Fryers: what to look for
Fryers play a vital role in producing many of the UK's most popular foods, from chips and battered fish to ethnic favourites like Chinese spring rolls, onion bhajis and pakora. Some users rely on specialised models, like pressure fryers for US-style breaded chicken, chain fryers for doughnuts and built-in ranges for fish and chips.
In terms of standard deep fryers, there is a vast choice in both counter-top units, mostly electrically heated and often part of modular back-bar series, and self-standing fryers mounted on their own integral base.
Where menu components need frying in modest quantities, countertop models offer compactness and versatility. Two or more fryers may be useful in dealing with different items - eg fish in one tank and sweet foods in another - without cross-flavouring the oil.
Countertop fryers work on the same principle as full size models but the restricted depth can mean some operational limitations, notably in oil filtering. While there is insufficient space to incorporate an oil collection tank, fitment of a frontal outlet can simplify oil tank emptying.
In terms of self-standing fryers, some models geared to high volume can be fitted with various extra features which make frying an easier job, notably computer-controlled timers, automatic basket lift and built-in oil filtration systems.
Computer-controlled timers contribute significantly to quality control since the computer allows for all the variables in calculating exactly when a batch or product is perfectly cooked. Basket lifts, responding either to a mechanical timer or a computer, also help ensure that batches are never over-cooked through staff negligence.
Key specification details of fryers concern recommended oil tank volume and maximum power rating, which in turn influence maximum potential output and oil temperature recovery rate. Where provided, output ratings are shown in our tables. Fryer ratings based on British Standard BS 5784 quote an average hourly output of chips "from raw-to-done".
Output using frozen chips should be broadly comparable and may be greater using frozen shoestring-style fries. With all fried products - raw, pre-blanched, chilled or frozen - it is worth testing actual product samples.
Specialised fryers - Doughnut fryers have automatic facilities to drop the batter into the hot oil and convey the doughnuts through and out of the tank
Pressure fryers are most associated with the batch production of spiced, breaded chicken. The special lid seals shut to build pressure, which increases frying speed and contributes to the succulence of the finished product. Units are usually large and self-standing but table-top "mini" models have appeared recently.
Enclosed fryers, where a small deep fat fryer receives single portions of food via a chute; the fry-basket is dropped into and subsequently raised from the oil and the cooked food delivered into a waiting dish. Built-in safety and fume control features enable the equipment to be operated with minimal staff experience and involvement in applications where frying fumes and odour are likely to be unacceptable, as in food courts and convenience stores.
"Oil-less" fryers consist of a hot air convection oven with a perforated drum rotating inside to subject the food to even heating. Best results are obtained with chips and other foods which have already been par-fried.
Fish and chip ranges: dedicated to the traditional UK fish and chip trader, fish frying ranges feature extra wide pans and hefty power sources (usually gas). They are typically built in modular format to match space and volume needs with built-in extraction and warmer sections if required.
Oil filtering - There are three ways of doing this important job; manually, by pouring the oil through a paper or fabric filter and then pouring it back into the pan; by means of a portable pump; or by means of a filtration system built into the fryer or frying suite.
Specialised paper and fabric filters are generally considered to do a better job than metal strainers which, while durable, are really only suitable as a pre-filter for separating off large particles. Some makes of fryer have metal filters or weirs built into the drain outlet. Some caterers additionally employ sterile filtering powders - typically derived from fuller's earth or diatomaceous earth. A measured amount is placed in the oil for a minute or two prior to filtering.
Portable oil filters (also known as fat tenders) incorporate an electric pump and are available in reversible or two-way flow units, incorporating heat-resistant hose and nozzle, the end of which is placed directly in the fry tank to suck out all its contents, just like a vacuum cleaner. The oil passes to a tank in the base of the filter machine and the direction of the pump's flow is then reversed with the nozzle of the hose placed in a hole in the top of the machine. The oil is then passed back into the collection tank via filter on the top of the tank.
Built-in filtration systems are relatively costly but offer a trouble-free alternative to manual filtering or use of a mobile filtering machine. They work by drawing the used oil from the tank, pumping it through a filter and then back into the tank.
Points to look for
Features which make cleaning easier include hinge-up elements on electric fryers (which make the tank base readily accessible), convenient location of working parts at the front of the fryer, and absence of crevices and potential dirt traps
Aside from the basic thermostat, safety considerations make it prudent to insist on a secondary high limit stat. This cuts out the power and prevents the oil overheating in the event of the main stat fails. Gas fryers should have flame failure protection.
To reduce contamination and the oil breakdown effects of light and air when the fryer is not in use, a tightly fitting lid is essential (but make sure that staff never place it over the tank when actually frying). A cool zone in the base of the fry-tank also benefits the oil by causing particles of batter and debris to sink away from the food.
Various items of ancillary equipment are important to safe, clean frying including fume extraction hoods, mobile oil filters and heated chip dumps adjacent to fryers to collect the cooked food and hold it ready for service.
WHAT TO BUY
Fryers: Self-standing electric fryers - single pan
Angelo Po
Model: 30F1
Oil tank ltrs: 10
Output kg/hr: 13raw
KW rating: 9
List price from: 1213
Angelo Po
Model: 0A1FRI
Oil tank ltrs: 22
Output kg/hr: 36
KW rating: 18
List price from: 1558
BGL Barret Gray
Model: Steinhart FE15L
Oil tank ltrs: 15
Output kg/hr: -
KW rating: 10.2
List price from: 1075
BGL Barret Gray
Model: Steinhart FE20L
Oil tank ltrs: 20
Output kg/hr: -
KW rating: 15
List price from: 1205
G.F.E. Bartlett
Model: D11E/30
Oil tank ltrs: 15
Output kg/hr: 24
KW rating: 9(1ph)
List price from: 1808
G.F.E. Bartlett
Model: D11E/45
Oil tank ltrs: 25
Output kg/hr: 37
KW rating: 13.5(3ph)
List price from: 2027
G.F.E. Bartlett
Model: D11E/60
Oil tank ltrs: 36
Output kg/hr: 73
KW rating: 27(3ph)
List price from: 2524
Blue Seal
Model: E43
Oil tank ltrs: 23
Output kg/hr: 35
KW rating: 17
List price from: 1910
Bonnet
Model: Toque Blanche
Oil tank ltrs: 10
Output kg/hr: 29
KW rating: 8.1
List price from: 1600
Dawson/Silko
Model: CFE27110
Oil tank ltrs: 10
Output kg/hr: 20
KW rating: 6.8
List price from:
1195Euro/Olis
Model: 720FRE
Oil tank ltrs: 20
Output kg/hr: 30
KW rating: 10
List price from: 1370
Electrolux
Model: 700 Line
Oil tank ltrs: 7-12
Output kg/hr: 24
KW rating: 7-12kW
List price from: -
Electrolux
Model: 900 Line
Oil tank ltrs: 18-20
Output kg/hr: 24
KW rating: 16kW
List price from: -
Frialator
Model: CE-E75
Oil tank ltrs: 12.3
Output kg/hr: 40lbs
KW rating: 7
List price from: 2504
Grundy
Model: EEF124
Oil tank ltrs: 12
Output kg/hr: -
KW rating: 9.9
List price from: 1697
Lincat/Opus 700
Model: OE7103
Oil tank ltrs: 20
Output kg/hr: 27
KW rating: 12
List price from: 1180
Lincat/Silverlink
Model: J6
Oil tank ltrs: 7
Output kg/hr: 14
KW rating: 6
List price from: 444
Malibu/Giorick
Model: EMF1030
Oil tank ltrs: 10
Output kg/hr: 18
KW rating: 6.8
List price from: 790
Mareno(Dawson)
Model: F7-4E12
Oil tank ltrs: 12
Output kg/hr: 25
KW rating: 10
List price from: 1370
Milestone
Model: BFRI
Oil tank ltrs: 10
Output kg/hr: 17
KW rating: 7
List price from: 1200
Parry Catering
Model: 9175
Oil tank ltrs: 6.1
Output kg/hr: 28
KW rating: 6
List price from: 429
Parry Catering
Model: 9176
Oil tank ltrs: 6.1
Output kg/hr: 42
KW rating: 9
List price from: 469
Roller Grill
Model: SF1400
Oil tank ltrs: 14
Output kg/hr: 36
KW rating: 12
List price from: 910
Roller Grill
Model: SF2500
Oil tank ltrs: 25
Output kg/hr: 45
KW rating: 18
List price from: 1025
Valentine
Model: Pension 1/V250
Oil tank ltrs: 8-10
Output kg/hr: 19-23
KW rating: 7.2
List price from: 1325
Welbilt Frymaster
Model: H14
Oil tank ltrs: 28
Output kg/hr: 32
KW rating: 14
List price from: 3097
Sanussi
Model: MFR/1307
Oil tank ltrs: 7
Output kg/hr: 15
KW rating: 5.4
List price from: 1468
Sanussi
Model: MFR/1312
Oil tank ltrs: 12
Output kg/hr: 24
KW rating: 8.7
List price from: 1520
Sanussi
Model: MFR/2540
Oil tank ltrs: 40
Output kg/hr: 51
KW rating: 19
List price from: 2594
Sanussi
Model: MFR/400
Oil tank ltrs: 16
Output kg/hr: 42
KW rating: 16.5
List price from: 1957
Self-standing gas fryers - single pan
Angelo Po
Model: 30F1
Oil tank ltrs: 10
Output kg/hr: 13raw
BTU/Hr: 30,708
List price from: 1213
Angelo Po
Model: 0A1FRI
Oil tank ltrs: 22
Output kg/hr: 36
BTU/Hr: 61,416
List price from: 1558
BGL Barret Gray
Model: Steinhart FG17L
Oil tank ltrs: 13
Output kg/hr: -
BTU/Hr: 31,000
List price from: 1215
BGL Barret Gray
Model: Steinhart FG13L
Oil tank ltrs: 17
Output kg/hr: -
BTU/Hr: 44,000
List price from: 1375
G.F.E. Bartlett
Model: D11G/301
Oil tank ltrs: 13
Output kg/hr: 20
BTU/Hr: 13kW
List price from: 1815
G.F.E. Bartlett
Model: D11G/451
Oil tank ltrs: 19
Output kg/hr: 28
BTU/Hr: 17.5kW
List price: 2020
G.F.E. Bartlett
Model: D11G/601
Oil tank ltrs: 53.7
Output kg/hr: 35
BTU/Hr: 35kW
List price from: 2360
Blue Seal
Model: GT45
Oil tank ltrs: 20
Output kg/hr: 35
BTU/Hr: 88,164
List price from: 1910
Bonnet
Model: Toque Blanche
Oil tank ltrs: 18
Output kg/hr: 44
BTU/Hr: 21kW
List price from: 2040
Bonnet
Model: Toque Blanche
Oil tank ltrs: 25
Output kg/hr: 55
BTU/Hr: 21kW
List price from: 3010
Buttress/Elframo
Model: GM2542
Oil tank ltrs: 17
Output kg/hr: -
BTU/Hr: 44,500
List price from: 1510
Dawson/Silko
Model: CFG72115
Oil tank ltrs: 13
Output kg/hr: 25
BTU/Hr: 32,000
List price from: 1450
Equip Line/Anets
Model: 14GSU
Oil tank ltrs: 50lb
Output kg/hr: 52
BTU/Hr: 111,000
List price from: 1815
Equip Line/Anets
Model: MX14EG
Oil tank ltrs: 50lb
Output kg/hr: 66
BTU/Hr: 111,000
List price from: 2170
Euro/Olis
Model: 720FRG
Oil tank ltrs: 20
Output kg/hr: 28
BTU/Hr: 80,000
List price from: 1430
EFrialator
Model: CE-35C 2bask
Oil tank ltrs: 17.2
Output kg/hr: 631bs
BTU/Hr: 90kW
List price from: 1529
Grundy
Model: EGF124
Oil tank ltrs: 9
Output kg/hr: -
BTU/Hr: 18,800
List price from: 1865
Hobart
Model: GFD35
Oil tank ltrs: 19
Output kg/hr: 30
BTU/Hr: 90,000
List price from: 2625
Hobart
Model: GFD45
Oil tank ltrs: 21
Output kg/hr: 45
BTU/Hr: 120,000
List price from: 2765
Hobart
Model: GFD65
Oil tank ltrs: 29
Output kg/hr: 51
BTU/Hr: 150,000
List price from: 2975
Imperial Elite
Model: IFS40
Oil tank ltrs: 22
Output kg/hr: 46
BTU/Hr: 105,000
List price from: 1782
Imperial Elite
Model: IFS50
Oil tank ltrs: 27
Output kg/hr: 55
BTU/Hr: 140,000
List price from: 2541
Imperial Elite
Model: IFS75
Oil tank ltrs: 41
Output kg/hr: 63
BTU/Hr: 175,000
List price from: 2951
Lincat/Opus 700
Model: OG7101
Oil tank ltrs: 16
Output kg/hr: 20
BTU/Hr: 44,400
List price from: 1450
Lincat/Silverlink
Model: J5
Oil tank ltrs: 12
Output kg/hr: 16.5
BTU/Hr: 38,000
List price from: 975
Malibu/Keating
Model: 10×11
Oil tank ltrs: 12
Output kg/hr: 25
BTU/Hr: 66,000
List price from: 1975
Mareno(Dawson)
Model: F7-4G15
Oil tank ltrs: 15
Output kg/hr: 30
BTU/Hr: 47,800
List price from: 1455
Parry Catering
Model: 7000
Oil tank ltrs: 12
Output kg/hr: -
BTU/Hr: 41,000
List price from: 950
Welbilt Frymaster
Model: MJ35V
Oil tank ltrs: 20
Output kg/hr: 26
BTU/Hr: 90,00
List price from: 1804
Welbilt Dean
Model: SM35G
Oil tank ltrs: 22
Output kg/hr: 35
BTU/Hr: 26kW
List price from: 1469
Wolf
Model: WGS35
Oil tank ltrs: 19
Output kg/hr: 29
BTU/Hr: 90,000
List price from: 2040
Wolf
Model: WGS45
Oil tank ltrs: 21
Output kg/hr: 45
BTU/Hr: 120,000
List price from: 2460
Wolf
Model: WGS65
Oil tank ltrs: 29
Output kg/hr: 52
BTU/Hr: 150,000
List price from: 2820
Zanussi
Model: MFR/1307
Oil tank ltrs: 7
Output kg/hr: 15
BTU/Hr: 23,800
List price from: 1566
Zanussi
Model: MFF/1312
Oil tank ltrs: 12
Output kg/hr: 24
BTU/Hr: 41,000
List price from: 1710
Zanussi
Model: MFR/2540
Oil tank ltrs: 40
Output kg/hr: 51
BTU/Hr: 93,800
List price from: 2300
Zanussi
Model: MFR/400
Oil tank ltrs: 16
Output kg/hr: 42
BTU/Hr: 68,000
List price from: 2398
Tips for successful frying
(From CESA, the Association of Catering Equipment Manufacturers & Importers)
- In order to allow for eventualities and future sales growth, choose a fryer with at least 10 per cent greater capacity than current requirements
- If using a solid frying medium, choose a fryer with a melt cycle, which helps the fat to dissolve gently without scorching
- A large bore drain valve in the base helps reduce the risk of block-ages during the draining process
- As with all prime cooking equipment, make sure any product you buy carries the CE mark signalling compliance to European safety regulations
