Deep fryer baskets are typically made of wire mesh or stainless steel, and they allow for both efficient frying and draining of excess oil from cooked food. A medium sized vintage wire fish and chip fryer from the 1950's. The basket holds the cut chips or fish and has a long thick curved open wire formed handle which can hang on the side of the saucepan for draining the cooking oil.food preparation, food processing equipment, deep fryer basket, 1940s