Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased this deep fryer at a department store and given the price I wasn't expecting perfection, however I did expect the fryer to at least come within 20 deg. F of its maximum indicated temperature (375 deg. F). Even after allowing the fryer to sit for several minutes with lid closed and no food added it peaked at 330 deg. F as measured by a recently calibrated Thermapen. Given that most food is best when fried between 350 and 375 deg. F, this was a fatal flaw. The breaded chicken we cooked was OK, but should have been a darker (golden) brown and less oil saturated- which would have been possible simply with hotter oil. If the temperature control worked within reason I'd give the fryer at least 4 stars. Re-evaluate your QC and design Presto. -----Disclaimer: Do not attempt the following unless you are experienced with such devices and willing to accept the associated risk of fire, severe burns, and/or electrocution----- I decided it was worth an attempt to fix the inaccurate/low temperature issue since otherwise the unit was going into the trash. Upon disassembly I discovered a very crude adjustable temperature regulator (bi-metallic strip combined with sprung mechanical contacts- see pic). By removing the rotation stop (metal "Q" looking ring pressed on shaft) I could "turn up" the set temperature until I reached the desired 350-375 deg. F the unit should peak at from the factory. The indicated dial on the knob is of course worthless, but at least now I can get my oil to appropriate temperature using my Thermapen.