Functions of an Electric Deep Fryer
For most commercial kitchens, the electric deep fryer is the workhorse of the operation. From fries to mozzarella sticks to shrimp to a variety of other dishes, the fryer is one of the most vital machines you can have.
However, while the electric deep fryer is not necessarily a complicated machine, not all fryers are built the same. So, if you’re looking to buy one for your new kitchen or restaurant, you need to understand how it works.
So, with that in mind, we want to take a look at the top functions that an electric deep fryer should have. Also, before making a final decision, be sure to consider your specific needs. For example, some kitchens need multiple fryers to handle consumer demand throughout the day.
Temperature Control
First and foremost, you have to be able to keep your oil at the proper temperature at all times. Most commercial electric deep fryers will have a knob setting, although some high-end models will use buttons.
Typically speaking, the oil needs to stay between 350 and 375 degrees. As you can imagine, the hotter it is, the faster you can cook certain foods. However, although you can technically adjust the fryer temperature throughout the day, it’s usually better to hold it at the same temp.
So, if you’re planning on cooking multiple items that need different heat levels, it’s worth it to buy a multi-use fryer or separate machines. Typically speaking, foods like french fries, onion rings, tater tots, and mozzarella sticks can all be fried at the same temperature. If you’re going to do chicken and fish, you’ll want the fryer at a higher heat so that you don’t have to cook them as long.
Frying Capacity
When looking at an electric deep fryer, you will need to pay attention to the size of the fryer itself, as well as the amount of oil it can hold. Also, it will matter whether you can put one or two baskets in at a time. As a rule, commercial kitchens need two baskets so that they can cook different foods at once. However, if your menu has a limited selection of fried dishes, a single basket may suffice.
Another thing to think about when looking at frying capacity is how much oil you’ll need to refill it. Since you’ll have to replace the oil regularly, the expense can add up when you have a massive fryer. Not only that, but it will take longer to heat up at the beginning of the day and during high-volume periods.
Oil Filtration
One of the best ways to save money with an electric deep fryer is to filter and reuse the oil. While this tactic won’t work for more than a couple of days, it’s much more cost-effective than buying new oil every time.
You can also manually filter the oil, but buying an oil filtration system will save time and labor costs. Best of all, these filters attach to the fryer itself, so you don’t have to go through too many extra steps.
Typically speaking, when frying non-meat foods (i.e., fries and potato chips), you can reuse the oil over and over. If you’re cooking chicken, fish, or other meat items, you’ll want to replace it more frequently. If possible, get a testing kit to see when the oil is too degraded to use again.
Other Considerations When Choosing an Electric Deep Fryer
Beyond the functions we listed above, you’ll want to think about these factors when comparing different fryer models.
- Energy Usage - it takes a lot of power to keep oil at 350+ degrees. Some models are more energy-efficient than others, but they might not be as powerful. If you have a high-use kitchen, you may not be able to choose an eco-friendly model.
- Cleaning and Maintenance - over time, food particles will collect in the filter and have to be cleaned out. Be sure to choose a model that’s easy to drain and flush out regularly.
- Ventilation - fumes from fryer oil can be dangerous and create a fire hazard if not appropriately ventilated. Some models have vents that will capture these fumes and send them outside.
Contact Texas Restaurant Supply
We have a large selection of electric deep fryers, so give us a call today. No matter your needs, we can accommodate them. See what we have in store.