5 Things To Consider When Choosing The Commercial Fryer

Industrial fryers are essential for many restaurants and fast food establishments. It’s important to make sure that you choose the right one that meets your needs and budget.

Before buying a deep fryer you should know what it actually is and why you need it.

What is Deep Fryer?

It is a piece of equipment designed for heating large quantities of oil for deep frying large batches of food, like onion rings, French fries, chicken nuggets, and others.

Fried foods are popular menu items, particularly as sides and appetizers. Most casual restaurants will want to have at least one fryer in their kitchens, but usually, there are two or three.

1. Types of Deep Fryers

There are two main types of commercial fryers (countertop and floor) and several types of specialty fryers.

Countertop

The best countertop fryer will save space without compromising on performance. As the name suggests, they sit on top of your counter, so take up minimal space in the kitchen.

Floor Models

A floor fryer takes up more space in the kitchen, but if you sell large quantities of fried foods, this type may be the best option as it has more advanced features.

Specialty

Along with floor and countertop models, you will also find a variety of specialty types designed for specific uses, including:

Donut and funnel cake fryers: If you run a food truck or an establishment that specializes in donuts or funnel cakes, for optimal results you may need a special fryer with shallow pots.

Ventless countertop models: Ideal for use in locations without hood vents, like kiosks or food stands as these items have special filtration systems.

Outdoor fryers: These units are mobile, gas-powered, and primed for outdoor use. May be a necessity for catering and outdoor events.

Drop-in fryers: Fits inside cutouts in your countertop for a seamless and visually-appealing kitchen. These small commercial fryers work in the same way as countertop models.

Once you have decided which type, or types, of fryers you need, it’s time to consider the power source.

2. Power Source

When it comes to your kitchen appliances, you may not have much of an option. The power source may be the deciding factor.

Gas Deep Fryer

It is powered by a natural gas line or a liquid propane tank that is considered more efficient and cost-effective. Gas fryers heat up and reach their maximum temperature very quick. But they are difficult to move as they require a natural gas line connection.

Electric Deep Fryer

The best commercial electric deep fryer is highly efficient and easy to install. These models have multiple heating elements that come in direct contact with the frying oil. However, electric fryers have longer heat-up time and can’t reach the same high temperatures as natural gas.

3. Burners

Depending on the foods you’re cooking, you will also need to consider the types of burners.

The most common types include:

Open Pot Fryer

A popular model for restaurant kitchens. It features heating elements on the exterior of the tank, making it ideal for high-volume kitchens. They are also easy to clean and maintain. The disadvantage of open pot fryers is their slow heat-up.

Ribbon

A fryer with ribbon-like elements along the bottom of the unit. They heat up quickly but are difficult to clean.

Tube

A tube fryer has tube pipe-like burners that carry gas inside the pot. These are ideal for cooking high-sediment and heavily battered foods but like are also difficult to clean.

Flat Bottom

A shallow fryer delivers even heat distribution. The shallow design makes it ideal for cooking funnel cakes, donuts, tortilla chips, and other low-density items. Bottom fryers are much easier to clean but they heat up longer, which is not suitable for high-volume establishments.

4. Size and Durability

Two other important things to consider when choosing a fryer are size and durability. When choosing a new fryer, you will find a wide range of sizes. Widths commonly range from 11” to 34,” but some models can go up to 94”. Capacities can range all the way up to 500 lbs.

Along with size, you must also consider durability.

• Light: Suited for low-volume use.
• Medium: Can handle more frequent usage than light-duty models without losing efficiency.
• Heavy: Suited for high-volume frying at popular restaurants, food trucks, and other food businesses that focus on fried foods.

5. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Commercial fryers, like any other restaurant kitchen appliance, must be cleaned regularly to ensure efficiency and meet sanitation standards. That’s why look for those with designs that are relatively easy to maintain.

The right commercial fryer will make your kitchen more efficient while helping you serve customers the foods they want. More information about types, benefits, and drawbacks of fryers you also can find at https://mcdonaldpaper.com/blog/choosing-the-right-commercial-fryer.