What’s inside this buyer’s guide
- Introduction
- Types of commercial deep fryers
- Styles of commercial deep fryers
- Things to consider before purchase
- Best makes of commercial deep fryers
- Frequently asked questions
- Commercial deep fryer glossary
- Keep your cash; use ours!
Whether it's golden fried chicken, crispy French fries, or mouthwatering onion rings, one thing's certain: the love for golden fried indulgence runs deep in the heart of us Americans.
With that being said, the onus falls squarely on restaurants to meet those insatiable cravings with their mouthwatering, golden crunch.
And that's precisely where our guide steps in – to steer you towards the perfect commercial deep fryer, ensuring you can delight your customers with every crispy bit.
We break down fryer types, spotlight standout features, and showcase top brands.
Dive in and make every fry count!
Types of commercial deep fryers
Whether you’re starting your own fast-food venture or even a specialty food truck, selecting the perfect commercial deep fryer is a pivotal decision.
The decision lies in knowing what type of food you’ll be frying and how fast you need to fry it.
Let’s simplify the most sought-after types and styles to help you find the best fit for your kitchen.
Open pot fryers
If you're all about keeping things easy and efficient in the kitchen, say hello to the open-pot fryer. It's a top pick for lots of fast-food places, and here's why:
- Design: It boasts a transparent tank with heaters located outside for effortless access and cleaning.
- Functionality: External heaters provide ample frying space, ensuring consistent cooking results.
- Ideal for: Eateries specializing in dishes like corn dogs, onion rings, or chicken nuggets. Its intuitive design streamlines cleanup, making it a top pick for high-volume kitchens.
Tube type fryers
If your menu features a range of battered dishes, consider the tube-type fryer. It's a smart choice, combining a clever design with precise cooking for your fried favorites.
- Design: This fryer features internal tubes and utilizes gas as a direct heat source for the oil, all within a sturdy construction.
- Functionality: Gas circulating through tubes ensures even and consistent temperature distribution.
- Ideal for: Restaurants specializing in dishes like fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, battered fish, or other high-sediment foods – this fryer, equipped with cold zones, will extend the life of your cooking oil and maintain optimal taste.
Ribbon fryers
When it comes to efficient frying, the electric ribbon fryer is a top choice. It guarantees consistent results and speedy service, all without compromising on the delicious taste of your dishes.
- Design: Uniquely electric, this fryer stands out with its ribbon-shaped heating elements that span the base, ensuring optimal heat distribution.
- Functionality: The ribbon elements, renowned for their rapid conductivity, swiftly bring the oil to the perfect temperature and maintain it throughout service.
- Ideal for: Restaurants seeking precise temperature control, fast turnarounds, and those dedicated to minimizing wait times while preserving food quality.
Flat bottom fryers
When you're frying delicate dishes that stay on the oil's surface, the flat-bottom fryer is the perfect pick. It ensures an even frying environment, making your cooking easy and delicious.
- Design: True to its name, it boasts a minimalist flat base, free from any tubes or hindrances, guaranteeing uniform heat distribution.
- Functionality: Its level base ensures a dependable frying surface, catering perfectly to items that stay afloat while cooking.
- Ideal for: Eateries specializing in dough-based delights, like doughnuts, tempura, or crispy golden brown hush puppies. It guarantees each item is expertly cooked to perfection.
Pressure fryers
These fryers are far from ordinary; they blend frying with the precision of pressure cooking, adding a touch of culinary expertise to your kitchen.
- Design: Crafted with durable stainless steel, these fryers feature a sealing lid that locks in the flavors.
- Functionality: Unlike your traditional fryer, pressure fryers elevate cooking efficiency. By frying foods under high pressure, they cut down cooking times. The outcome? Crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. Plus, the adjustable settings allow you to customize them for various dishes.
- Ideal for: Kitchens that demand swift, delicious frying – whether it's chicken, fish, or snacks – these fryers are your top choice. They deliver quick results and consistent quality with every batch.
Styles of deep fryers
Choosing the perfect fryer isn't just about today's needs; it's about planning for tomorrow's demands.
Your fryer choice can affect how fast you serve, the taste of your food, and how happy your customers are.
Countertop fryers
These compact units are meticulously designed to take up minimal space while consistently delivering stable frying results.
- Design: Typically made of sturdy stainless steel, countertop fryers feature a front-facing temperature control, an easy-to-reach oil drain for simple cleaning, and often come with two baskets for frying different items at once.
- Capacity: They have a smaller oil capacity but perform well for lighter frying tasks.
- Ideal for: Places with limited space, like food trucks, takeout counters, or smaller restaurants. They work efficiently for frying items like fried cheese curds, onion rings, and quick snacks.
Floor-standing fryers
These fryers are the real heavyweights in the frying game, built for high capacity and consistent results.
- Design: These sturdy fryers boast a larger oil tank and multiple baskets, often featuring wheels for effortless mobility. The temperature controls are more detailed, making it easier to fry with precision.
- Capacity: With a large oil capacity, they can handle more batches, ensuring faster service during busy times.
- Ideal for: Bustling fast-food establishments with a steady stream of customers. They're perfect for frying chicken, fish, large batches of fries, and more.
Drop-in fryers
Tucked neatly into the countertop, these fryers maximize your space without sacrificing frying quality.
- Design: Once in place, only the frying basin and control interface will be visible, creating a seamless addition to your kitchen counter. Effortless access to drains simplifies the cleaning process.
- Capacity: Capacity varies, but these are generally on the medium side of the scale.
- Ideal for: Places where space-saving and efficiency are paramount, such as concession stands, mall kiosks, or fast-food outlets
Specialty fryers
Just as the name implies, these deep fryers are all about specialization. They're primarily designed for frying unique items like churros and corn dogs.
- Design: These fryers typically feature a flat-bottom design, lacking the traditional sediment zone, to guarantee uniform heat distribution, especially for specialty items.
- Capacity: While capacity varies by design, they are optimized for their specific task, ensuring efficient frying for particular items.
-
Ideal for: Venues serving specialty American delights like corn dogs, fried Oreos, beignets, hush puppies, or fried pickles. If you have a distinct offering, this fryer is your solution.
Ventless fryers
Ventless commercial deep fryers are revolutionary in kitchens without a dedicated hood system. They come equipped with their own ventilation and fire suppression, ensuring a safe and top-quality frying experience.
- Design: They have built-in air filters and fire safety features. Some come with clear lids to prevent oil splatter, making frying safer.
- Capacity: Similar to countertop or medium-sized floor fryers.
- Ideal for: Locations that lack a complete hood and vent system, particularly in shared or rented spaces where extensive modifications aren't viable.
Things to consider when buying a commercial deep fryer
Type of food to be fried
It is essential to carefully consider your menu before you finalize on a commercial deep fryer.
- Size and shape: If you prepare sizable dishes like whole chicken or fish, focus on fryers with ample depth and spacious baskets. For serving sides like fries or wedges, consider fryers that accommodate multiple baskets for added convenience.
- Battered vs. non-battered: Fried foods with batter tend to produce crumbs, so it's best to use a fryer with dedicated cold zones to catch them. But a standard fryer will do the job perfectly if your dishes don't have batter.
- Specialty offerings: If classic American favorites like corn dogs and funnel cakes are on your menu, specialized deep fryers custom-made for these dishes are the ideal choice.
- Frozen or fresh: Frozen ingredients can lower your oil's temperature. You need a fryer that heats up quickly to maintain the right temperature. Even with fresh items, a consistent and even heat is essential.
- Oil dynamics: Each dish has its way of absorbing oil. If you're serving a lot of fries, get ready to change the oil more often.
- Pace of business: For busy kitchens that see a lot of action, opting for robust, heavy-duty fryers is a wise move.
Use your menu to decide on the fryer that fits best. The right choice guarantees every dish comes out perfectly crispy and delicious.
Size and capacity
The size and capacity of a deep fryer depend not only on its physical size but also on how many baskets it can accommodate.
Commercial deep fryers come in three capacities: single, double, and triple. Continue reading to know more about each.
Single Basket Fryers
These fryers are like your kitchen's solo stars. They're perfect for small or new establishments with limited menus. They work well if you're frying one thing at a time.
While they're compact and budget-friendly, they could pose challenges during those unexpected rushes.
Double basket fryers
This is where versatility comes into play; with two baskets, you can simultaneously fry two different dishes without the flavors blending into each other.
Imagine frying chicken tenders in one and sweet potato fries in the other—efficiency and speed without compromising the authentic taste.
It's a game-changer, especially for medium-sized diners.
Triple basket fryers
In fast-paced, high-demand establishments, triple baskets are the ultimate multitaskers. They handle three distinct dishes with ease.
Alternatively, you can allocate two baskets to your star dishes and reserve one for a side dish.
This level of adaptability is unmatched, empowering you to maximize productivity and effortlessly cater to the increase in demand.
Settings, features and functionality
Let's dive into the settings, features, and how it works.
This is where you make sure your fryer meets your kitchen's needs.
Consider these vital features as you decide:
- Programmable temperature settings: This is pivotal for precision cooking. Commercial deep fryers with precise thermostat controls allow you to set and maintain the perfect frying temperature, ensuring consistency in every batch.
- Safety mechanisms: An automatic shut-off feature is essential. It steps in if things get too hot, helping cool things down and preventing potential accidents.
- Swift heat recovery: A must-have for bustling kitchens. Fryers equipped with this feature swiftly reach their designated temperature after frying, minimizing wait times and delivering excellent outcomes.
- Advanced functionalities: Newer fryers come with advanced technology. They have preset frying cycles and oil filtration systems, making them efficient and high-quality. Seek out fryers that let you customize settings for your specific dishes.
A commercial deep fryer isn't just any kitchen gadget; it's a commitment to safety, excellence, and productivity.
Make sure it ticks all the essential boxes.
Filtration
Filtration effectively removes unwanted food particles and carbon deposits from your oil. The outcome?
Your dishes become crisper and more flavorful, and dining becomes safer.
Moreover, it's a smart financial move, as purified oil lasts longer, reducing operating expenses.
Filtration options:
- Built-in systems: Built directly into the fryer for effortless filtration.
- External systems: As standalone champions, they effortlessly attach and purify.
- Portable systems: Their mobility makes them effortlessly adaptable to various fryers.
Advantages of filtrations:
- Peak flavor: Fresh oil ensures regular delicious bites without lingering aftertastes.
- Eco-friendly savings: Prolong the life of your oil, reduce waste, and make an environmentally friendly choice while also saving on costs.
- Prioritize safety: Filtered oil significantly reduces potential risks, whether it’s unpredicted flare-ups or unwanted bacteria. Safety and quality are intertwined.
Energy/fuel consumption
With environmental awareness on the rise in our country, selecting an energy-efficient deep fryer goes beyond business considerations; it reflects our dedication to sustainability.
Here's a quick look at the options for power sources, including gas and electric:
Commercial gas deep fryers
- Efficiency: Gas fryers are known for their rapid heating and quick temperature recovery between batches, potentially leading to shorter cooking durations.
- Cost: Natural gas is often more cost-effective than electricity in numerous regions, especially in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Florida. Nonetheless, it's important to note that prices can vary, so it's wise to monitor rate changes.
- Environmental impact: Gas fryers tend to have lower energy consumption but are associated with carbon emissions. If you prioritize sustainability, ensure your gas supply aligns with eco-friendly practices or explore ways to compensate for your carbon footprint.
Commercial electric deep fryers
- Efficiency: Electric fryers may have a slower heating time, but they provide steady and even heat, which is vital for certain delicate dishes.
- Cost: While electricity can be pricier than gas in certain places, the initial investment often pays off in the long run, thanks to lower maintenance costs for electric appliances.
- Environmental impact: Electric deep fryers produce no direct emissions during operation, such as carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxides. This can contribute to better air quality, especially in indoor settings, compared to gas fryers that release combustion byproducts into the air. Choosing electric deep fryers can align well with sustainable business practices in regions with readily available renewable energy.
Maintenance and durability
Although commercial deep fryers can save you time, they require some care and attention to maintain their efficiency and longevity.
Here's how to keep them in top condition:
Commit to cleaning
To maintain your fryer's shine, give the exterior a daily wipe-down.
Additionally, don't forget the weekly deep clean, which involves emptying the oil and scrubbing the fry pot and baskets with hot water and food-safe detergent.
If you find yourself frying up a storm on a daily basis, it might be wise to schedule more frequent deep-cleaning sessions.
Oil filtration
Make it a routine to filter the oil regularly, especially if you detect a burnt odor or your food is becoming overly brown.
After filtering, thoroughly clean the heating elements, ensuring there are no lingering remnants.
Professional inspection
Seeking professional assistance from time to time is a wise choice.
Experts have a keen eye for spotting issues that might escape your notice, and their insights can lead to long-term cost savings.
Choose your oil wisely
High-quality oil isn't just about flavor; it's essential for maintaining your fryer. Choose premium oils; they are the lifeline of your equipment.
Think long-term when buying
If you're thinking about a new deep fryer or an upgrade, several important factors must be considered.
Material quality, design, size, placement options, and even the brand's reputation should all be on your radar.
These factors impact not only your kitchen's aesthetics but also your fryer's longevity.
Here's a tip: Make sure any products or accessories you plan are compatible with your specific fryer model.
If you're unsure, a chat with your supplier or the manufacturer can guide you to make the right choice.
Deep fryer accessories
While your deep fryer takes center stage, it's the small add-ons that can make a big difference in enhancing your frying experience.
Let's take a brief look at some must-have accessories and additional items that can elevate your deep fryer game:
Fryer baskets
These baskets are essential for your fryer.
They safely lower your food into the hot oil and retrieve it when it's done frying.
Choose the right size and shape to match your needs.
Oil filters
Think of these as your oil's helpers.
They filter out food bits, making your oil last longer.
This saves you money and keeps your fried dishes tasting consistently good.
Splash guards
Splash guards protect your team from hot oil splashes and help reduce messy oil splatters as an added bonus.
Fryer covers
Think of it as a cozy cover for your fryer, shielding it from dust and debris when not in use.
Sediment trays
These trays serve as catchers for loose food particles, preventing them from lingering and causing burnt residues in your oil.
Heat-resistant gloves
Don't forget these essential gloves.
They provide an extra layer of safety, keeping hands shielded from heat while your team is busy at work.
Cleaning kits
Keeping your fryer in top shape is essential for its performance and longevity.
Simplify your cleaning routine with these kits, which come with specialized brushes and tools designed specifically for fryer maintenance.
Remember, it's not just about adding accessories but about picking the right ones that suit your fryer model.
If you're unsure, a quick chat with your supplier or manufacturer can guide you to make the best choice.
Best makes of commercial deep fryers
Pitco
Founded in 1918, Pitco is a prominent name in the commercial kitchen equipment sector, renowned for its commitment to simplicity, reliability, and innovation.
Their core expertise is crafting specialized machinery for professional frying applications, combining efficient design with exceptional performance.
In 2017, Pitco was honored with the prestigious "Best in Class" award for their freestanding floor fryers, solidifying their position as an industry leader.
Among the top choices are the SSHLV14 ROV natural gas and SELV14 electric fryer, a modular marvel with 32 lbs. and 30 lbs. capacity, respectively. These fryers optimize oil turnover, preventing oxidation. It features smart cook tracking, filter alerts, and Energy Star Certification for eco-friendliness. Efficiency, sustainability, and customization define these fryers.
Notably, both models integrate a Reduced Oil Volume (ROV) system, promoting longer oil life with features like automatic filtration, automatic oil top-off, JIB management, and self-cleaning burners.
Shop Pitco commercial deep fryers now.
Vulcan
For over 150 years, Vulcan has stood out as a premier supplier of high-quality, energy-efficient equipment. They earned ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year recognition for 16 consecutive years, highlighting their unwavering commitment to eco-friendly innovation.
Vulcan, backed by ITW Food Equipment Group division Hobart Service, boasts over 100 locations across the US and Canada. Their cutting-edge fryers prioritize ease of use and maintenance, elevating kitchen productivity while reducing operational costs, all with swift recovery times for maximum profitability.
Recommended models include the TR45 gas fryer (Model# 1TR45C), a free-standing fryer with a temperature range of 150-390°F, and electronic ignition. It highlights a 70,000 BTU/hr. input and a durable 45-50 lb. stainless steel fry tank with ThreePass™ HT system. It is ENERGY STAR® certified and uses a SoftStart™ ignition system.
Alternatively, the ER85 electric fryer (Model: #ER85) stands out with an 85 lbs. oil capacity temperature flexibility between 200°F and 390°FBoth are CSA-design-certified and NSF-listed. This unit is equipped with 24 kW low-watt density ribbon-style heating elements and boasts twin fry baskets.
Shop Vulcan commercial deep fryers now.
Frymaster
With a legacy spanning 80 years, Frymaster excels in comprehending its customers' world, manufacturing enduring solutions. Their hallmark is unmatched reliability, with their fryers capable of withstanding the rigors of fast-paced operations.
They offer a range of fryer categories, including those focused on oil conservation, high efficiency, economy, and filtering systems.
Highly suggested models include the ESG35T ENERGY STAR® gas fryer, which boasts efficiency with its 70,000 BTU/hr consumption, 33% less than typical models, and a 35 lb. oil capacity.
On the electric front, the 1814E High Production Fryer stands out for high-volume needs with a 60-lb. oil capacity, outperforming standard 50-lb. fryers. It's space-saving, reduces oil and energy usage by 15-33%, and features the SMART4U® Lane controller for uniform cooking.
Shop Frymaster commercial deep fryers now.
Garland
Originating in 1864, Garland's humble Detroit Foundry birthed what would become the Michigan Stove Company in 1873, known for producing 200+ stoves under the GARLAND brand. Today, as a valued part of Welbilt, Garland's 140-year journey is marked by collaboration, innovation, and unwavering customer trust.
Their deep fryers are designed with ease of use and durability in mind, striving for precision in every use. Customer feedback has played a pivotal role in shaping their exceptional products, making them stand out in today's culinary landscape.
Their best models include the 36E Series Electric Heavy Duty Fryer, a floor-standing fryer with a powerful 12kW model (36ES11). Its compact and versatile design is a smart choice. Weighing 265 lbs, it's built for robust performance. Plus, it boasts a 3" stainless steel vent raiser and an elegant stainless steel front rail.
When it comes to gas fryers, M70SS Master Series Heavy-Duty redefines excellence with its infrared jet-type burner and a stainless steel fry pot. Achieve precision with the centerline thermostat, accurate to within +/- 1°F. These fryers are a robust choice, weighing 265 lbs.
Shop Garland commercial deep fryers now.
Avantco Equipment
Avantco Equipment offers affordable, durable restaurant equipment, from hot dog rollers to beverage dispensers. They boast the largest team of Certified Food Service Professionals (CFSP) and CFESA-certified technicians in the US.
Their commercial deep fryers are renowned for their robustness, efficiency, and user-friendliness. Crafted from top-tier materials, they boast a range of attributes that render them exceptionally well-suited for commercial applications.
The top-tier floor standing Avantco FBF2424NG gas fryer features a user-friendly SMART4U® OCF30 3000 Controller, COOL mode for extended oil life, stainless steel build, flat bottom for wet batter, and a generous 150-170 lb. oil capacity. Ideal for high-volume kitchens.
To add on is another model, the Avantco F200 Electric Countertop Fryer: a 15 lb. capacity unit with precise 120-370°F controls, stainless steel construction, a removable fry tank for easy cleaning, and an oil-protective night cover. It's compact, high-wattage (2700/3600W), and requires a 208/240V electrical connection.
Shop Avantco Equipment commercial deep fryers now.
Frequently asked questions
How to clean a commercial deep fryer?
Cleaning a commercial deep fryer might seem like a daunting task, but there's a straightforward technique called "boiling out" that can help you here.
Regular "boil-out" cleanings are vital for deep fryer maintenance. Monthly is ideal, but high-use fryers might need weekly cleanings.
Monitor oil for color, consistency, and odor changes. Replace it if necessary. Below, we’ve simplified the process of cleaning.
- Preparation: Turn off the fryer and, if it's gas-powered, the pilot light too. Let everything cool down.
- Cleaning steps: First, drain the cooled old oil into an oil pan and remove any large debris. Proceed by wiping the interior, filling it with cool water, and applying a deep fryer cleaner to loosen grease and oil buildup. Heat and boil for 20-30 minutes (longer for heavily soiled fryers).
Afterward, turn off the fryer, drain the water into a separate container, and thoroughly scrub the inside walls.
Rinse with water to remove any cleaning solution residue, and finish by drying the fryer with paper towels.
Bonus tip: Keep the fryer baskets inside during cleanings; they'll get cleaned too!
Regular deep fryer cleaning ensures taste and quality. It extends equipment life, saving time and money. Do not forget to clean the exterior and ensure your deep fryer is dry to avoid oil splatters.
How to filter a commercial deep fryer oil?
Maintaining clean oil is essential for a commercial deep fryer's performance.
Learn how to filter it efficiently and extend equipment life.
- Safety reminder: Make sure to wear protective gear when handling hot fryer oil, and use a drain tube for filtering when draining the fryer.
- Filtering your oil: You can start by removing the oil from your fryer tank, and this can be done even if you've filtered the oil earlier in the day. If your restaurant does a lot of frying, a mechanical fryer oil filter machine is worth considering, as it can save time and increase safety. On the other hand, if you're dealing with smaller amounts of oil, you can opt for cost-effective oil filter bags.
- Manual filtration: You have several choices for oil filtration. One option is manual filtration using filter paper or bags, typically with a stainless steel frame and pot. Consider reusable and paperless filters to reduce filter costs, which can cut expenses in half. A mechanical solution might be a better fit for places that need to filter oil frequently.
How do commercial deep fryers work?
Commercial deep fryers use a simple method called conduction to cook food. Here's how it works:
- Heating the oil: When the fryer is activated, it utilizes an electric heating element to heat the oil in the tank. This heated oil transfers heat to the food you place inside the fryer, causing the food to cook.
- Types of heating elements: Typically, the heating element is located at the bottom of the fryer tank and can be powered by either electricity or gas. Electric heating elements are known for their efficiency, while gas-powered ones are more powerful and can reach higher temperatures.
- Cooking process: The frying process consists of several stages. First, start by preheating the oil to the desired temperature. Once the oil is hot enough, the food is introduced into the fryer, and the hot oil begins cooking it through a process known as initial frying. During this phase, some of the water content in the food evaporates, which may slightly cool the oil. Nevertheless, the cooking continues as the hot oil consistently transfers heat to the food, ensuring thorough cooking.
Read more about it in our previous section exclusively for each type of commercial deep fryer.
Commercial deep fryer glossary
Boil-out
A technique used to deep clean a fryer by applying a unique chemical blend to eliminate carbon deposits and other residue from the interiors.
Cold zone
Located at the bottom of the fryer pot, this space serves as a collection area for stray food particles, ensuring they don't overcook and helping preserve the cooking oil's quality.
Recovery time
This refers to the fryer's duration to reheat the oil to the desired temperature after food has been placed in it.
Vat
An alternative name for the primary container or reservoir where oil is heated, and food is fried.
Filtration system
Many fryers have a built-in system that filters out food particles, making your cooking oil last longer.
Sediment tray
Think of it as a designated spot meant to collect any food bits that may drop from the frying baskets. This area is typically situated in the colder zone of the fryer.
Thermostat
A tool for controlling oil temperature, guaranteeing uniform cooking outcomes.
Load capacity
This refers to the fryer's capacity, typically measured in pounds or kilograms, and indicates the maximum amount of food it can cook in a single batch.
Oil capacity
The fryer's oil capacity, typically measured in liters or gallons, represents the maximum volume of oil it can hold.
Keep your cash, use ours!
We hope this guide has helped you better understand what you need to look for in a commercial deep fryer and how to choose the suitable model for your needs. If you want to know more, you can always reach out to the SilverChef team.
Hospitality equipment can be expensive, and paying for it outright can put pressure on your business’s cash flow.
Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now and to pay for it in small, regular amounts out of the revenue it generates for you.
Rent–Try–Buy® not only helps you maintain your cash flow; it gives you unrivaled flexibility to adapt your equipment to the changing needs of your business.
You can upgrade or buy the equipment at any time or, after 12 months, return or continue renting it.
If you decide to buy the equipment, we’ll give you back 60% of the net rent you paid in the first year and 20% of any rental payments afterward — to put toward the purchase price. If you buy the equipment within a year, the interest will be 0%.