Costway HD3501A Deep Fryer Review
Our verdict
The Costway HD3501A delivers a 5.3 qt, 1700W stainless steel fryer at just $56.59, making it one of the best capacity-per-dollar options in the home deep fryer category. At 4.2 stars from 1,600 buyers it is a reasonable choice, though it trails premium brands in overall satisfaction.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Value-focused buyers who want large-batch frying capacity without spending over $60, and who are comfortable choosing a lesser-known brand in exchange for lower cost.
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Buyers who prioritize brand trust and higher satisfaction ratings and are willing to spend more for better-validated options from Hamilton Beach or Chefman.
- Capacity 5.3 qt
- Wattage 1700 W
- Material Stainless Steel
- Color Silver
- Dimensions 11 X 12 X 8.5 In
- Weight 7.7 lb
- Priced 17% below the category median ($68.30 across 52 tracked models)
- Capacity of 5.3 qt - larger than 65% of the 52 models we track
Pros
- Excellent value: 5.3 qt capacity at $56.59 undercuts most competitors
- 1700W provides solid heating power for the tank size
- Compact 11 x 12 x 8.5 in footprint for a 5.3 qt fryer
- 1,600 reviews provides a meaningful sample of real buyer experience
Cons
- 4.2-star average is below the top tier of competing brands
- Costway is a generalist budget brand, not a specialist appliance manufacturer
- 7.7 lb weight is heavier than some smaller competitors, though reasonable for the capacity
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 1,600 owner ratings
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Popularity3.1/5
1,600 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
- 5.3 qt
- Wattage
- 1700 W
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Color
- Silver
- Dimensions
- 11 X 12 X 8.5 In
- Weight
- 7.7 lb
Overview
The Costway HD3501A offers a 5.3 qt oil capacity and 1700W heating element at $56.59, a combination that is hard to match at this price. The stainless steel body measures 11 x 12 x 8.5 in and weighs 7.7 lb, making it compact for its capacity class.
At $56.59, this fryer undercuts many competitors with similar capacity by $20 to $30. Costway produces a wide range of home appliances and furniture at budget prices, which explains the affordability. The 1700W element provides good heating for the 5.3 qt tank.
With 1,600 reviews at 4.2 stars, buyer feedback is moderately positive. That rating is below the 4.4 to 4.6 range of premium alternatives, suggesting some buyers encounter issues that better-established brands manage to avoid. Still, at $56.59 for this capacity, many buyers find the tradeoff acceptable.
Performance notes
With 1700W and 5.3 qt of oil, the HD3501A can fry substantial batches of wings, fries, or shrimp in one round. The 11 x 12 in base is relatively square compared to the elongated shape of some competitors, which may affect basket design and how food lays during frying. At $56.59 it is competitive against fryers with half the capacity.
What buyers say
The 4.2-star average from 1,600 reviews reflects consistent but not exceptional buyer satisfaction. Many buyers rate the value positively given the price and capacity, while a portion report quality control concerns or performance issues that more expensive models tend to avoid. It is a reasonable budget purchase with eyes open.
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Frequently asked questions
How does the Costway HD3501A compare to the Hamilton Beach 35042 at $87.95?
Both offer 5.3 qt capacity and the 35042 runs at 1800W versus 1700W for the HD3501A. The Hamilton Beach is $31 more but carries a 4.5-star rating from 812 reviews versus 4.2 stars here. The Costway wins on price; Hamilton Beach wins on brand trust and satisfaction rating.
Is Costway a reliable brand for kitchen appliances?
Costway is a large budget appliance and furniture brand that sells across many categories. Quality is generally adequate for the price, but it is not a specialist appliance manufacturer like Hamilton Beach or Presto. Buyer reviews reflect this: acceptable performance at a budget price, with more variability than premium brands.
Can the HD3501A fry a large batch of chicken wings at once?
A 5.3 qt basket provides enough room for a generous serving of wings, typically 8 to 12 pieces depending on size. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as too much food at once drops the oil temperature and leads to uneven cooking. Fry in rounds if needed.