If you're in the market for commercial deep fryers, you may be wondering what the best option is. When making your purchase, there are a few other considerations, such as what type of deep fryers are best for your needs, whether you want an electric or gas model, and how much space is available in your kitchen. 

In this buying guide, we will take a closer look at the different types of commercial deep fryers, what is the best fryer to buy on the market and what to look for when deciding how to buy a deep fryer.

What are commercial deep fryers?

Commercial deep fryers are large-scale kitchen appliances used for deep frying food. They come in electric and gas models and are typically used in restaurants or other foodservice settings. Commercial deep fryers are made to withstand heavy use and come with various features that make frying food more manageable and efficient.

Types of commercial deep fryers? 

Countertop and floor model deep fryers are the two types of commercial deep fryers that you can buy.

Countertop models require a lot less space in your kitchen, so they may be a good option if you have limited room in your restaurant or cafe. Floor models take up more space but allow greater production capacity and are easier to clean since everything is on one level.

Which type of commercial deep fryer is best for what kind of food?

Countertop and floor model deep fryers work equally well with most foods, though a gas unit will perform better if frying large batches at once because electric units typically need time to heat up between orders.

  • Countertop fryers: These small and compact deep fryers make them perfect for kitchens with limited space. They can also be used to fry smaller portions of food, so they're great if you want something that won't take up too much room in your kitchen or if you want to fry a few items at a time.

  • Floor model deep fryers: Floor model deep fryers are larger than countertop fryers and typically have multiple burners for cooking food faster. They are best suited for restaurants that need to fry large quantities of food at once, and I would recommend this deep fryer for restaurant use when frying high volume items like chips.

Electrical vs Gas Deep Fryers

When deciding between a gas and electric model commercial deep fryer, you should consider how much room is available in your kitchen, what type of food you will be frying, and how frequently you plan to use the fryer. 

Gas fryers are better for frying large batches of food at once, while electric commercial deep fryers are more efficient for smaller batches. If you have a small space in your kitchen, a countertop electric commercial deep fryer may be a preferred choice when it comes to gas and electric models.

On the other hand,gas commercial deep fryers are an excellent choice for restaurants that need to fry an abundance of food at once. They heat up faster than electric fryers to be ready to cook food more quickly.

Gas fryers also have a higher production capacity than electric models, making them a better choice for busy restaurants that do deep-fried food in large quantities.

The size of the commercial deep fryer you buy should be based on how much food you plan to fry at once. A floor model is the best option if you need a fryer to handle large batches. If you only need to fry small quantities of food, a countertop fryer will work better, and electric deep fryers will work fine.

Factors to consider while buying a deep fryer?

What will you be frying?

When buying a commercial deep fryer, you should consider what you will be frying. Countertop fryers are best for small batches of fried foods, while a floor model deep fryer is better for large quantities. 

If you will be frying large amounts of food at once, a gas fryer is a better choice than an electric fryer. It would help to envisage how often you plan to use the deep fryer and how much space is available in your kitchen.

There are particular types of commercial deep fryers, and you need to think about what you will be frying in it and the best kind of deep fryer for that. For example, if you are frying small chicken pieces, you might want an electric deep fryer because it will heat up quickly. 

If you are frying French fries, then a gas deep fryer might be better because it holds the volume needed for large quantities of food.

How often and how much will you be frying in your commercial fryer?

When you're buying a deep fryer, the thing to think about is how often and how much you'll be frying. If you’re frying a lot, you'll want to get a commercial deep fryer that can handle a lot of food at once. In this case, then a gas deep fryer is a better option. But if you'll only be frying occasionally, a smaller and less expensive deep fryer is available that will do the job just fine.

What kind of space is available in your kitchen?

You also need to think about the size of your kitchen. Generally in the hospitality industry, space is an issue. But If space isn't an issue, you can consider a more extensive commercial deep fryer. But if you don't have a lot of space, you might want to buy a smaller one.

It would be best to consider how often you will be using the commercial deep fryer. If you hardly plan to use it, you don't need a large one.

Who will be operating the commercial deep fryer?

The person using the commercial deep fryer is a factor to consider when buying one. This will determine what the best fryer is to buy. If you use it, you need to think about what kind of commercial deep fryer you want.

If you purchase a fryer for a restaurant, you will consider a gas commercial deep fryer.

Other factors to consider when purchasing a commercial deep fryer based on who will be using it are the unit's size, the amount of space available, and the maintenance required.

Deep fat fryer sizes

Commercial fryers come in all shapes and sizes, and it can be tough to determine which one you need for your business. Making the mistake of buying the wrong deep-fryer for the output required in your establishment can be a costly process as it will reduce your productivity rate, and you’ll need to upgrade to larger models that are more suitable for your working area.

First, you need to estimate how much food you'll be serving per hour. Remember that you'll need to allow for some buffer, as things rarely go exactly as planned in the hospitality industry. In general, you can count on 1.5 - 2x the total weight of your fryer's cooking oil capacity per hour.

For example, if you have an 18 kg deep fryer, you can expect to serve up to 27-36 kg of food per hour.

Taking the time to determine the right model and output of your needs accurately will ensure that you purchase a fryer that will meet those needs and provide the best experience which will avoid you buying a deep fryer that's too small or too large for your establishment.

Cleaning 

When it comes to cleaning your new commercial deep fryer, the easiest method is using a front-mounted drain valve. This type can be found on many commercial benchtops and freestanding kitchen appliances - make sure that you allow for cooling before draining away as it could be a fire hazard if the elements are left on. 

Also, remember to clean your fryer baskets as fryer baskets can be easily cleaned using your commercial dishwasher.

Fryer Maintenance

A Commercial deep fryer needs to be cleaned regularly as residue from previously fried items tends to fall to the bottom and cause the oil to burn. Maintaining clean oil increases the life of your cooking oil, which helps ensure that the food is cooked to perfection without burning and that the fryer stays in good condition. 

Cleaning a commercial deep fryer tends to be a time-consuming job, so make sure that the person takes on the responsibility correctly to avoid any issues or hazards. Keeping the equipment clean and the deep fryer regularly maintained is highly recommended. Having it fail during a busy service can cause unnecessary stress on your staff and loss in revenue by not being able to produce food.

Conclusion

A commercial deep fryer is a necessary piece of equipment for any restaurant looking to serve up some delicious fried foods. 

So, what is the best fryer to buy? There are a lot of different sizes and types of deep fryers available on the market, so it's essential to do your research before purchasing commercial fryers.

Electric deep fryers vs gas models, that choice will come down to personal preference and what's available in your kitchen space. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the proper maintenance and cleaning procedures so your deep fryer lasts for years to come.

And finally, always consult with Industry Kitchen experts on how to buy a deep fryer to get an idea of your current needs and find the perfect model for your business.


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