Have been using this unit to prepare corn dogs, krinkle-cut fries, tater-tots and even deep-fried tofu.  The unit does a great job at preparing small quantities.

I use corn oil that has a smoke temperature of 440°F and it does a good job.  I buy a one-gallon jug of oil at the grocery store and that fills the reservoir just to the MAX fill line.

The oil comes up to temperature fairly quickly, and maintains temperature when running multiple batches.  (Note that I let the frozen products defrost for about 30 minuets before frying)

The lid is the best part of the design.  you can remove the lid, load product into the basket, set the lid loosely on top of the basket, then drop the basket into the oil with the lid following down and that contains 100% of the splatter.  There is virtually no mess.