Choose the right commercial fryer for your takeaway

Whether you’re frying up a truckload of chips on a Friday night, crisping up spring rolls at Chinese takeaway or frying onion bhajis at an Indian restaurant, the right commercial fryer is essential to achieve the distinctive flavour, moist centre and crisp exterior that makes fried foods so popular.

Below we look at the different types of fryers on the market and the key considerations to take into account when choosing a commercial fryer.

How to choose the right commercial fryer

As a takeaway restaurant owner, you understand the importance of having the right restaurant kitchen equipment. One piece of equipment that is essential for most takeaway restaurants is a commercial fryer.

A commercial fryer is a versatile and efficient appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, such as frying chicken, fish and chips. However, with so many different types of commercial fryers available, it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit for your restaurant.

Types of commercial fryer

There are several types of commercial fryers available, each with their own unique features and benefits. The most common types of commercial fryers are:

Electric fryers

Electric fryers are the most common type of fryer used in commercial kitchens. They are easy to use, reliable and energy-efficient. They are also available in a wide range of sizes, making them suitable for small and large restaurants.

Gas fryers

Gas fryers are powered by natural gas or propane and are also commonly used in commercial kitchens. They are more expensive than electric fryers, but they have a higher heat output, which means they can get back up to temp faster.

Induction fryers

Induction fryers are a type of commercial fryer that use induction heating to cook food. Induction heating works by creating an oscillating magnetic field that generates an electrical current in the metal oil container, which in turn generates heat. The heat is then transferred to the oil and the food.

One of the main advantages of induction fryers is their efficiency. Because the heat is generated directly in the oil container, less energy is lost compared to traditional fryers. This means that induction fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional electric or gas fryers, but they are more expensive.

What to consider when choosing a commercial fryer

When choosing a commercial fryer, there are several factors you should consider:

1. Size

The size and sales volume of your restaurant will determine the size of the fryer you need. Measure your space and then choose between off-the-shelf or custom-built fryers to meet your needs.

2. Capacity

The capacity of the fryer refers to the amount of food it can fry at one time. If you have a busy restaurant, you will need a fryer with a high capacity to keep up with demand. Make sure you have enough capacity to keep up with your busiest service times.

3. Additional features

Different commercial fryers come with different features, such as digital controls, temperature displays and automatic oil filtration systems. Decide on the most important features for your restaurant to help make your decision.

4. Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important factor to consider when choosing a commercial fryer. An energy-efficient fryer will save you money on your energy bills in the long run but may come at a higher upfront cost.

5. Price

The price of the fryer will also be a factor to consider. Decide on a budget and choose a fryer that fits within it. Remember that maintenance costs, energy usage and fryer capacity all have a bearing on the longer term cost of the fryer to your business.

6. Safety features

Safety is also an important factor to consider when choosing a commercial fryer. Look for models that have safety features such as automatic shut-off, temperature control and a drainage system to prevent oil spills.