evenly cooked. However, it’s best for small portions; overloading it can cause the oil temperature to drop, leading to soggy results.
The Kitchen Kettle, thanks to its adjustable thermostat and larger size, handled larger portions more gracefully. It also allowed me to experiment — I could fry one day, then steam dumplings or cook pasta the next. It’s more forgiving for recipes that require simmering or slow cooking.
In terms of taste and texture, the FryDaddy wins for classic deep-fried foods. But when it comes to versatility and handling larger family-sized portions, the Kitchen Kettle easily takes the lead.
Winner: Kitchen Kettle — for all-around cooking flexibility.
- Deep fries up to six servings of french fries
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both models have PFAS-free nonstick interiors, and that’s a big plus.
The FryDaddy is smaller, so cleaning it is effortless. I usually let the oil cool, pour it out, wipe the inside with a paper towel, and give it a quick rinse — done in minutes. Its snap-on lid is genius — you can store the oil inside without worrying about spills or odor.
The Kitchen Kettle is fully immersible once you remove the heat control, which makes deep cleaning a breeze. The basket and glass lid can be rinsed easily, and the nonstick surface ensures food doesn’t cling.
If you want the easiest cleanup possible, FryDaddy wins for size. But if you clean often and like the convenience of dunking the whole pot in the sink, the Kitchen Kettle is just as convenient in a different way.
Winner: Tie — both are low-maintenance in their own way.
- Deep fries up to six servings of french fries
- COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four servings of french fries with...
Functionality and Versatility
This is where the Kitchen Kettle completely outshines the FryDaddy.
While the FryDaddy focuses only on deep frying, the Kitchen Kettle can boil, steam, stew, roast, and simmer. I used it to make soups, steamed vegetables, and even pasta. It’s the kind of appliance that earns its keep because it replaces several pots and pans.
That said, if you’re strictly after deep-fried comfort food, the FryDaddy performs slightly better in maintaining consistent oil temperature. But for overall kitchen value, the Kitchen Kettle is simply in another league.
Winner: Kitchen Kettle — for its unmatched versatility.
Presto Kitchen Kettle MultiCooker Steamer
- Deep fries up to six servings of french fries
Pros:
- Extremely versatile — fries, steams, cooks, and roasts
- Adjustable temperature control
- Larger capacity for family meals
- Fully immersible for easy cleaning
- Tempered glass lid allows cooking visibility
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than FryDaddy
- May feel overkill for users who only want to deep fry
Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer
- COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four servings of french fries with...
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving
- Automatic temperature control
- Quick preheat and consistent frying results
- Easy to clean and store
- Uses less oil, perfect for small batches
Cons:
- Limited to deep frying only
- Smaller capacity (best for 1–2 people)
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both, here’s the bottom line:
If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen — steaming vegetables one day, frying chicken the next, and simmering soup after that — the Presto Kitchen Kettle is worth every penny. It’s versatile, reliable, and can easily become your daily cooking companion.
But if your main goal is quick, mess-free frying for one or two people, the Presto FryDaddy is unbeatable. It’s compact, affordable, and perfect for anyone who just wants crispy results without any learning curve.
Both have their charm — one’s a multitasking chef, the other’s a specialist who never fails.
My Recommendation:
- Choose Presto Kitchen Kettle if you want a multi-purpose cooker for everyday meals.
- Go for Presto FryDaddy if you only care about perfect, simple deep frying.
Either way, Presto proves once again that you don’t need an expensive appliance to make great-tasting food at home.
