Presto 05420 vs Secura L-DF401B-T Deep Fryer
The Presto 05420 and the Secura L-DF401B-T sit at opposite ends of the home deep fryer spectrum. The Presto is a compact, budget-focused fryer that costs under $41 and weighs only 3 pounds, while the Secura brings a 4.2-quart capacity, stainless steel build, and 1700 watts to the table for about $68. Both have earned thousands of real-world reviews, so there is solid feedback behind each. The choice comes down to how much food you need to fry at one time and how much counter space you can spare.
Quick winner
The Secura L-DF401B-T wins for families or anyone who fries in volume, while the Presto 05420 is the better pick for solo cooks or tight budgets.
Key differences, measured
- The Presto 05420 is 40% cheaper ($40.94 vs $68.49).
- The Secura L-DF401B-T is 500 W higher (1700 W vs 1200 W).
- Amazon buyers rate the Presto 05420 0.2 stars higher across 41,000 combined reviews.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Presto 05420 Deep Fryer | Secura L-DF401B-T Deep Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $40.94 | $68.49 |
| Rating | ||
| Wattage | 1200 W | 1700 W |
| Material | Ceramic | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Black | Silver |
| Dimensions | 8.38 X 8.13 X 7.38 In | 15.5 X 14.5 X 9.5 In |
The two contenders
Presto 05420 Deep Fryer
The Presto 05420 is priced at $40.94, making it one of the most affordable deep fryers in this category. It runs on 1200 watts and has a ceramic body in a compact black design measuring 8.38 x 8.13 x 7.38 inches, so it tucks away easily in smaller kitchens. At just 3 pounds it is easy to move and store. With over 30,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, it has one of the strongest satisfaction records in the segment. The trade-off is a smaller footprint that limits how much you can fry at once.
Buy this if: The Presto 05420 makes the most sense for one or two people who fry occasionally and do not want to spend more than $45. Its light weight and small dimensions are a genuine advantage if counter space or cabinet storage is limited. The extraordinary volume of positive reviews suggests it delivers consistent results for everyday home frying tasks.
Check price on AmazonSecura L-DF401B-T Deep Fryer
The Secura L-DF401B-T costs $68.49 and delivers a 4.2-quart oil capacity along with 1700 watts of heating power, both notable upgrades over the Presto. It is built with stainless steel and measures 15.5 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches, giving it a noticeably larger footprint but also more cooking room. The stainless finish resists stains and holds up well over time. Its 4.4-star rating across nearly 11,000 reviews confirms it performs reliably for regular use.
Buy this if: The Secura L-DF401B-T is the right choice for households of three or more, or anyone who fries larger batches like wings, fish, or French fries for a group. The 4.2-quart capacity and 1700-watt element mean faster heat recovery between batches. Its stainless steel construction is also a better fit for cooks who want a fryer that looks professional and cleans up with minimal effort.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Which fryer heats up faster, the Presto 05420 or the Secura L-DF401B-T?
The Secura runs at 1700 watts compared to 1200 watts on the Presto, so it will generally reach frying temperature faster and recover heat more quickly between loads. The Presto's lower wattage is adequate for small batches but will take more time with larger quantities of food. If speed matters, the Secura has the advantage.
Is the Presto 05420 large enough for a family dinner?
The Presto 05420 is a compact fryer best suited for one or two servings at a time. Cooking for a family would likely require multiple smaller batches, which adds time and can make it harder to serve everything hot at once. Families would be better served by the Secura's 4.2-quart capacity.
How do the two fryers compare on price and value?
The Presto 05420 costs about $41 and has over 30,000 reviews at 4.6 stars, making it an exceptional value for light use. The Secura L-DF401B-T costs about $68 and adds meaningful capacity and wattage for the extra $27. Which offers better value depends on your cooking needs: the Presto wins on cost per use for small batches, and the Secura wins for anyone who cooks for more than two people.
Which fryer is easier to store?
The Presto 05420 measures 8.38 x 8.13 x 7.38 inches and weighs 3 pounds, so it fits in most cabinets and is easy to move. The Secura L-DF401B-T at 15.5 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches takes up considerably more space. If cabinet or counter space is tight, the Presto is the practical choice.