J wrote:

> I'm thinking about getting an electric deep fryer and have a couple of
> questions....

> 1. Are these worthwhile or is the good old pan and wire basket the only
way
> to go?

i'd say the electric fryer is the way to go, plus they're safer. i might
consider the stove top method if i only used it once or twice a year.

> 2. What is the healthiest oil to use?

canola or peanut oil are good choices for deep frying. they have a higher
smoke point and are a little more durable than regular old vegetable oil.
they're also pretty light and have neutral flavor.

> 3. What about changing the oil? Do you change after every use? Scoop out
the
> floaters and re-use?

i definitely reuse my oil. since i don't fry a whole lot, i generally filter
my frying oil through a coffee filter in a funnel and store the oil in the
back of the fridge. it keeps a lot longer that way without picking up off
smells.