I haven't used my fryer for ages, thought I'd get it out tonight to give it a clean up. The basket is manky, I'm soaking it in hot soapy water but don't think it's going to work.
I've never liked chip fryers - either electric or hob top - nasty looking, messy and possibly dangerous things. I agree with chipchopper. Use oven chips. Can't help with the banana fritters, though.
My firend's got one of their acti-fry things (the ones that you put hardly any oil in) - she loves it. I don't use a deep fat fryer and I can't get at acti-fry thing that's big enough for my lot.