A good fryer does not have to be expensive. If you mainly want crisp chips, golden chicken and the occasional treat night, a simple, well-reviewed fryer can give you exactly that without draining your budget.
Here we have focused on the best cheap fryers for 2026, picking models that keep upfront cost low while still feeling reliable and easy to live with. Every recommendation here is at the value end of the range, but we have been careful to avoid false economies.
Some of these fryers are all about the lowest possible price, while others cost a little more but offer better build quality or easier cleaning. The aim is to help you choose the right compromise for your kitchen and your wallet.
These recommendations are based on real-world information: prices, owner ratings and the feature sets that matter in everyday use. We look for fryers that offer solid performance at home-friendly prices, rather than simply pointing to the absolute cheapest option on the shelf.
We pay close attention to customer review scores and how many people have actually rated a model, as that gives a clear sense of reliability and long-term satisfaction. We then weigh that against what you are paying and what you get in terms of capacity, ease of cleaning and overall usability.
The result is a shortlist of fryers that are genuinely good value. They are not the flashiest models around, but they should feel like sensible, dependable purchases rather than cut-price compromises you quickly regret.
We started by looking at the lower-priced fryers available in 2026, focusing on models that come in comfortably under typical mid-range prices. From there we filtered out anything with weak feedback, concentrating on fryers that earn strong ratings from owners for cooking performance and reliability.
Next, we compared what you actually get for your money. That includes capacity, how straightforward the controls are and how easy the fryer is to empty and clean. At this end of the market you will not get every extra feature under the sun, so we looked for thoughtful basics that make a difference day to day.
We also aimed to cover a spread of budgets within the cheap bracket. That means you will find very low-cost fryers ideal for occasional use, as well as slightly pricier models that justify the extra spend with more robust construction or clever oil handling. Every fryer here earns its place by offering more value than its price tag suggests.
The fryers below are ordered by how strongly we recommend them for value at the cheaper end of the market. The first pick offers standout affordability without feeling flimsy, while later options ask for a bit more money but repay it with sturdier builds, cleaner oil management or greater capacity.
Whether you are kitting out a first home, replacing an ageing fryer or just want a budget-friendly way to make proper chips, one of these models should fit your needs and your spending limit.
A very affordable fryer from Russell Hobbs that covers all the basics for classic deep-fried treats, with strong reviews for such a low price.
For around £35, the Russell Hobbs Maxi Deep 24570 is one of the most affordable fryers you can buy from a known brand, yet it still scores an impressive 4.6 out of 5 from over 100 reviews. That kind of feedback is reassuring at this price point, suggesting it cooks evenly and does the job without fuss. The straightforward design keeps controls simple, so there is very little to learn before you are turning out chips and chicken. As a compact unit, it does not demand much worktop space and is easy to store away between uses.
As one of the cheapest options, the Russell Hobbs Maxi Deep 24570 inevitably lacks some of the refinements you get when you spend a bit more. Build quality and finish are more basic, so it may not feel as solid as pricier stainless steel models. Cleaning is likely to be more hands-on, with fewer parts designed for quick removal. If you plan to fry very frequently or in large batches, you might find yourself wishing for a larger, more feature-rich fryer.
The Russell Hobbs Maxi Deep 24570 is ideal if you want to spend as little as possible while still buying from a familiar brand with strong owner feedback. It suits small households who fry occasionally and do not need a large capacity fryer taking up space. It is also a good choice for students, first homes or anyone kitting out a kitchen on a tight budget, where basic reliability matters more than extra frills.
This Morphy Richards single drawer fryer keeps things compact and simple, ideal if you want a neat, inexpensive fryer that doesn’t dominate the worktop.
The Morphy Richards 482000 Single Drawer Oil Fryer is only slightly more expensive than the very cheapest models, yet it boasts a perfect 5 out of 5 rating from buyers, even if from a smaller pool of reviews. Its single drawer format keeps the footprint modest, which is great if your kitchen is short on space. The stainless steel styling gives it a smarter, more durable feel than the cheapest plastic-bodied alternatives. It is designed for straightforward everyday frying, so you get a simple, quick way to cook smaller batches without overcomplicating things.
The Morphy Richards 482000’s compact drawer design limits how much food you can cook in one go, so it is not ideal if you regularly cater for a crowd. With only a small number of reviews so far, its stellar rating has less long-term proof behind it than fryers with hundreds of ratings. Being a cheaper model, it sticks to the basics rather than offering advanced features or particularly sophisticated oil filtering. Heavy users may find themselves wanting a larger, more robust unit in time.
The Morphy Richards 482000 is a great fit for singles, couples or small kitchens where worktop area is at a premium. Choose this if you want a neat, stainless steel fryer that looks smarter than its price suggests and is used for occasional batches of chips, onion rings or sides. It is particularly appealing if you value simplicity and compactness over raw capacity.
The Russell Hobbs 24580 costs more than the absolute cheapest options but rewards you with a more substantial feel and dependable everyday performance.
The Russell Hobbs 24580 Fryer steps things up from the entry-level models, and its 4.5 out of 5 rating from 100 reviews suggests it is a solid, dependable choice. You are paying more than basic money here, but in return you get a fryer that feels more substantial and better suited to regular use. The controls are clearly laid out, making it easy to set your temperature and get consistent results. It is a sensible middle ground if you do not want to spend heavily but still prefer something that feels a bit more robust and confidence-inspiring.
Although still firmly in budget territory, the Russell Hobbs 24580 is noticeably more expensive than the very cheapest fryers, so you will need to decide if the extra spend suits your budget. You do not get the clever oil handling or capacity of more premium models further up the price scale. As a conventional deep fryer, you will still have to put in the effort to keep oil fresh and manage odours with good ventilation. If you only fry occasionally, some of its advantages over the cheapest models may go largely unused.
The Russell Hobbs 24580 is well suited to households that fry a bit more often and are happy to spend more than rock-bottom prices for something that feels more robust. It is a sensible pick for families who want a straightforward, reliable fryer for weekend treats and occasional entertaining. If you want a balance of affordability and a more grown-up feel, this is the sweet-spot option.
Morphy Richards’ 482001 deep fryer sits at the top of the budget bracket, delivering a smarter stainless steel finish and excellent owner feedback.
Morphy Richards’ 482001 Single Drawer Deep Fryer sits towards the upper end of the cheap range and delivers an impressive 5 out of 5 rating from its owners. The stainless steel finish gives it a premium, long-lasting look that will sit happily on the worktop. Its deep-fryer design is built for proper chips and crispy favourites, and the single drawer layout keeps operation straightforward. For a little extra outlay compared with the ultra-cheap models, you get a fryer that feels better made and is likely to stand up well to regular family use.
The Morphy Richards 482001 costs significantly more than the absolute bargain fryers, pushing it to the top of what most people would consider a budget price. Its strong reviews come from a relatively modest number of owners, so the long-term track record is not as well established as some rivals. Like most traditional fryers, it still relies on you to manage oil changes and cleaning rather than automating the process. If your main priority is the lowest initial spend, one of the cheaper models on this list may be more appealing.
The Morphy Richards 482001 is ideal for families or keen home cooks who still want to keep an eye on spending but prefer a fryer that looks and feels more premium. Its deep fryer design and stainless steel body make it a good choice if it will live on the worktop and see regular use. Pick this one if you can stretch your budget a little for a smarter finish and reassuringly strong early feedback.
The Tefal Oleoclean Pro is pricier than typical budget fryers, but its clever oil handling and huge number of positive reviews make it brilliant value for frequent fryers.
The Tefal Oleoclean Pro Deep Fryer commands a higher price than most budget fryers, but its 4.7 out of 5 rating from well over a thousand reviews shows that owners think it is worth it. Tefal’s design is geared towards serious frying, with a robust build that feels at home in busy kitchens. A standout strength is its approach to oil management, which makes it easier to keep your oil cleaner for longer rather than tipping it away after just a few uses. For households that fry regularly, this can save money on oil and make the whole process far less messy and time-consuming.
At around £99, the Tefal Oleoclean Pro is clearly more expensive than the other fryers featured here, so it will not suit ultra-tight budgets. Its larger size and more complex design mean it will take up more space and may feel like overkill if you only fry occasionally. While the oil-handling features are a big plus, they also mean a bit more to learn compared with the most basic models, which some users may not need. If you just want a small fryer for the odd portion of chips, you will be paying for capabilities you may rarely use.
The Tefal Oleoclean Pro is best for heavy users who fry regularly and care about keeping oil clean and costs under control over time. It makes sense for larger households, serious home cooks or anyone who entertains often and wants a fryer that can handle frequent use without feeling strained. If your budget allows for a higher initial spend in exchange for convenience and proven long-term satisfaction, this is the standout choice.
