If you own a commercial business and your target group loves fried food, then you'll know that choosing a quality commercial fryer is essential and with the rising energy costs many businesses are now giving greater consideration to particular areas such as power, and it's impact on energy efficiency and the overall efficiency of the equipment as a whole.
What is a Commercial Fryer?
Commercial fryers are one of the core appliances for any commercial kitchen. It is specifically designed to facilitate heating oil in large quantities, which you can use for deep frying your French fries, chicken, onion rings plus much more. Not only are the results exquisite but a commercial fryer also produces large quantities to meet demand.
There are various types of commercial fryers in the market. You can decide on your fryers as per your requirements.
- Countertop Units: These units tend to be compact and are designed to fit on existing work surfaces. This enables serving fried food from smaller kitchens. Countertop fryers are available as single tanks with capacities from 3 to 20 litres or twin tanks varying from 2 x 3 litres to 2 x 9 litres.
- Freestanding Models: These are the ideal choice for big kitchens which aim for higher output due to their high demand. Freestanding fryers are also available in both single and twin tank options, where a single tank comes with capacities ranging from 8 to 40 litres, and a twin comes with 2 x 8 litres to 2 x 17 litres respectively. Larger freestanding models not only produce a higher output but also often have more advanced features and specifications.
What Should I Look for in an Energy Efficient Commercial Fryer?
Commercial fryers are not considered to be particularly efficient pieces of catering equipment however there are a few things to look for when buying to ensure your cooking equipment operates a little more efficiently.
Oil filtration
Commercial fryers with inbuilt filtration can extend the lifespan of oil and reduce the frequency of required oil changes. Although costing a little more initially, savings over the lifetime of the unit can be substantial. Where filtration isn't included as a standard feature separate units such as Vito oil filtration systems can be purchased to achieve the same results.
Models that use less oil as standard
Valentine fryers are designed with a reduced size cool zone. This not only achieves a high output to oil ratio but also promotes energy efficiency. Due to less oil being used in each tank, less power is required to heat it.
Correct tank size
Always opt for a unit that meets your demand - too large and you're heating oil unnecessarily, too small and excessive stress will be placed equipment which may lead to you not being able to keep up with the required output or increased risk of breakdowns.
Recovery times
The recovery time is the time taken for the fryer to reach operational temperatures again after use meaning it's ready to be used again.
ECO modes
A feature which is favoured by Valentine EVO fryers, the ECO mode offers a more gradual, economical way to heat oil and bring it to the required temperature.
Commercial Fryers - Gas or Electric?
Consider the power supply already installed in your premise. Commercial fryers come in both electric and gas-powered options and each method has its pros and cons. With natural or LPG gas, single phase, 3 phase or standard 13A plug set-ups available there's plenty of choice whatever your preference. Bear in mind that choosing an alternative power supply will incur additional charges which can be pricey when set up and installation of new supplies and connections is required.
Commercial Electric Fryers VS Commercial Gas Fryers - A Brief Overview
Unfortunately the question of efficiency isn't as simple as which is more efficient - gas or electric? There are many variables to be taken into consideration.
Not only does the base cost of gas and electricity per kWh apply but also any installation and maintenance costs along with key factors such as:
- The products that are being cooked
- Whether the food is fresh or frozen
- How many hours per day the fryer is in use for
- The litre capacity of the tank/s
- The operating cooking temperature
Gas commercial fryers require more oil to fill fry tanks when compared to electric alternatives. Not only does this mean that gas models need more energy to heat the oil, but there is also more oil to dispose of after oil changes resulting in increased outlay.
- When it comes to initial heating times and recovery between uses, electric fryers have the upper hand. Electric elements are submerged in the oil itself offering direct heating while gas models need to heat burner tubes which then transfer that heat to the oil within the tank. This method of transference can result in up to 78% of the heat that is produced by a gas fryer to be lost through air extraction systems. Electric fryers are considered to be more energy efficient as they heat quickly initially and in between fry cycles therefore consuming less time and energy between subsequent uses.
- Gas commercial fryers require ventilation and gas interlock systems, electric models only adequate ventilation. This can affect initial set-up costs and subsequent maintenance costs.
- Both gas and electric commercial fryers will have an oil release system or gravity drain that allows for minimal mess when emptying used oil from the tanks. While gas models have an unobstructed tank to make cleaning easier they also produce carbonisation which can make cleaning more difficult. Electric models will have elements in the base that can be either hinged or lift out to allow access for cleaning.
- Installation and maintenance of gas fryers can often be more involved and technical than electric models which can lead to higher costs when installing the unit and should any breakdown occur.
- Gas fryers often have a larger initial outlay than electric models and can be expensive to set up and maintain however historically have often been considered to be cheaper in the long run when comparing the relative price of gas versus electric costs. In the current climate with energy tariffs soaring, gas is still arguably the cheaper option in the long run in terms of purely powering the equipment on a kWh rate however with energy tariffs still creeping up, the additional efficiency features of electric models make them the far more efficient option.
Maintaining & Cleaning of Commercial fryers
As commercial fryers are heavily used on a day-to-day basis, regular maintenance is a must and can also be a great way to improve efficiency of equipment. By carrying out regular cleaning and inspections you can not only help your fryer to run more effectively and efficiently but also maximise the lifespan of your unit.
Check the integrity and condition of the frying tanks. Look for any oil below the fryer and behind the unit’s door which may imply leaks in the tank. Leaks will not only reduce productivity but can also lead to a fire hazard.
Regular oil filtration is essential, not only to maintain the health and safety of your commercial fryer but also to make sure that your fried foods always meet high standards.
Clean, service and maintain all equipment regularly including the fryer itself and extraction and ventilation systems. This includes checking that the heating systems are fully functional and in the case of gas fryers that burners, pilot lights, gas pressures and flame failure devices are all working as they should.
With energy prices continuing to be a core concern for every business, it isn't just about choosing the most energy efficient unit when buying new appliances but also looking after and using existing catering equipment in the most efficient way possible.