Verdict: 4 out of 5. The Hamilton Beach Cool Touch Deep Fryer 35021 is a 1,500-watt, 120 V home fryer with a 2-litre (8-cup) oil tank, a removable heating element and cool-touch sides. It does what it promises for a fair price — about $70 in the US today — as long as you treat it right and accept that some units fail within a year.
- Price: $69.99 at hamiltonbeach.com and on Amazon.com (read 30 September 2026) — in my videos I said $50–60, which is too low
- Tested by: Jackie, The Smart Kitchen Guide — bought with my own money, and I have used it for a while
- Best for: families and regular home cooks who fry chicken, fries, fish or onion rings about once a week, and anyone who wants a safer, less messy fryer
- Skip it if: you want a commercial fryer, fry once a month, hate dealing with oil, or expect it to last more than a year or two
- The one thing to know: durability is a gamble — some units fail within a year, and Hamilton Beach does not sell a replacement heating element
I bought this fryer myself. Hamilton Beach did not send it, nobody paid for this review, and there are no affiliate links on this page. The 35021 is a 120 V, 60 Hz model made for the US and Canada. Below is how it performed in my test, where my videos were wrong, what the manual says, what owners report and whether it is worth the money in 2026.
If this video helped you decide, please subscribe to The Smart Kitchen Guide on YouTube. Every review is a product I have bought and used myself.
What did I get wrong about the Hamilton Beach 35021 in my videos?
Eight statements in my two videos do not match Hamilton Beach’s manual, its product page or current listings. The performance I describe is real; these figures were off. Sources were read on 30 September 2026.
| What I said | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Price “about $50 to $60” | $69.99 at hamiltonbeach.com and on Amazon.com; $90.00 at Walmart.com (out of stock) |
| Amazon rating “about 3.5 to four stars” | 4.4 out of 5 from 10,333 ratings on Amazon.com; 4.6 out of 5 from 44 ratings at Walmart.com. “Thousands of reviews” was right |
| 13.13 in deep, 11.13 in wide | Hamilton Beach lists 13.94 in deep, 11.38 in wide and 8.58 in tall. My 11.13 was a slip (my own 28.9 cm is 11.38 in); 13.13 in is the Amazon listing’s depth |
| Heats up in “about 5 minutes” | The manual says preheat until the READY light comes on, 6 to 10 minutes. Amazon reviewers also report about 5 minutes |
| The tank is “nonstick” | Hamilton Beach calls the tank “enamel-coated” and never says nonstick |
| “You don’t have to wash the heating element” | The manual says to wipe it gently with a cloth dampened with hot, soapy water — and never to immerse it |
| Fries: 325 °F first, then 375 °F. Sausages: 325 °F for 6–8 minutes | That two-step method and the sausage timing are my own technique. The manual’s frying chart uses 375 °F for fries and has no sausage entry |
| 3.85 kg, “stainless steel construction with a black exterior” | The 3.85 kg figure is from the Amazon listing. Hamilton Beach states neither a weight nor the body material, so treat both as my description of my unit |
Hamilton Beach 35021 specifications
The 35021 is a 1,500 W countertop deep fryer with a 2 L (8-cup) removable enamel-coated oil tank, a lid with a viewing window, a wire basket with hooks, a magnetic breakaway cord and cool-touch sides. It is a 120 V, 60 Hz model (type DF09 in the manual). The third column is what I found.
| Specification | Official | What I found |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 1,500 W, 120 V ~ 60 Hz | Standard for a home deep fryer |
| Oil capacity | 2 L / 8 cups. The manual says fill with at least 6 and no more than 8 cups, between the MIN and MAX marks | I filled it to the line with about 2 L of vegetable oil |
| Food capacity | Up to 6 cups of French fries or chicken tenders | Best results with about 4 cups of fries; I filled the basket about halfway |
| Size | 13.94 in deep × 11.38 in wide × 8.58 in tall | Compact enough to leave out or store in a cabinet |
| Heating element | Removable control panel with an immersed element; it will not switch on unless correctly installed on the base | Lifts right out for cleaning |
| Controls | Adjustable temperature dial, POWER and READY lights, a RESET button on the element assembly. No temperatures are printed in the manual or on the product page | The READY light was accurate and the oil recovered quickly after food went in |
| Timer and filter | Neither. The manual says to set your own time and to strain used oil through cheesecloth or a paper towel | Use a kitchen timer; I strain and reuse the oil |
| Cord | Magnetic breakaway cord; length not stated | Some owners find it short |
| Warranty | 1-year limited, US and Canada; excludes glass; void if used on any voltage other than 120 V ~ 60 Hz | — |
How does the Hamilton Beach 35021 perform? My sausages and fries test
The sausages came out with a crispy casing, cooked all the way through, with no splatter on my counter. The fries were cooked through but never turned golden, and that result is not a fair test of the fryer, because my power kept dropping during filming.
How long does the Hamilton Beach 35021 take to heat up?
The READY light came on after about 5 minutes when I set it to 325 °F (160 °C), which is quick for a home fryer. The manual is more cautious and says 6 to 10 minutes. When cold food goes in, the oil temperature dips and the READY light may go out; in my test the oil recovered quickly, which matters because a big temperature drop gives greasy, soggy results.
How did the fries turn out in the Hamilton Beach 35021?
Cooked through, but pale. I filled the basket about halfway and put the lid on. Normally I fry in two steps — 325 °F (160 °C) to cook the inside, then 375 °F (190 °C) for the golden finish. Voltage drops meant I could not get a stable temperature, so I skipped the first step and kept it at 375 °F. Through the window I watched the oil struggle to stay hot and the fries take forever to brown. Please do not judge those fries; with stable power I would still use the two-step method.
Does the Hamilton Beach 35021 splatter?
Very little. With the sausages, the lid kept everything contained, unlike frying sausages in a pan, which is a mess for me every time. One blogger, Cookistry, did see some splatter when adding or removing food, so it is reduced, not eliminated.
Does the Hamilton Beach 35021 get hot enough?
My footage cannot settle it, and other owners are split. I saw the oil struggle to hold a high temperature, but I am fairly sure that was my voltage dips, not the fryer. Amazon’s review summary is mixed on temperature control: 45% positive of 244 mentions (read 30 September 2026). If you fry at high temperatures, let it preheat a bit longer.
What temperature and time should I use in the Hamilton Beach 35021?
Hamilton Beach’s manual says 375 °F (190 °C) for fries, onion rings and chicken tenders, and 350 °F (180 °C) for fish sticks and shrimp. Times below are for a full basket, from the frying chart on page 8 of the Use & Care manual (no. 840217100); batch size changes them.
| Food | Temperature | Time | Doneness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen French fries | 375 °F (190 °C) | 8–10 minutes | Brown and crisp |
| Fresh-cut French fries | 375 °F (190 °C) | 7–9 minutes | Brown and crisp |
| Frozen onion rings | 375 °F (190 °C) | 6–8 minutes | Brown and crisp |
| Frozen fish sticks | 350 °F (180 °C) | 4–6 minutes | 145 °F (63 °C) inside |
| Frozen butterflied shrimp | 350 °F (180 °C) | 3–5 minutes | 145 °F (63 °C) inside |
| Frozen chicken tenders | 375 °F (190 °C) | 3–5 minutes | 165 °F (73 °C) inside |
Two things are mine, not the manual’s: the 325 °F then 375 °F two-step method for fries, and 325 °F for 6 to 8 minutes for sausages. The manual has no sausage entry. Use a thermometer for meat, poultry and fish.
What do other owners say about the Hamilton Beach 35021?
Most owners are happy: the 35021 has 4.4 out of 5 from 10,333 ratings on Amazon.com (71% five-star, 6% one-star) and 4.6 out of 5 from 44 ratings at Walmart.com, both read on 30 September 2026. Amazon’s review summary splits by topic, and the weak spots match my verdict: durability, temperature control and size.
| Topic in Amazon’s review summary | Reviews mentioning it | Share positive |
|---|---|---|
| Frying performance | 295 | 87% |
| Ease of cleaning | 420 | 86% |
| Reliability | 655 | 76% |
| Size | 375 | 55% |
| Temperature control | 244 | 45% |
| Durability | 190 | 23% |
Data: Amazon.com, read 30 September 2026. Durability is the only topic where negative mentions clearly outnumber positive ones, mostly units that stopped working after about a year. I found no major lab test of the 35021 as of 30 September 2026; America’s Test Kitchen’s 2022 roundup tested other Hamilton Beach models (35033 and 35042).
What are the common problems with the Hamilton Beach 35021, and how do I fix them?
The most common problem is a unit that stops heating, usually after about a year; the fix to try first is the RESET button on the heating-element assembly. Owners also report food that is not crisp, a window that steams up and a short cord. The table combines the manual’s troubleshooting advice with what owners report.
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Does not heat, or will not turn on | Magnetic cord not seated, element not seated in the base, thermal cut-out tripped or oil level too low | Reseat the cord and the element, check the oil is above the MIN mark, then press RESET (steps below) |
| Food not golden or crisp | Temperature too low, time too short or basket too full | Fry a smaller batch, extend the time and preheat until the READY light is on. Keep to the chart in this review |
| Window fogs up | Condensation from wet food | Dry food first; wipe a thin film of oil on the inside of the cold window |
How do I reset the Hamilton Beach 35021?
- Make sure the oil is cold.
- Turn the temperature dial to MIN.
- Unplug the fryer.
- Lift out the control panel with the heating element.
- Push the RESET button on the back of the control panel with a thin skewer or thin screwdriver.
The thermal cut-out most often trips when the fryer runs with too little oil. If it still does not heat, note that Hamilton Beach’s parts list (30 September 2026) sells a basket, tank, lid and magnetic cord parts, but no replacement heating element or control panel, so a dead element means a warranty claim or a new fryer.
Hamilton Beach 35021 pros and cons
Pros
- Safety-first design. Cool-touch sides prevent burns, the lid reduces splatter and the breakaway cord stops the fryer being pulled off the counter.
- Fast, even heating. About 5 minutes to the READY light in my test, no cold spots; the window lets you check without lifting the lid.
- Easy cleanup. The heating element lifts out and the enamel-coated tank hand-washes in the sink; the basket hook drains food with the lid closed.
- Self-contained storage. The handle, basket and cord fit inside the fryer with the lid closed.
- Fair price for the features. About $70 at hamiltonbeach.com and on Amazon.com (30 September 2026).
Cons
- Smaller usable capacity than advertised. It claims 6 cups of food, but I got the best results with about 4 cups of fries; overfilling causes uneven cooking and temperature drops.
- 2 L of oil is costly to fill and store.
- Durability concerns. Multiple owners report the heating element, thermostat or cord failing after about a year, and there is no replacement element to buy.
- Temperature control is good but not perfect. Some owners say it does not get hot enough for some foods.
- No timer and no built-in filter. You time it yourself and strain the oil yourself.
- 120 V only. Outside the US and Canada you need a step-down transformer.
Is the Hamilton Beach 35021 worth the price?
Yes at about $70, if you fry regularly and treat it carefully — my answer in the video was “yes and no”, and 4 out of 5 is where I landed. The cool-touch sides, viewing window and removable element make it one of the best-designed budget fryers on the market. The catch is that some units fail within a year, so you are rolling the dice a bit. Many owners report theirs lasting years; the ones who got a dud are angry, rightfully so.
| Retailer | Price (30 Sep 2026) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| hamiltonbeach.com | $69.99 | Ships free |
| Amazon.com (sold by Amazon) | $69.99; used “Very Good” from $65.79 (Amazon Resale) | In stock |
| Walmart.com | $90.00 | Out of stock |
| Target.com | Could not verify | The model did not show up in my search |
| Home Depot | Not listed | — |
| Canada | Could not verify | — |
My “$50 to $60” was lower than any current new price I found; it may reflect an older sale price. Prices change often, and there are no shopping links on this page. If you fry only once a month, you may be better off with a pot.
Who should buy the Hamilton Beach 35021 — and who should skip it?
Buy it if
- You are a family who loves fried food: six cups feeds four to six people as a side, or two to three as a main
- You hate mess: the lid and cool-touch design make frying much less messy
- You fry about once a week — it can handle weekly frying for a year or two
- You are safety-conscious or have kids: the cool-touch sides and breakaway cord are serious safety features
Skip it if
- You want a commercial fryer or cook for a crowd
- You have a very limited budget and fry only once a month: a pot may serve you better
- You do not want to deal with oil
- You expect it to last forever: based on reviews I would plan on a lifespan of about 1 to 2 years, and it is not the fryer for 5 years plus
How do I use the Hamilton Beach 35021 deep fryer?
- Put the fryer on a flat, stable counter. Pour vegetable or peanut oil into the removable tank, at least to the MIN mark and never above the MAX mark (the manual gives 6 to 8 cups). Never run it without oil.
- Attach the magnetic end of the cord to the fryer first, then plug it into the wall. Do not use an extension cord.
- Turn the dial to the temperature you need and preheat with the lid closed until the READY light comes on. The manual gives 6 to 10 minutes.
- Pat the food dry and lower the basket slowly. Fry with the lid on. Do not add water or ice to hot oil.
- Raise the basket by pulling the handle up until it hooks, and let it drain with the lid still closed. Always raise and drain the basket before opening the lid.
- Turn the dial to MIN and unplug. Do not move the fryer while it holds hot oil.
The manual recommends vegetable or peanut oil; butter, margarine, olive oil and animal fat are not recommended because their smoke points are low. Do not mix oils or use refrigerated oil, which splatters. There is no timer, so time the batch yourself with the frying chart above.
How do I clean and store the Hamilton Beach 35021?
Unplug it, let the oil cool completely, lift out the heating element, pour out the oil and hand-wash the tank in warm, soapy water. Never clean a hot fryer: you will burn yourself, and hot oil is dangerous. The manual says cooling can take several hours.
- Lift out the control panel with the element and set it aside. Hold it so no oil drips on the base. Wipe it gently with a cloth dampened with hot, soapy water; never immerse it.
- Pour the used oil into a container. You can strain it and reuse it.
- Hand-wash the tank with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. The coating means little sticks. Watch out for the sharp edges around the rim.
- Wash the basket and the lid in warm, soapy water. The lid is one piece, and the glass window just needs a wipe.
- Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Nothing needs to be submerged.
How many times can I reuse the oil?
The manual says oil used for fries can be reused 10 to 12 times if you filter it after each use; oil used for meat or fish needs changing more often. Change it when it smells strong or turns dark or syrupy, and store it in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Where do I store the Hamilton Beach 35021?
To store the 35021, rotate the basket handle into the basket and put the basket and the power cord inside the oil tank with the lid closed. At 13.94 by 11.38 by 8.58 inches it fits in a cabinet; clean it thoroughly first so oil residue does not attract dust.
Can you use the Hamilton Beach 35021 outside the US?
Only with a step-down transformer that turns 220–240 V mains into 120 V. The 35021 is rated 120 V ~ 60 Hz at 1,500 W, and a plug adapter changes the shape of the plug, not the voltage. Hamilton Beach’s warranty is void if the fryer is used on any other voltage, and unstable power is exactly what spoiled my fries test. A 1,500 W fryer is a heavy load, so choose a transformer rated comfortably above that. The warranty covers the US and Canada only.
What are good alternatives to the Hamilton Beach 35021?
The closest like-for-like fryer is the Amazon Basics 2.1-quart model, and the cheapest is the Presto FryDaddy. Prices were read on 30 September 2026 from Amazon.com search pages unless noted; they are snapshots.
| Fryer | Price | Oil capacity / power | Compared with the 35021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presto FryDaddy 05420 | $46.99 at gopresto.com; $42.39 on Amazon.com | 4 cups, 1,200 W | Cheaper and uses half the oil, but has no thermostat dial, no lid window and no basket — you scoop the food out |
| Amazon Basics 2.1-quart | $56.39 | 2.0 L / 8 cups, 1,500 W | The closest like-for-like and cheaper; adds a timer. I could not verify cool-touch sides or a removable element |
| Cuisinart CDF-100 Compact | $64.00 | About 1.1 L (Cuisinart’s figure) | Smaller batches; a charcoal odor filter and a 3-year warranty according to retail copy, against the 35021’s 1 year |
| Hamilton Beach 35034 (3 baskets) | $84.99 (35034G) at hamiltonbeach.com; $84.95 on Amazon.com | 4.5 L / 19 cups | Fries two foods at once, but a bigger footprint and more than twice the oil; Your Best Digs criticised its thermostat and build |
| T-fal FR8000 Ultimate EZ Clean | $149.95 | 3.5 L, 1,700 W | More than twice the price; oil filtration, timer and dishwasher-safe parts per third-party specs. America’s Test Kitchen’s 2022 winner was a related T-fal (FR7008002) |
If you do not want to deal with oil at all, skip the 35021: an air fryer avoids oil, though it does not give true deep-fried results with wet batter.
Hamilton Beach 35021 FAQ
Are Hamilton Beach deep fryers good?
The 35021 is good for the money: I rate it 4 out of 5. It is my fourth Hamilton Beach appliance on this channel, and the brand has been impressive for value so far. I have only tested this fryer, so I cannot speak for the rest of the range. The catch is durability, with some units failing within a year.
Is the Hamilton Beach 35021 dishwasher safe?
Hamilton Beach does not say. Neither the manual nor the product page mentions a dishwasher. The manual says to wash the tank and base in hot, soapy water and never to immerse the heating element. One independent blogger, Cookistry, says none of the parts are dishwasher safe. I hand-wash the tank and the basket.
Is the Hamilton Beach 35021 better than the Cuisinart CDF-100?
It depends on batch size. I have not tested the Cuisinart. On paper it is smaller (about 1.1 L against 2 L), and retail copy lists a charcoal odor filter and a 3-year warranty, against the 35021’s 1 year and no filter. The 35021 has cool-touch sides, a viewing window, a removable element and a magnetic cord, and $64 versus $69.99 is close.
Watch the full test: sausages, fries, cleaning and storage
Found this useful? Subscribe to The Smart Kitchen Guide for more real-world tests of kitchen gear I have bought and used myself — no sponsorships, no affiliate links.
Related reviews and recipes
- Hamilton Beach Power Elite blender review (58148A) — another Hamilton Beach I bought and tested
- Hamilton Beach Stack & Press chopper review (72850) — a 3-cup chopper for onions and herbs
- Hamilton Beach Classic stand and hand mixer review (64655 / 64650) — a 2-in-1 for beginners
- Philips Airfryer HD9220 review — crisp food with a spoonful of oil instead of two litres
- Chicken pakora and kwek kwek (Filipino deep-fried eggs) — two deep-fried recipes from this site
How this review was made
I am Jackie, the reviewer behind The Smart Kitchen Guide. I bought the Hamilton Beach 35021 with my own money; it is the fourth Hamilton Beach appliance I have tested. The tests and photos are mine, taken from my two videos. The specifications and frying chart come from the Hamilton Beach product page and the Use & Care manual; ratings and prices were read from Hamilton Beach, Amazon.com and Walmart.com on 30 September 2026. This page contains no affiliate links and no sponsored content. Last updated 30 September 2026.
