...and that's exactly why I stopped buying the thin ones. I mean, honestly, the way you described it popping out sounds like one of those cartoon explosions where the whole thing just gives up. I once had a basket buckle on me mid-chicken-nugget flip and it looked like a sad taco, not a cooking tool. Maybe it's just me, but I figure if a basket can't handle a few months of hot wings, it's basically a temporary kitchen accessory with extra steps. Idk, forking over the cash for something heavier might sting now, but at least it won't try to redecorate your kitchen floor with hot oil.

Yeah I've been there too, and the trick is to always keep a spare battery on the charger in the truck, plus a corded drill with a chain flail as the emergency backup. @reese_patel is right that hand scraping builds character, but it doesn't have to wreck your whole week if you're ready for it. Next time the motor dies, just swap in the spare and save the wire brush for the tight spots only.