Every heating appliance has a thermostat, othewise they would overheat.

You just can't control the level of heat for the unit.

I think my DIL is getting me the mini (4 cups oil) Presto Fry Daddy for Christmas. I sure hope it's immersable but I doubt it.

I have a fry baby and a fry daddy - neither one is immersible - but they aren't hard to clean - one thing I don't do is leave the oil in the fryer - when cool I transfer to a bowl and put in the fridge - for some reason the oil tastes better when re-using - but maybe it's me

I also have the Fry Daddy, not immersible but very easy to pour out the oil and wipe clean. I had the Fry Baby for years and years but grew up to the larger size at some point that I can't remember.

I especially like the Fry Baby/Daddy's because I can store them away when not using. The big sealed units are too bulky for my kitchen and had to stay on the counter.

Sine we are leaning toward getting a large one for Christmas I am appreciative of all the advice. I just think we need one now with all the additional members of our family and the amount of frying we now do!