Choosing between the Presto FryDaddy and the Presto GranPappy feels like comparing two siblings with very different personalities. I’ve cooked with both more times than I can count — fries for movie night, crispy shrimp for quick lunches, chicken strips for guests — and each fryer brings its own rhythm into the kitchen. If you’re deciding which one deserves a place on your counter, this detailed breakdown will help you pick the perfect match for your cooking style.
Main Difference Between Presto FryDaddy vs GranPappy Deep Fryer
The Presto FryDaddy is the compact, low-oil, space-saving option ideal for small kitchens and quick snacks.
The Presto GranPappy, on the other hand, offers double the oil capacity, more power, and is better suited for families or frequent frying.
- COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four...
- Makes six servings of french fries with just six cups of oil
Comparison Table: Presto FryDaddy vs GranPappy Deep Fryer
| Feature | Presto FryDaddy | Presto GranPappy |
| Capacity | 4 servings (4 cups oil) | 6 servings (6 cups oil) |
| Wattage | 1200W | 1500W |
| Material | Ceramic nonstick | Aluminum with ceramic nonstick |
| Size | Compact & lightweight | Larger & heavier |
| Weight | 3 lbs | 4.5 lbs |
| Temperature | Automatic control | Automatic control |
| Accessories | Fry scoop, snap-on lid | Fry scoop, snap-on lid |
| Cleaning | Easy, nonstick surface | Easy, nonstick surface |
| Best For | Small kitchens, snacks | Families, larger batches |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparison Review
Whether I’m preparing quick evening snacks or frying big batches for guests, both models have gone through real-world tests in my kitchen. Below is my personal experience with each feature and how they stack up against each other.
Design
Both fryers share the classic Presto simple-bucket aesthetic, but the way they feel in daily use differs noticeably.
FryDaddy:
The FryDaddy is compact, light, and easy to tuck away. Its smaller size makes it feel extremely manageable, especially when I only need to fry a small portion. The black ceramic finish gives it a clean, modern look, and it doesn’t take over counter space.
GranPappy:
The GranPappy looks and feels like the bigger sibling — slightly wider, taller, and heavier. The larger frame isn’t bulky, but you can tell it means business. If you often fry larger sized items like chicken strips or fish fillets, the extra space makes a real difference.
Overall, FryDaddy wins for portability and compactness, while GranPappy is better for volume and heat distribution.
- COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four...
Ease of Use
Both fryers are extremely straightforward, which is one reason I enjoy using them more than basket-style fryers.
FryDaddy:
It’s literally plug-and-fry. No temperature dials, no complications — the automatic thermostat handles everything. Because it’s smaller, it heats up fast and recovers temperature quickly between batches.
GranPappy:
This one is just as simple, but the additional oil means a slightly longer preheat. However, once heated, the GranPappy holds its temperature incredibly well, especially during constant frying. For parties or large batches, this makes it more reliable.
Ease-of-use winner? FryDaddy for quick meals, GranPappy for heavy-duty frying.
- Makes six servings of french fries with just six cups of oil
Functions & Performance
Even though both devices look humble, they’re excellent performers — but they cater to different needs.
FryDaddy Performance Review:
With less oil to heat, it cooks fries, shrimp, nuggets, and onion rings faster than you’d expect. It’s ideal for single servings or small households. I love how consistent the crisping results are — light, golden, never greasy.
GranPappy Performance Review:
The GranPappy’s higher wattage and larger oil capacity allow it to handle bigger portions without the oil temperature dropping too low. This results in better texture when frying multiple servings. When cooking for more than two people, I reach for the GranPappy every time.
If you cook larger meals often, the GranPappy is the more robust performer.
Oil Usage & Capacity
Here’s where the biggest split happens:
- FryDaddy = 4 cups oil
- GranPappy = 6 cups oil
When you’re frying small snacks, saving oil matters. The FryDaddy is very efficient — you use less oil, and cleanup afterward feels lighter.
But when you try frying large items in the FryDaddy, you quickly feel restricted. Meanwhile, the GranPappy gives food more space to float, crisp, and cook evenly. The difference is very noticeable when frying chicken or multiple fillets.
- COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four...
- Makes six servings of french fries with just six cups of oil
Cleaning
Presto did a great job with both models. The ceramic nonstick interior works flawlessly.
FryDaddy:
Because it’s smaller, cleaning is faster. Wiping it out takes seconds, and its snap-on lid lets you store the oil inside without worrying about spills.
GranPappy:
Cleaning is equally easy but takes slightly more time solely due to size. The snap-on lid feature is also convenient here, especially since it helps keep large quantities of oil contained.
Cleaning winner? FryDaddy — only because of its size.
Durability
Both models use sturdy cast aluminum bodies with ceramic nonstick interiors. In long-term use, neither warps nor scratches easily, and both maintain consistent performance.
GranPappy’s higher wattage means it feels more industrial and built for heavier use, but FryDaddy holds up extremely well for daily smaller cooking.
Presto FryDaddy Elctric Deep Fryer
- COMPACT KITCHEN DEEP FRYER: Perfect for small spaces, this Presto deep fryer makes four...
Pros:
- Very compact and lightweight
- Uses less oil
- Quick preheat and recovery
- Perfect for singles or small households
- Easy cleanup
- Snap-on lid for oil storage
Cons:
- Small capacity
- Not ideal for large items or multiple servings
- Limited space can overcrowd food
Presto GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer
- Makes six servings of french fries with just six cups of oil
Pros:
- Larger capacity (6 cups oil)
- Better for families and parties
- More powerful heating (1500W)
- Excellent temperature recovery
- Same snap-on lid convenience
- Still easy to store despite bigger size
Cons:
- Uses more oil
- Slightly longer preheat
- More counter space required
Conclusion & Recommendation:
After using both fryers extensively, here’s the honest takeaway:
If you live alone, cook for one or two people, or prefer quick snacks without wasting oil, the Presto FryDaddy is clearly the smarter and more economical choice.
But if you cook for a family, host gatherings, or simply want the flexibility to fry larger items without crowding, the Presto GranPappy easily justifies the extra size and oil requirement.
My Recommendation:
For most households, the GranPappy is the better long-term investment because of its stronger performance and larger capacity. However, if compactness or oil-saving is your top priority, the FryDaddy will make you very happy.
