Whether you are looking to buy a commercial fryer for your restaurant, or you are looking for a small fryer to take on the road, there are several things you should know about the equipment. From the design of the baffle, to the use of electric or liquid propane, this article will help you choose the right fryer for your needs.
Tube style
Among all types of commercial fryers, tube style frypots offer the most versatility. They can handle a wide variety of food products, including battered foods. However, cleaning the bottom of the tank is more difficult than with other fryer types.
Tube style frypots have gas-fired burners that run through a series of tubes welded into the bottom of the heating tank. The baffles on these tubes ensure that the heat is distributed evenly and the food cooks at a high temperature.
A tube-style frypot has a large cold zone, which allows sediment to settle out of the super-hot oil, reducing the need to clean the oil. This helps prolong the life of the cooking oil. It also prevents tinting of the oil.
Baffle design
Depending on the style of fryer you are considering, baffles may be part of the package. These little ol’ metal pieces are often used to aid in the transfer of heat through the oil. They may be found inside burner tubes or around the frypot walls. They may even be made of high quality materials such as zinc coated sheet steel. Some models even feature a plastic handle for easier maneuvering.
Some of the aforementioned metals are not for the faint of heart. If you are looking to invest in a new fryer, you might want to consider something that is made of stainless steel. These are the sturdiest and most likely to last for years to come. You may even want to consider buying one that has a built in basket lift. This feature is typically found on high-end models.
Electricity powered
Choosing the best commercial fryer for your kitchen depends on the type of food you serve. It also depends on the power source that you choose.
The most common commercial fryer fuel types are natural gas and electricity. Natural gas heats oil faster than electricity, but it’s also more expensive. If you don’t have access to natural gas, you can use propane instead.
Electricity powered commercial fryers are more energy efficient than gas models. They also have a faster recovery time. This means you can have the fried items you serve on the table quicker. The heating element in electric frypots is directly submerged in the oil.
Some models may have a lifting system for easier cleaning access. Most also have a cold zone below the burners.
Liquid propane
Whether you are a concession stand owner, food service establishment, or just want to enjoy a tasty fried dish, a commercial fryer is a must have. They are space efficient and allow you to fry a variety of foods with a single unit. You can also choose to fry using both gas and electric power, making them a great choice for any kitchen.
For example, the Atosa ATFS-50 is a 50 pound commercial fryer that is made of heavy duty stainless steel. It has four manually controlled burners, a safety valve, and a self-reset high temperature limiting device. It also features a tube rack that helps crumbs fall into the cool zone. It is also equipped with an integrated flue detector to keep excessive heat from escaping the fryer.