Hamilton Beach 35021 Deep Fryer Review
Our verdict
The Hamilton Beach 35021 is a compact 2.1 qt deep fryer drawing 1500 watts in a stainless steel build, priced at $69.99. Over 10,200 buyers have rated it at 4.4 stars, making it one of the more thoroughly validated options in the compact home fryer segment.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Individuals and couples who want a space-conscious fryer for regular personal use. The 2.1 qt capacity is well-matched to portions for one or two people, and the 3.85 lb weight means it is easy to store and bring out as needed.
Skip if
Buyers cooking for families of three or more will find the 2.1 qt tank limiting and will frequently need to fry in multiple batches. Anyone wanting a fryer for larger gatherings should consider a 4 qt or larger model.
- Capacity 2.1 qt
- Wattage 1500 W
- Material Stainless Steel
- Color Black
- Dimensions 13.13 X 11.38 X 8.58 In
- Weight 3.85 lb
- Capacity of 2.1 qt - smaller than 79% of the 52 models we track
- Wattage of 1500 W - lower than 62% of the 52 models we track
- Weight of 3.85 lb - lighter than 73% of the 52 models we track
Pros
- Lightweight at 3.85 lb and compact footprint, easy to store
- 1500W adequate for the 2.1 qt tank size
- Stainless steel construction at a competitive price point
- Over 10,200 reviews at 4.4 stars confirm broad buyer satisfaction
- Hamilton Beach brand reliability well established in home appliances
Cons
- 2.1 qt capacity is genuinely limiting for family-size portions
- $69.99 is on the higher end for a fryer this small
- No listed max temperature for benchmarking against other models
- Smaller oil volume means more frequent oil changes for heavy users
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 10,200 owner ratings
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Popularity4.6/5
10,200 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other air fryers, deep fryers, indoor grills, griddles and countertop cooking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
- Capacity
- 2.1 qt
- Wattage
- 1500 W
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 13.13 X 11.38 X 8.58 In
- Weight
- 3.85 lb
Overview
The Hamilton Beach 35021 is sized for compact, personal-scale frying. At 2.1 qt, it holds enough oil for a small batch of fries, a few chicken tenders, or a handful of doughnuts. That limited capacity is a deliberate design choice that keeps the fryer physically small, at 13.13 x 11.38 x 8.58 inches, and very lightweight at 3.85 lb.
The 1500W heating element is standard for this size class and appropriate for the tank volume. It heats a smaller oil volume faster than a larger fryer and should maintain temperature adequately for normal use. The stainless steel construction adds durability and a cleaner look compared to all-plastic fryers in this price range.
At $69.99, the 35021 costs slightly more than some plastic competitors in the 2 qt range, but the 10,200 reviews at 4.4 stars suggest buyers find it worth the marginal price difference. Hamilton Beach is a well-known household appliance brand, which also adds purchase confidence.
Performance notes
At 1500W with a 2.1 qt tank, this fryer is appropriately powered for its size. A smaller oil volume reaches temperature faster than a larger tank at the same wattage, so preheat times should be short. The stainless steel body helps conduct and retain heat. The compact 13.13 x 11.38 x 8.58 inch footprint fits on most kitchen counters without dominating the space. The 3.85 lb weight makes it genuinely portable within the kitchen.
What buyers say
Ten thousand-plus reviews at 4.4 stars is a very strong validation for a compact home fryer in this price range. At this volume of feedback, the rating is statistically robust and reflects consistent real-world satisfaction rather than a lucky small sample. Buyers at this size and price point typically care about ease of use, cleanup, and reliable performance for small batches, and the rating suggests those expectations are being met.
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Frequently asked questions
Can the Hamilton Beach 35021 fry enough food for a family of four?
Not comfortably in one batch. The 2.1 qt oil capacity is designed for single-serving to two-person portions. To feed four people you would need to fry in two or three rounds, which adds time and requires keeping earlier batches warm. If you regularly cook for four or more, a 4 qt or larger fryer will be more efficient.
Is $69.99 reasonable for a 2.1 qt fryer?
It sits at the higher end for this capacity class, where many competitors are priced closer to $30 to $50. The price reflects the stainless steel construction and the Hamilton Beach brand. If build quality and brand reliability matter to you, the premium is modest. If you just want the cheapest fryer that works, smaller plastic models are available for less.
How often will I need to change the oil?
Oil change frequency depends on what you fry and how often you use it. With a 2.1 qt tank, you are using less oil per session, which some buyers appreciate for cost and waste reasons. However, smaller volumes also degrade faster under repeated heating cycles. For most home users frying once or twice a week, changing the oil every three to four sessions is a reasonable starting point.