The joy of pressure cookers and fryers is how quickly they can cook foods of many kinds. Incorporating these appliances more intricately into your repertoire will not only help you save time but will also encourage you and your chefs to come up with new, more creative dishes. Saving time in the kitchen will allow your cooking staff to spend more time turning around more plates or to have more time for innovation.

Making the most of pressure cookers and fryers requires both creativity and an element of risk taking to try different foods. Commercial pressure cookers and pressure fryers are slightly different and should be researched at length before purchasing one, as they can offer your kitchen different functions. Consider the following when putting your pressure cookers and fryers to use:

1. You can use pressure cookers and fryers to save money.

2. Use pressure cookers and fryers to cook dishes that would otherwise take too long to prepare with other forms of cooking.

3. Offer more flavorful and healthier meals to your customers with a commercial pressure cooker.

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Use commercial pressure fryers and pressure cookers to save money on utility and grocery bills

Commercial pressure cookers and fryers are energy-saving appliances that can save you money on your monthly utility bills. They use, on average, 70% less energy than many of the other ways you may be used to cooking. These appliances also allow you to buy cheaper cuts of meat and other varieties of ingredients that won't lose their integrity when prepared in a pressure cooker.

I recommend: Miss Vickie provides information on the money and energy you can save by using pressure cookers and fryers. The Food Network describes how pressure cookers actually work.

Make dishes in your commercial pressure fryer or cooker that would normally take too long

Pressure cookers and fryers can make dishes in about a third of the time it would take using other conventional cooking methods. You can produce stews, soups and casseroles for your customers that were never an option before your pressure cooker because they didn't have a reasonable cooking time. You can create meals that appear to have taken all day, but in reality only need a matter of minutes from start to finish.

I recommend: You want fried chicken in a matter of minutes? KFC uses pressure frying in their kitchens. Buzzle.com explains more about pressure cooking and frying.

Use commercial pressure cookers and fryers to save flavor and nutrients

By not cooking foods for long periods of time you save valuable flavor and nutrients from your ingredients. Pressure cookers and fryers use high-pressured steam to cook your food that brings out flavor and protects the valuable nutrition by not cooking it off, as with other cooking methods.

I recommend: Helium offers insight into the benefits of pressure cookers and fryers. The Gourmet Kitchen explains the nutritional benefits of pressure cooking and frying.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider purchasing multiple pressure cookers and fryers to have several dishes cooking simultaneously.

Managing a restaurant is a competitive business and having the right commercial pressure fryers and pressure cookers is an enormous factor in its success. Locating a knowledgeable pressure cooker supplier can be paramount to your restaurant's daily function. It’s imperative to figure out when the restaurant is at its busiest time, and make sure that your equipment is dependable. Selecting dependable equipment happens with the right knowledge about the product. There are many things to know when purchasing pressure cookers.

Commercial pressure cookers and fryers cook at a level that’s fast and efficient. Gas powered heats more quickly yet electric cookers are more energy efficient. Knowing your floor space is necessary when choosing between the two. Both are products that are necessary to run your restaurant efficiently due to their versatility. With either, you can cook anything from main courses to desserts. It's important to be informed and here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Consult a pressure cooker provider to obtain suggestions for new equipment purchase.

2. Find out about wholesale restaurant pressure cookers to save on your budget.

3. Consider buying used or refurbished commercial pressure fryers to cut down on costs.

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Contact a pressure fryer manufacturer for a consultation on equipment

A pressure cooker manufacturer can tell you more about purchasing the equipment that's the perfect fit for your restaurant. They can also give answers to all of the questions you may have about specific pressure cooker and fryer equipment. Calling one for a consultation is a good idea so that you have an expert opinion and can make the right choices.

I recommend: The Catering Chef has commercial pressure cooker equipment and commercial pressure fryers on display. KaTom has a fryer guide and useful information.

Check with wholesale vendors for a low pressure fryer

When trying to manage a budget, wholesale vendors can offer bulk quantities, which utilize a system of selling more items at a lower price. This can make a difference in business' profit since you're considering equipment at a discount price.

I recommend: Pressure Cooker Outlet offers equipment that can save on your budget when purchasing a pressure cookers for a restaurant. The Restaurant Source has gas fryers that are available at a discount.

Buying used or refurbished pressure cookers saves on business expenses

Using refurbished or used pressure cookers can help with your profit by saving on the cost of purchasing new equipment. In fact, a used commercial pressure fryer is often just as reliable as a new one, at a fraction of the cost.

I recommend: BizRate specializes in small restaurant cookers at a discount. Another vendor to try is U.S. Equipment, which offers many different styles of used pressure cookers for sale.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always check the warranty on the pressure cookers and fryers that you are interested in purchasing.

Pressure cookers and fryers education and training is important for both you and your employees to ensure proper use of your expensive equipment. Many restaurant pressure cookers can have intricate directions for use so it's safe and can perform to its proper standards.

There are many ways you can rest assured that your employees use commercial pressure cookers safely and efficiently. Proper knowledge and instructional materials are imperative to that success, as well as using a pressure fryer manufacturer that caters to making sure you are well educated on their product. Even having information on pressure fryers and what types are available is important in order to train your staff effectively. Use these steps to get you started:

1. Learn about the different types of pressure cookers and fryers.

2. Locate a pressure cooker supplier that has informational materials that you can utilize.

3. Consult with a pressure cooker provider about the various types of training needed on your purchase.

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Gain knowledge on various types of commercial pressure fryers and their care

There are many varieties of commercial pressure cookers available, each with different ways to properly use them. Learn about the varieties and how easy or difficult each one is to use so that you can pass that information on to your employees.

I recommend: Market Forge has information on the various types of pressure cookers and how each type works. Vulcan has care and maintenance routines to ensure your pressure cookers and fryers work efficiently.

Find pressure cookers for sale from vendors that have extensive product information

Product information and educational materials is as important as the product you purchase. Locate pressure cookers from suppliers that come with the product information you will need to run your equipment efficiently. Be sure that the instructions are easy to understand and can be used to train employees as well.

I recommend: Anets offers instructional videos on their products so you can see a hands on demonstration. Hess Meat Machines provides safety training for all of their products sold. You and your staff will become certified in using their equipment.

Talk with your pressure cooker supplier about the training needed for your purchase

Your pressure cooker supplier can inform you of individual equipment information and usage instructions. Equipment can vary from vendor to vendor so it is important that you find out details of the pressure cooker you plan to purchase. A new piece of equipment may differ greatly from the pressure cooker you already own.

I recommend: The Restaurant Source offers a detailed menu with various pressure cookers and has a live support number for any questions you might have. US Equipment displays an extensive amount of kitchen equipment and can be reached by email, phone and fax in case you need to talk to a sales representative directly.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Have educational materials that were included with your pressure fryer in an area that is easy to get.

Whether you are planning on opening a new restaurant or just want to add new appliances to your existing food service operation, you should look into pressure cookers and fryers. Most restaurants could not get by without at least one of these products, especially if you plan to fry or cook food quickly. To get the right pressure cooker or fryer to meet your needs, it is helpful to find out the key terms associated with these appliances.

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Pressure cooker

Many commercial kitchens include a pressure cooker, which is a pot with an airtight lid. A pressure cooker cooks food quickly by letting steam build up inside it, and is considered a healthier way to cook.

I recommend: Cooking Tip of the Day features a definition of a pressure cooker, as well as its benefits.

Gasket

A gasket is an important part of a pressure cooker. It is a ring that forms a gas-tight seal so that no air can leave the pot. It is important to take proper care of the gasket, as it is a main component of pressure cookers.

I recommend: Find out what gaskets are made of and how to care for them at Miss Vickie's Pressure Cooker Recipes.

Pressure regulator

A pressure regulator is important to the proper operation of a pressure cooker. Just like the name indicates, it maintains the right pressure in order to cook food thoroughly.

I recommend: Learn a little more about the pressure regulator at In Mamas Kitchen in the "Some Tips on Pressure Cooking" section.

Electric fryer

Electric fryers are known for their ability to cook food evenly. They are also well-liked for their ease of use and the ability to cook food without making a mess.

I recommend: Find out some benefits of an electric fryer at Cook's Illustrated.

Gas fryer

Restaurant owners whose kitchens already use gas stoves often go for a gas fryer as well, simply out of convenience. Gas fryers often are preferred because newer models include a cold zone that is great for catching crumbs before they cook onto the food.

I recommend: ACityDiscount Restaurant Equipment & Restaurant Supply defines gas fryers and discusses how they differ from electric fryers.

Lockable lid fryer

A lockable lid fryer is exactly as it sounds. It has a lid that locks, which provides a safer way to cook with a deep fryer as you can avoid flying grease.

I recommend: Abt describes fryers with lockable lids.