Commercial Deep Fryers

Have you ever wondered how delicious fried food ends up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside?

The answer, of course, is a commercial deep fryer. These machines use a constant supply of hot oil for cooking food quickly, resulting in evenly cooked and crisp results every time. 

A commercial deep fryer boasts several features that help achieve this cooking style, including an oil vat, a thermostat to regulate temperature, and a filter to keep the oil clean for extended use. 

Deep fryers can be categorised according to several factors, including the power source, footprint, and the number of burners and baskets.

The type of deep fryer you require will depend on your kitchen's unique needs. If you've never purchased a deep fryer before or are looking to upgrade your current model but are not quite sure what you require, contact our friendly team today. 

Restaurants use commercial standing deep fryers to make delicious and crispy fried food for their customers. These deep fryers are available in various sizes and configurations, so it is important to choose the right one for your business. Here are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when you're in the market for a commercial standing deep fryer:

Power

First, you'll want to know what kind of power source your model uses. The two most common options are gas and electric, with electric models being generally more expensive upfront but more efficient at heating oil, thus reducing recovery times.  Gas-powered deep fryers are cheaper to purchase, cheaper to run, and available in either Natural gas or LPG. The only main disadvantage of gas-powered deep fryers is that they are slightly less efficient at heat transfer than electric alternatives.

Keep in mind that electric models tend to be the more efficient choice as they’re better at transferring heat back into oil than their gas counterparts. If you run a kitchen that produces high volumes of deep-fried food — like a chain takeaway store, for example — electric is likely to be the better option, despite the increased upfront cost. This is because electric fryers will recover their oil temperature faster than gas, allowing you to get onto the next batch of chips faster.

If you're looking for a gas-powered model, you may have a choice between LPG and natural gas. On the other hand, electric models usually require three-phase power.

Footprint

Standing deep fryers come in a wide variety of sizes, starting from as little as 395mm wide and going up to 1660mm or even more. The footprint of your commercial deep fryer will depend on how many people you want to serve at once. If your restaurant has a small kitchen or limited space, it may be best to consider a smaller unit. A larger model might better suit a bigger kitchen with more space.

Number of burners

Gas deep fryers are available in single, twin and triple tank versions, as well as 3, 4 and 5 burner configurations. More burners equal more heat which means faster cooking times and faster recovery back to cooking temperature. The 4 and 5-burner deep fryers generally have larger oil tanks which also help with faster recovery times and more even cooking.

Basket

You should check how many baskets come with your commercial standing deep fryer. Most entry-level commercial standing deep fryers come with two standard baskets, but some models offer up to 4 baskets, so you can cook more at once! And if you opt for split vat models, you can even fry different types of food simultaneously, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in the space of a single deep fryer, when historically, you would have needed two fryers to achieve the same results! These appliances can be handy when you're cooking for a commercial kitchen or an event where you know there will be lots of people hungry for food.

Most deep fryer models come with two baskets — this is the standard size for this type of appliance. If this is the type of deep fryer you are looking for, consider checking out the FryMAX — Superfast Natural Gas Tube Fryer RC300E, the Thor Freestanding Single Pan Double Basket Natural Gas Fryer or the AusHeat Freestanding Electric Fryer Rapid Recovery (2 baskets), for an electric option.  

Other models available from Restaurant Equipment Online offer a larger number of baskets, including the FryMAX — Superfast Natural Gas Tube Fryer RC500E with 3 baskets and the AusHeat Freestanding Electric Fryer Rapid Recovery (3 baskets).

If by ‘two baskets’ you are really looking for a deep fryer with split oil vats, so that you can cook gluten and gluten-free at the same time, we recommend the FryMax RC400TE

The first decision most customers make when purchasing a deep fryer is to choose between electric and gas power sources.

Now, this choice is fairly easy if gas is not available. If, on the other hand, you have both power sources connected, you'll want to understand the pros and cons of each before making your decision.

Electric deep fryers — like the AustHeat Freestanding Electric Fryer — offer several advantages over their gas counterparts, including that they tend to be more efficient at transferring heat back to the oil, which increases your cooking capacity.

Gas deep fryers, other the other hand, tend to be less expensive to run. The popular AG Commercial Gas Fryer — 3 Burner Natural Gas, for example, might be a better investment for smaller kitchens that don't rely as heavily on a deep fryer to meet customer needs or are simply looking for a more economical solution.

Yes, there are various accessories available depending on your specific needs. Some popular options include fryer filter machines for efficient oil filtration, fryer oil stabilizers to improve oil quality and consistency, and fryer baskets with extended handles for safer operation. Consider these accessories based on their value in enhancing efficiency, saving time, reducing oil wastage, and improving food quality.

Absolutely! Safety is paramount. Invest in fryers with features such as automatic shut-off, temperature limit controls, and built-in fire suppression systems. Additionally, provide thorough training to your staff on proper frying techniques, handling hot oil, and regular maintenance practices. Prioritizing safety prevents accidents and protects your investment.

Absolutely! Commercial deep fryers are versatile and can handle various food items like chicken, fish, fries, and even battered desserts. However, it's important to consider factors like oil overheating, cross-contamination, and appropriate frying times for different items. Adapting to different foods may require oil filtration, regular cleaning, and adjusting temperature settings, ensuring optimal results for every dish.

Look for fryers with energy-saving features like high-efficiency burners, well-insulated tanks, and programmable controls. These features allow you to regulate temperature accurately, minimize oil wastage, and reduce energy consumption. Prioritizing energy efficiency not only saves money but also contributes to sustainable kitchen practices.

Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Clean the fryer's exterior daily and deep-clean the interior at least once a week. Remove crumbs and debris, wash fry baskets, and scrub the fryer tank thoroughly. Look for removable parts and easy-to-clean features when selecting a fryer. Proper cleaning not only ensures food safety but also avoids costly repairs due to buildup.

Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are key to prolonging the fryer's life. Support your fryer's longevity by using suitable utensils, avoiding overcrowding the fryer, and monitoring oil temperature. When not in use, cover the fryer to prevent dust accumulation. By taking care of your investment, you ensure it serves your kitchen efficiently and economically for years to come.

When buying a commercial deep fryer, it's essential to consider capacity, energy efficiency, temperature control, durability, and ease of cleaning. These factors impact the fryer's performance and longevity, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

The size of the fryer depends on your kitchen's requirements and expected volume of frying. Assess the space available, your anticipated frying needs, and consider the fryer's fry basket capacity or oil capacity. Selecting the right size ensures efficient operation and optimized output, avoiding unnecessary costs.