If you own a restaurant, you probably already know what a deep fryer is. It is necessary to own at least one if you want to cook foods quickly without making them greasy. Deep frying technically cooks the inside of food first, as the oil causes the moisture in the food to steam. Whether you plan on cooking french fries, fish or chicken, you will likely need a deep fryer. Your buying choices depend on the amount of space you have in your kitchen as well as your preferred heat source. Plus, you might need some accessories to ensure your new deep fryer operates smoothly for years to come.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Commercial deep fryer

This type of fryer is larger than the average kitchen deep fryer. Found in many restaurants, it's meant for frying a large volume of food at once.

I recommend: FoodServiceWarehouse.com discusses the different versions of commercial deep fryers available.

Countertop deep fryer

A countertop deep fryer can save space in your kitchen, especially if you do not need to fry large amounts of food at once. Since it is smaller, you will also save money with this type of fryer. It comes in both electric and gas models.

I recommend: Jarco Industries offers both electric and gas countertop deep fryers, and their site explains the benefits of each type.

Gas fryer

If your restaurant kitchen already uses a gas stove, consider adding a gas deep fryer as well. The typical gas fryer includes a cold area at the bottom that catches crumbs before they stick to the rest of the fried food.

I recommend: Learn more about the difference between gas and electric fryers, as well as the cold zone in a gas fryer at ACityDiscount Restaurant Equipment & Restaurant Supply.

Electric fryer

If you want to cook your food thoroughly at consistent temperatures use an electric deep fryer. This appliance helps your food come out crispy, not soggy.

I recommend: Cook's Illustrated provides an overview of the main advantages of the electric deep fryer.

Deep fryer filters

Every fryer needs a filter since filters that get changed regularly absorb extra grease and keep odors down. Charcoal filters can decrease the smell of old food while oil filters keep the kitchen free of splatters.

I recommend: Espresso Plus More discusses how to filter your fryer's oil and the benefits deep fryer filters provide.

Fryer brush

You will need to clean your deep fryer frequently, and a fryer brush is the best way to do so. Most have Teflon bristles and a comfortable plastic handle.

I recommend: The WEBstaurant Store lists some benefits of a fryer brush when it comes time to clean your deep fryer.

It goes without saying that almost every restaurant in existence utilizes deep fryers to prepare some of its guests' favorite foods. From popular side dishes of French fries and onion rings to traditional entrées like Chicken Kiev, using a deep fryer is an easy and efficient way to cook.

There are a variety of restaurant fryers to choose from, the most popular being gas and electric floor fryers. You can find other types as well, but these are the most common. Think about your kitchen before you set out to find a deep fryers provider:

1. Consider what types of food you'll need to cook in your deep fryer. You may need a few fryers or a fryer with multiple oil vessels.

2. Calculate how much food you'll need to drop into your deep fryer's oil at a time. This will help you determine the capacity of your fryer as well as your fryer baskets.

3. Take stock of the floor and counter space in your kitchen. You can choose from floor deep fryers as well as fryers that sit on the countertop.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go with traditional gas deep fryers

Many chefs prefer to cook on a gas stovetop, so if your restaurant is already set up for gas appliances, you may as well go with a gas fryer. One advantage to this type of fryer is that there is what's called a 'cold zone' at the bottom of the vessel, and crumbs from breading and such tend to settle there. This reduces the likelihood of transferring the taste of the food to your oil or making your products brown.

I recommend: Check out the variety of sizes of fryers at A-Best Fixture. Find a great selection at Central Restaurant Supply.

Put efficient electric deep fryers into use

The main advantage to electric fryers is that they maintain consistent temperatures. When you drop a basket of frozen food into your gas fryer, it can add a brief chill of cold to your oil and delay cooking times. But electric fryers are much more efficient and recover quickly.

I recommend: Take a look at the freestanding fryers at Jarco Industries. You can also find energy-efficient electric fryers at Frymaster.

Use countertop deep fryers if you own a smaller restaurant

If your restaurant is short on floor space but still needs a fryer, consider using a fryer that sits on your countertop. These tend to hold a smaller volume of food, but they're less expensive and can definitely meet the needs of small- to mid-size restaurants as well as larger restaurants with a limited need for frying.

I recommend: Choose from the selection at BigTray, which offers something for every budget. Buy a gas or electric countertop fryer from Star Manufacturing International.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Try to find a deep fryers directory that will help you determine which brands and models are energy efficient. Energy Star ratings can help you choose which fryer to purchase, and if you choose to make all your equipment energy efficient, you can advertise that you're a green restaurant.