admin668 For restaurants and food service businesses, keeping up with orders for crispy fried menu items can be challenging without the right equipment. Commercial deep fryers are essential for meeting the frying demands of busy establishments.
With their high capacity, powerful heat output and durability, commercial fryers can churn out batch after batch of fries, chicken, fish and more. In this post, we’ll cover what makes commercial fryers different, key purchasing factors, and reviews of the top recommended models.
What are Commercial Deep Fryers?
Commercial deep fryers are high-powered frying appliances designed for continuous high-volume frying in restaurants, cafeterias, bars, caterers, and other food service businesses.
Key attributes of commercial fryers include:
- Large oil capacity – tanks up to or exceeding 80 pounds to fry large batches.
- Powerful heat output – up to 25,000 BTU for rapid oil heating up to 375°F.
- Short recovery times – quickly reheat oil to maintain frying temperatures.
- Durable stainless steel construction – sturdy tanks, baskets, doors stand up to heavy use.
- Safety features – auto shut-off, fire suppression systems, drain safety to prevent injuries.
- Oil filtration – pumps and spigots simplify changing and filtering oil. Extends oil life.
- Automation – programmable timers, automated baskets, simplify high volume frying.
Commercial fryers are available as gas, electric or dual fuel models depending on power requirements. They excel at handling the demands of frying, though need maintenance of oil and safety features.
Key Buying Considerations for Commercial Deep Fryers
When investing in a commercial fryer, keep the following factors in mind:
- Capacity – larger tanks from 60 – 80+ lbs suit high volume kitchens.
- Power – make sure adequate electricity or gas is supplied to support units.
- Temperature range – look for max 375°F for crisping and texture.
- Burners – infrared or tubular burners provide even heat distribution.
- Construction – stainless steel tanks, doors and baskets are durable and easy to clean.
- Safety features – auto shut-off, fire suppression, drain safety.
- Filtration – pumps and spigots simplify changing and filtering oil to extend life.
- Controls – digital controls allow accurately programming time and temperature.
- Baskets – multiple large wire mesh baskets to handle large batches.
- Certifications – NSF, UL sanitation certifications indicate commercial compliance.
- Warranty – at least 1 year warranty on parts and labor.
- Budget – commercial fryers run $2000 to $8000 depending on capacity, features.
After much research, we picked the top recommended commercial deep fryers suitable for busy restaurant frying needs:
Best Commercial Deep Fryers Reviewed
1. Pitco 35C+ Commercial Gas Fryer – $6,499
With a large oil capacity and intuitive controls, this Pitco fryer efficiently meets high demand.
- Oil capacity – 80 lbs
- Power – 75,000 BTU dual burners
- Temperature – Up to 375°F
- Key features – Programmable computer controls, oil filtration
- 2 twin baskets included
- Safety – High limit thermostat, auto shut-off
- Certifications – NSF, CE
- Pros – Very high throughput, simple digital controls
- Cons – Expensive, professional installation advised
- Warranty – 2 years parts and labor
2. Vulcan 65 lb Electric Fryer – $2,149
This affordable electric Vulcan model provides high capacity for the price.
- Oil capacity – 65 lbs
- Power – 16 kW heating
- Temperature – Up to 375°F
- Key features – Programmable controls, dual fry baskets
- Safety – High limit shut-off
- Certifications – NSF, UL
- Pros – Large capacity, good value
- Cons – Slow recovery time, short 1 year warranty
- Warranty – 1 year limited parts and labor
3. Excel deep fryer 204060G – $3,449
This flexible propane fryer by Excel provides high efficiency and output.
- Oil capacity – 60 lbs
- Power – 140,000 BTU turbo burner
- Temperature – Up to 375°F
- Key features – Oil & sediment filtration, computer controls
- 2 fry baskets
- Safety – Automatic shut-off, fire suppression
- Certifications – NSF, ETL Sanitation
- Pros – Powerful turbo burner, flexible gas hook-up
- Cons – High gas consumption
- Warranty – 1 year parts and labor
4. Commercial Chef CEFR905 – $1,899
This electric Commercial Chef unit provides ample capacity at a reasonable price.
- Oil capacity – 45 lbs
- Power – 12 kW heating
- Temperature – Up to 375°F
- Key features – Analog thermostat, drain
- 2 twin baskets
- Safety – High limit shut-off
- Certifications – NSF, ETL
- Pros – Good value, easy controls
- Cons – Slow recovery, no filtration
- Warranty – 1 year limited
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Deep Fryers
What capacity fryer does a restaurant need?
Around 45-65 lbs for average use. Up to 80lbs+ for very high volume restaurants.
What ventilation is required for commercial fryers?
Powerful range hoods, at least 600 CFM to capture heat, grease and smells.
How often should commercial fryer oil be changed?
Every 4-7 days depending on use. Filter regularly to help extend usable life.
What are the power requirements for electric fryers?
Up to 16 kW or more. Ensure adequate supply and circuit capacity.
What safety certifications should commercial fryers have?
Look for NSF and UL certifications for sanitation and electrical safety.
How often should commercial fryer crumb trays be emptied?
Empty crumb trays into a fireproof container at least daily, more often for high use.
How can oil life be extended in a commercial fryer?
Filter oil daily, skim deposits between batches, maintain ideal temperature, replace when degraded.
How hot do commercial fryers heat oil?
Up to 375°F provides fast frying with crispy coating texture.
How many frying baskets are needed?
At least 2 large twin baskets to handle multiple orders. More for very high volume.
What are the most durable fryer construction materials?
Commercial fryers should be stainless steel – tanks, doors, baskets, etc. Avoid plastic parts.
What fryers are easiest to clean?
Look for seamless rounded tanks, removable parts and doors that simplify cleaning.
What are the top commercial fryer brands?
Vulcan, Pitco, Excel, Commercial Chef, and Keating are well known, reliable brands.
Keep Your Restaurant Frying at Full Speed
Investing in a high performance commercial deep fryer allows restaurants to keep up with ongoing fried food demand. Focus on power, capacity, durability and safety features when purchasing.
What experience do you have using commercial fryers in your restaurant or food service business? Let us know in the comments!
