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When I travel to my nearest home appliance store, I enjoy checking out all of the new kitchen gadgets I can find to make cooking a little bit more enjoyable. However, on my last trip, I noticed a box which had 'outdoor deep fryer' on the label. I had to pause and think: I knew of indoor deep fryers, but what on earth is an outdoor deep fryer? What use would it be when I already own an indoor unit? I called over one of my favorite store employees who always appears to be a walking encyclopedia of kitchen appliance knowledge.
I asked Frank if he could tell me what an outdoor deep fryer was, and what uses would I have for it besides using my own indoor one. Frank chuckled like he always does and pulled out of his memory banks some interesting facts on this outdoor deep fryer. “As you can see, the first difference is the size,” Frank began. “Most outdoor deep fryers are made for large items, such as turkeys, ducks, full chickens...” I interrupted him, saying I had heard of turkey fryers, but if it is only used for poultry I still wasn't convinced. Frank just coyly smiled and calmly continued.“My great Aunt Lydia who lives down on the Bayou loves to use her outdoor deep fryer. Aunt Lydia makes some great fried catfish when I and my wife come for a visit, and you see how this unit uses gas to heat the oil?” I took a look and nodded. “Well, take off the oil pot and slap on another filled with water, and you can boil crawfish as well!” Frank certainly appeared to love Cajun cuisine, but it really wasn't my thing. However I was certainly understanding the uses of the outdoor deep fryer, and why you would need a bigger unit to make a turkey in, but I could not grasp the need for it to be outside. I asked about this, and Frank lit up once more, ready with another great answer. “When you use and outdoor deep fryer, it is wise to use it on a flat, stone surface, like a driveway or patio. Not only is this smart due to some possible overspills, but also because if there is a mistake made and a fire caused by the hot oil, it can be controlled faster and safer outside. Oh, but don't worry, accidents like these when using an outdoor deep fryer happen less now that people are using their common sense.” “But my favorite reason for owning an outdoor deep fryer is the same as owning an outdoor grill: all the family and friends joining you while you make a delicious meal.” Well, Frank hit the nail on the head with me, and I am now a proud owner of an outdoor deep fryer – perhaps you will be too. |
