Quicklist: Different Types of Deep Fryers
Many people love to eat fried food and the best way to fry food at home or at a restaurant is in a deep fryer. From fried chicken to fried Oreos and fried bananas, people love to eat food fried in oil in a deep fryer.
Since I worked at a Dairy Queen in high school, I am familiar with the way commercial deep fryers work and we had to change the grease often with fresh vegetable oil in the one we used there. When my parents opened their Greek restaurant a few years after I was out of high school, they went one better and cooked all of the fries in grease from the gyro meat, along with olive oil. The locals always say they are the best fries in town.
For some people, pouring oil into a frying pan is a way to cook their favorite fried foods but it is a messy process with an increased chance of burning the food or yourself. It is also way less convenient to fry foods in a pan versus a deep fryer.
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History of Deep Fryers
It is believed that the first people to deep fry foods were the Egyptians in the 5th Millennium BC. Fried cakes are believed to be the first foods that were deep-fried and you should think of donuts when thinking about fried cakes. The Greeks are also believed to have fried various foods in olive oil during this time period. Eventually, people in other cultures began to deep fry different types of foods.
Foods You Can Deep Fry
You should make a decision on how often you will use a deep fryer before you purchase one. You should also consider what foods you will fry in it. There are many possibilities, including fried vegetables. French fries, fried okra, sweet potato fries, and fried zucchini are just a few of the array of veggies you can fry up in a deep fryer.
You can also fry different types of meat and fish in a deep fryer, including deep-fried catfish and turkey, chicken, shrimp, and crab meat. Under the bread category, you can make donuts in a deep fryer as well as funnel cakes, hush puppies, churros, French toast, and sopapillas.
Fried cheeses Are also great in a deep fryer, including mozzarella sticks, fried cheese curds, and even deep-fried macaroni and cheese. Cream cheese wontons are another viable option in a deep fryer. And let us not forget the favorite fair foods that are deep frying including fried Oreos, fried lasagna, and fried ice cream.
The Capacity of the Deep Fryer
You will also want to consider the capacity of food at one time that you will want your deep fryer to be able to handle. If you’re planning to use it for things like fried cheese or chicken wings for just yourself or your immediate family, you will not need a large capacity deep fryer.
If you’re wanting to feed a large number of guests at parties that you’re going to throw, you’ll want a deep fryer that has a larger capacity so it can handle all of the food you want to fry in it at once. Also, if you are going to want to fry larger items, such as whole chickens or turkeys, in your deep fryer, you will want one that has plenty of room for that to happen.
Safety of the Deep Fryer
The safety of the deep fryer you purchase should be a top priority. Our cooking appliances have some amount of risk of fire but deep frying is especially sensitive and more prone two starting fires. You will want to ensure there are plenty of safety features on the deep fryer you purchase to avoid any type of disaster.
How to Choose the Best Deep Electric Fryer For Home Use
While electric deep fryers are safer than propane deep fryers, they still pose some amount of risk. For example, oil can boil over or it can even combust if you’re not very careful. Some of the newer models of electric deep fryers have safety features, such as an automatic shutoff that will kick in if oil reaches an unsafe temperature.
They may also have a breakoff cord that will detach from the fryer if the cord is somehow disturbed rather than allowing the whole deep fryer, and all the hot oil, to tip over. You will definitely want to read the safety instructions that come with whatever deep fryer you do purchase and follow them exactly.
You will not want to overfill the oil which means you’ll have to allow for how much food you’re going to put in so it doesn’t cause an overflow. You also want to keep an eye on the temperature because you don’t want to have an explosion.
Consider the Cost
You will want to set a budget for your deep fryer before you start searching for one. Smaller electric deep fryers do not cost as much but you need to decide if one of those will be large enough to suit your needs. The larger electric models, propane deep fryers, and air fryers will cost anywhere from $100 to $200 and you’ll also want to purchase some accessories to go along with your deep fryer.
Types of Fryers
Hamilton Beach Cool-Touch Deep Fryer, 8 Cups / 2 Liters Oil Capacity, Lid with View Window, Basket with Hooks, 1500 Watts, Electric, Black (35021)
Cool-touch sides make this deep fryer a safe one for you and your family to use at home. It fries an array of foods quickly and can make up to six cups of French fries or chicken tenders in a matter of minutes. To avoid splattering of hot oil, it sports a convenient window so you can see when your food begins to float and is ready to eat without getting burned from hot grease.
Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer,Black
Made by Presto for decades, no list of deep fryers for home use would be complete without the original one, the FryDaddy. It is super easy to use but does not have the many bells and whistles of new models. It is made of metal and plastic but is safe to use. It only uses four cups of oil and makes about four cups of food at one time.
It comes with a handy scoop to lift, drain, and serve French fries, fried Oreos, and more. Very convenient for a small family or single person who enjoys making fried food at home.
Presto 05442 CoolDaddy Cool-touch Deep Fryer
the CoolDaddy by Presto is like the newer, updated cousin to the FryDaddy. It is larger and will cook about six cups of food at one time. It is a great option to fry foods, such as chicken, shrimp, and Oreos. It features a charcoal air filter that absorbs odors which will really come in handy if you are frying up some fish or other seafood. You have size options when it comes to this fryer along with the colors of white or black. It can sit out on your countertop all the time and look good.
T-fal Deep Fryer with Basket, Stainless Steel, Easy to Clean Deep Fryer, Oil Filtration, 2.6-Pound, Silver, Model FR8000
You can fry up enough food for a large family at one time in this deep fryer. It has an array of handy features, including the fact that it cooks food at an even temperature, has a non-stick brushed stainless steel pot that is easy to clean, and it is dishwasher safe.
Cuisinart CDF-100 Compact 1.1-Liter Deep Fryer, Brushed Stainless Steel – Silver
Even though it is compact and only holds a small amount of food and only 1.1 liters of oil at one time, this little 1,000 watts of power deep fryer can still cook pretty quickly and provides you with the great tasting fried foods that you love, including fried chicken and French fries. It is a wonderful option for a single person or couple and is easy to clean and store.
De’Longhi D895 DeLonghi D28313UXBK Roto Deep Fryer, Black/Silver, 12.2 x 9.45 x 14.17 inches
The Roto Deep Fryer from DeLonghi packs 1500 watts of power and only uses a small amount of oil while still excelling when it comes to the production of delicious, crispy fried food. It features a rotating basket that provides you with healthier cooking results and it is easy to clean with a convenient front hose drainage system.
You can adjust the thermostat and the digital timer will alert you when your food is done, taking the guesswork out of the deep frying experience. It is ideal for frying up chicken, chips, and fish.
Masterbuilt MB20010118 Electric 3 in 1 Deep Fryer Boiler Steamer Cooker with Basket, Adjustable Temperature, and Built In Drain Valve for Kitchen Fry Cooking, Silver
Not only can you fry up your favorite foods in the deep fryer, including French fries and turkeys, it also allows you to steam food or boil it. It boasts a healthy design that will reduce the amount of fat since it uses less oil than other home deep fryers. It is easy to clean and can make servings for large groups of people.
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
The patented infrared cooking technology used with this fryer reduces the amount of fat intake and is overall a healthier option than most fryers. It will produce perfect turkeys but also beef roasts, pork tenderloins, whole chickens, and even large cuts of meat and ribs that have been marinated or seasoned. With no hot oil to burn, it is a much safer option to use.
COSORI 5.8QT Electric Hot Air Fryers Oven Oilless Cooker,11 Presets Preheat& Shake Reminder, Nonstick Basket, Black
This air fryer uses up to 85 percent less fat than traditionally deep fryers so it is a very healthy option. It is the winner of the Red Dot Award for the best design which was conducted in California and boasts an angled display with super easy-to-use presets. Its compact size makes it easier to store or you can leave it on your counter all the time since it will fit well.
It features 11 one-touch presets that can cook poultry, seafood, shrimp, bacon, steak, frozen foods, French fries, vegetables, and even bread and desserts. You can also cook a whole chicken in this model if it is about five to six pounds and it is easy to clean.
Commercial Deep Fryers
A commercial deep fryer is different than fryers for your home in their size and capacity. They can fry large quantities of food at once, including French fries, funnel cakes, and mozzarella sticks. Commercial deep fryers are found in all types of restaurants as well as food trucks and trailers.
Commercial fryers are broken down into four main categories, including tube-type fryers, open-pot fryers, flat-bottom fryers, and commercial pressure fryers. Tube-type fryers are used most often for foods that have a breading on them, such as cheese sticks or onion rings. This type of fryer has larger cold zone areas that will help the cooking oil last longer. For foods like French fries and hash browns, you will want to purchase an open-pot deep fryer. A V-shaped vat will help you to use less oil which can save you time and money.
Flat-bottom fryers are great for foods like funnel cakes. The flat bottom of these fryers helps the dough to float in the oil without getting stuck to the edges and sides of the deep fryer. A commercial pressure fryer is used most often in restaurants that serve a lot of fried chicken and fish because this type of fryer can heat more oil quicker than the other types of commercial fryer because of the amount of pressure it can apply.
Commercial Gas Fryers Versus Electric Fryers
Electric fryers have fewer connections to hook up than gas fryers so they are easier to install. If you are shopping for a commercial fryer, you should understand that gas-powered fryers will normally not be affected by a power outage. There are also many different options of fry pot shapes that the electric models do not offer.
You will have to check out the specifications on each type of fryer to ensure you’re purchasing the right one for your particular business. You will also want to decide if you have the connections available in your commercial kitchen for a gas or electric fryer and which power source is the most affordable in the area in which your restaurant is located.
Types of Commercial Deep Fryers
Tube-type Fryers
Tube-Type Fryers have wider sediment zones and feature a system of tubes. They are most suitable for heavy frying and provide easy access to the heat source, although they are more difficult to clean. Most floor models are tube style fryers and feature tubes that transfer heat to the oil.
They rest above the bottom of the fry pot which creates a “cold zone” that allows sediment, crumbs, and other particles and debris to settle on the bottom of the fry pot without any burning or scorching. This makes tube style fryers a little more difficult to clean because of all the folds and crevices that are inside the fry pot but the oil lasts much longer before you have to change it out for fresh oil.
Commercial Deep Fryer – 50 lb. Natural Gas 4 Tube Floor Fryer with 2 Fryer Baskets – Restaurant Kitchen Equipment for French Fries, 136,000 BTU/h
This floor model three-tube commercial deep fryer boasts two wire mesh baskets so you can cook different foods at one time. This type of fryer is great for not only restaurants but concession stands, bars, and other locations where high volumes of food need to be cooked quickly.
You can adjust the height of this deep fryer because of the adjustable feet and it is easy to clean and care for due to the oil cooling zone being located at the bottom area of the tank. It can be purchased on Amazon or other places that sell restaurant equipment, including directly from the manufacturer.
Safstar Professional Electric Deep Fryer, Stainless Steel Chicken Chips Fryer with Basket Scoop for Commercial Restaurant Countertop Family Food Cooking (Single Tank)
You can use this stainless steel deep fryer at home or in places like food stands, snack bars, or food trucks. It is very efficient and easy to operate and clean. You can purchase directly from the manufacturer or on Amazon.com.
Okeysen Deep Fryer With 2 Baskets, Electric Commercial Countertop Stainless Steel Dual Tank, Large Capacity For Restaurant.(12.7QT/12L,5000W, Silver)
This electric countertop fryer can be used at home or for commercial use. It has a large capacity and with dual individual tanks, you can fry different types of food at one time. It is heavy duty in easy to clean. It is great for frying onion rings, egg rolls, French fries, fried chicken, and even panko shrimp and other deep-fried foods.
Frymaster Dean SR142G Super Runner Natural Gas Floor Fryer 43 lb.
This tube-type deep fryer requires no electrical hookup since it is powered by gas. It is made of stainless steel and has a very wide cold zone. It comes with two fry baskets so that you can cook more than one type of food at one time.
Stainless Steel Propane-LPG Gas Fryer Deep Fryer French Fries Fried Chicken 10L W/All Accessories
This desktop fryer can be used in a commercial setting or at home to cook foods, such as French fries and fried chicken. It uses a propane tank and is fuel-efficient. It features precise temperature control and one large, deep basket for frying the various foods.
eQuipped F5-N Gas Fryer – (1) 70 lb Vat, Floor Model, Natural Gas
Source: Katom
This restaurant-style floor model is purchased from Katom Restaurant Supply, Inc. and is great for a busy restaurant, food truck, or concession stand. It uses natural gas to function instead of propane and is energy-efficient. It automatically adjusts the temperature and heat level and is capable of cooking a lot of food at once.
Commercial Pressure Deep Fryers
Commercial pressure frying works similarly to open frying. The exception is that once the food is placed into the hot oil, the lid of the fryer is closed and sealed which creates a pressurized cooking environment. This method of cooking is great for fried chicken because it makes it more flavorful and it is faster than any other process of cooking fried chicken. These pressure deep fryers are available in table or floor models and can use electricity or gas for power.
Types of Commercial Pressure Fryers
Genmine Commercial Electric Countertop Pressure Fryer Pressure Fryer For Chicken 16L 2400W Commercial Electric Countertop Pressure Fryer Deep Fryer Cooker Stainless Chicken Fish with Timer & Temperature
This stainless steel pressure cooker features an aluminum oil tank that is easy to clean, looks good, and is heavy duty and durable. Its large, round basket will hold two to five chickens at once. It heats up quickly and cooks each batch of food in less than seven minutes which is the reason it is great for commercial use.
BKI FKG-FC 75 lb Natural Gas Pressure Fryer
Source: Katom
This pressure fryer uses natural gas for fuel and holds up to eighteen pounds of food at one time with 75 pounds of oil capacity. It offers programmable controls and is great for use in a busy restaurant.
BKI FKM-F 75 lb Electric Pressure Chicken Fryer – 280v/3ph
Source: Katom
This electric fryer can handle a high volume of food and features a digital timer, controlled low-pressure cooking, a digital timer, and it has a stainless steel exterior.
Barton High-Pressure Freestanding Triple Basket Deep Fryer Dual Burner Propane Fish Cooker Fry Basket Fryer
This fryer is great for outdoor use and cooking foods, such as fried fish, shrimp, and sweet potato wedges. It is a great addition to your outdoor barbeque area or your campsite. Its heavy-duty construction and the deep-frying station will last longer than other outdoor deep fryers. It is also great for use at restaurants, fast food stands, and snack bars.
Open-Pot Commercial Deep Fryers
Open-Pot fryers are great for low-sediment foods since they create less debris. They feature a larger hot zone which means there is a smaller cold zone to stop sediment from burning. The heating elements are located on the outer part of an open pot fryer which reduces the heat transfer efficiency but does increase its capacity. It is easier to clean than a tube deep fryer since there are no tubes to clean around.
Frymaster MJ1CF Gas Fryer – (1) 80 lb Vat, Floor Model, Liquid Propane
Source: Katom
This deep fryer is powered by gas and has an open-pot design. It holds 80 pounds of oil and features a cold zone that will catch food particles that fall below the burners. It has twin baskets that allow for a high capacity output which is great for commercial use.
KWS DY-12 Commercial 3500W Electric Deep Fryer 11.4L Stainless Steel with Faucet Drain Valve System for Commercial Restaurant
Made of heavy-duty stainless steel, this open-pot deep fryer features two fryer baskets and plastic handles that prevent any scalding from occurring. You can control the thermostat and it offers a copper faucet-style drain that makes it easy to release edible oil.
Imperial 40 lb. Open Pot Gas Floor Fryer 105,000 BTU
Source: Restaurant Equippers
This open-pot gas floor-style commercial fryer is powered by propane or natural gas and holds up to 40 pounds of oil. It Is much easier to clean than tube fryers.
Clevr Two 11 Liter Basins Capacity Commercial Stainless Steel Deep Fryer Machine 110v Double Two Tank Design Restaurant
This open post commercial deep fryer is great for cooking at churches, snack bars, and smaller restaurants. With two baskets, you can cook two different types of foods at the same time and because they are separated, you can use two different types of cooking oils at the same time.
You can also use two different temperatures to ensure the food you are cooking gets done in a timely manner to keep up with customers’ orders. The unit has a safety feature that automatically shuts it off if it begins to overheat.
Premium Commercial Deep Fryer – KITMA 50 lb. Liquid Propane 4 Tube Floor Fryer with 2 Fryer Baskets – Restaurant Kitchen Equipment for French Fries, 120,000 BTU/h
With four burners and a large oil capacity, this unit puts out a lot of food quickly so it is great for a busy restaurant. It is easy to collect oil in the barrel area which makes it more convenient to clean the equipment.
Flat Bottom Commercial Deep Fryers
Flat Bottom fryers are very popular for cooking foods, such as donuts, funnel cakes, and other foods that are popular at concession stands, food trucks, food trailers, and other mobile food service venues. Most of the time, these types of foods put off less sediment and use less heat to cook the food all the way through.
A commercial fryer with a flat bottom is heated up very in a similar manner to the open pot fryer except there is no cold zone located in a flat bottom fryer. This makes for more frying capacity so it is created for the best cooking environment for pastries. Instead of baskets, you use a flat strainer or skimmer to drop your food items in the hot oil and to remove them after they are finished cooking. Since these fryers do not have a cold zone, they are a little more difficult to clean.
Comstock Castle 2941SF Flat Bottom Funnel Cake Doughnut Fryer
This flat bottom deep fryer is easy to clean and boasts long-lasting burners that work great for deep-frying donuts, funnel cakes, and more. It is a wonderful fryer for concession stands, restaurants, and mobile food trailers and trucks.
Two 11 Liter Basins Capacity Commercial Stainless Steel Deep Fryer Machine 110v Double Two Tank Design Restaurant
This flat-bottom deep fryer makes it easy to fry tons of food quickly on a countertop. These features make it a great option for snack bars, churches, and smaller restaurants.
20.7 Qt Large Capacity Electric Deep Fryer with 2 x 6.35 QT Removable Baskets and Temperature Limiter for Commercial and Home Use
This flat-bottom electric deep fryer features removable baskets and is great for use at home or at a commercial business, including restaurants, snack bars, and food trailers.
Commercial Deep Fryer, 6.3QT/6L 2500W MAX Stainless Steel Electric Deep Fryer with Basket, Countertop Fryer Deep Fryer for Chicken Chips Fries French Fries Restaurant Home Kitchen (6.3QT/6L)
![[US in Stock] Commercial Deep Fryer, 6.3QT/6L 2500W MAX Stainless Steel Electric Deep Fryer with Basket, Countertop Fryer Deep Fryer for Chicken Chips Fries French Fries Restaurant Home Kitchen (6.3QT/6L)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xa+WseOkL._SL500_.jpg)
Commercial Electric 23.4L Deep Fryer w/Timer and Drain Stainless Steel French Fry
This flat-bottom deep fryer is great for cooking in a restaurant, supermarket, concession stand, or even an outside barbeque kitchen. It is easy to clean and operate which makes it very convenient.
Ten FAQs About Fryers:
Should you get a commercial countertop or floor model deep fryer for your restaurant?
Floor models are much more convenient and hold more food at once for restaurant owners. Countertop style models may work out better for food trucks and trailers.
What oil is best for deep frying?
There is actually no “best” oil to use for deep frying because it depends on personal preference. Vegetable, canola, sunflower, and rice bran oil are all viable options because they can be heated to very high temperatures without burning and they have more neutral flavors that will not interfere with the taste of the food that is being fried.
Can you leave the oil in a deep fryer?
While it is better to store oil outside of a deep fryer when it is not being used for long periods of time, you can safely leave it in the deep fryer for short periods of time. You should ensure that you have removed any food particles that can spoil before you store the fryer and oil.
How many times can you reuse frying oil?
When it comes to breaded or battered foods, you should only reuse the oil three or four times before changing it out with fresh oil. For cleaner fried foods, such as potato chips, you can reuse oil at least eight times and even longer if you’re adding in some fresh oil periodically.
How do you know when chicken wings are done in a deep fryer?
Fresh chicken wings will take about seven to ten minutes to cook all the way through in a deep fryer. The easiest way to tell if they are done is when they float to the top of the oil. If you like your wings extra crispy, you will want to leave them in a little longer, about a minute or two, after they float to the top of the oil.
Can you fry chicken and fries in the same oil?
It is better not to fry chicken and fries in the same oil or your fries may end up tasting like chicken.
What oil does McDonald’s use?
McDonald’s restaurants use a canola oil blend.
What is the best oil to fry potato chips in?
Canola oil is the best option for frying potato chips because it works well. It is also good for frying French Fries.
What are the advantages of using a pressure fryer rather than a deep fat fryer?
Pressure frying takes less time than conventional deep fat frying which means you can cook more orders in less amount of time. Pressurized cooking allows turbulence that facilitates a more even cooking process with lower temperatures being used. Shorter cook times mean you can serve more customers or put out more food faster.
What should you not cook in an air fryer?
Air fryers are great for frying frozen food, making cookies, and even cooking bacon but they are not so great for wet batters, cheese, or overly seasoned foods because of the mess they will make.
How long does deep fryer oil last?
Deep fryer oil can last for quite some time if properly cared for. If you keep the oil clean and at the right temperature, you can use it multiple times. However, you’ll need to change the oil more frequently if you’re using it to cook large quantities of food.
Air fryer vs deep fryer for taste?
This question has no definitive answer since it depends on personal preferences. Some people prefer the taste of food cooked in a deep fryer, while others find that air-fried food tastes better.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of fryer you prefer. I have both because I like being able to choose depending on what I’m in the mood for.
What size deep fryer do I need?
The size of the deep fryer you need depends on how much food you want to cook at one time. If you only ever plan on cooking small quantities of food, then a single-quart deep fryer would suffice.
However, if you regularly cook large quantities of food, you’ll need a larger fryer. I have a four-quart deep fryer that’s perfect for cooking large meals. During football season, I use it to cook wings for my friends and family.
How often should deep fryer oil be changed?
If you take good care of your oil, you can use it multiple times before needing to change it. However, if you use your fryer frequently or cook large quantities of food at one time, you’ll need to change the oil more often. I change my fryer oil every two to three weeks during football season.
Can you use a deep fryer to boil water?
Yes, you can use a deep fryer to boil water. However, it’s not the most efficient way to do so. If you’re trying to boil water quickly, you’ll be better off using a stovetop or electric kettle.
Can you deep fry without a deep fryer?
Yes, you can deep fry without a deep fryer. However, it’s not as safe as using a fryer, and it’s also more difficult to control the temperature of the oil. I recommend using a deep fryer. Even on a small model, you have to do several batches in is safer and more convenient.
Are deep fryers safe?
Deep fryers are safe as long as you use them properly. Be sure to keep the oil at the right temperature and never leave the fryer unattended while it’s in use. If you follow these safety guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy your deep-fried foods without worry.
What size deep fryer do I need for a turkey?
A turkey deep fryer differs from a regular deep fryer. These fryers cook an entire turkey at one time. If you want to fry a turkey, you’ll need a large enough fryer to accommodate the bird. I have a 30-quart fryer that’s perfect for frying an average-sized turkey.
How to clean a deep fryer?
It’s important to keep your deep fryer clean to prevent the build-up of grease and food particles. I recommend cleaning your fryer after each use. To do so, simply drain the oil and remove any food debris from the basket. Then, wash the basket and lid in warm, soapy water. Once everything is clean, dry it thoroughly before storing it.
Are deep fryers healthy?
Deep fryers are not necessarily healthy, but they can be a part of a healthy diet if used in moderation. If you’re concerned about the healthfulness of deep frying, simply cook smaller quantities of food at a time.
Choose leaner cuts of meat and cook them until they’re well done to minimize the amount of fat that’s absorbed. Serve your fried foods with a side of vegetables or fruit to balance the meal.
