Don't you have a good hood over your cooktop ? If you do all you have to do it turn on the exhaust 5 min before you start to heat the oil. Place a large flat secure surface over your burners...cutting board or something similar. Voila...you are in business...no HOGS. Perfect solution. Let the exhaust run for 5-10 min after also as the oil cools to collect all odors and to clear the duct.

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No, I don't have an exhaust fan over my old Magic Chef gas stove and never have had, nor did my Uncle all the years he owned the house. I suppose a good contractor could figure out how to install one, but it would be tricky. Anyhow, I was just laughing at myself about how paranoid I am about keeping my new kitchen looking like new.

My parents used to have a small deep fryer and they used to use it outside on the screened in porch! I fry my fish on my outside burner, next to our BBQ grill. I do have a large hood, but I hate the mess and smell when done inside. It does help that I now live in CA, so cooking outside in Dec is not a problem!

It suddenly dawned on me that I intended to post this on the Kitchen forum. sorry. chispa, I wish I had a screened in porch for just such occasions - except in winter.

For me deep-fried anything is a treat.
So I let someone else do it ... meaning only when we go out to eat. ;)