The electric deep fryer is the workhorse of the majority of commercial kitchens. The fryer is one of the most important machines in any kitchen, producing everything from fries to mozzarella sticks to shrimp to a variety of other dishes.
While an electric deep fryer is not a complicated machine, not all fryers are built the same. So, if you want to buy one for your new kitchen or restaurant, you should know how it works.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the top features of an electric deep fryer. Also, before making a final decision, consider your specific requirements. Some kitchens, for example, require multiple fryers to meet consumer demand throughout the day.
1. Temperature Regulation
First and foremost, you must be able to maintain the proper temperature of your oil at all times. Most commercial electric deep fryers have knob controls, though some high-end models have buttons. Generally, the oil should be kept between 350 and 375 degrees. As you might expect, the higher the temperature, the faster you can cook certain foods. Although you can technically adjust the temperature of the fryer throughout the day, it’s usually best to keep it at the same temperature.
So, if you intend to cook multiple items that require different heat levels, it’s worthwhile to invest in a multi-use fryer or separate machines. French fries, onion rings, tater tots, and mozzarella sticks, for example, can all be fried at the same temperature. If you’re cooking chicken or fish, set the fryer to a higher temperature so they don’t take as long to cook.
2. Capacity for Frying
When shopping for an electric deep fryer, consider the size of the fryer itself as well as the amount of oil it can hold. It will also matter whether you can only put one or two baskets in at a time. Commercial kitchens typically require two baskets to cook multiple foods at the same time. If your menu includes only a few fried dishes, a single basket may suffice.
When considering frying capacity, consider how much oil will be required to refill it. When you have a large fryer, the cost of replacing the oil regularly can quickly add up.