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Deep Fryer Parts and Accessories

Last updated on Sep 17, 2024

Deep fryers play a crucial role in commercial kitchens. Whether you're preparing appetizers, entrees, or desserts, fried foods are immensely popular across a wide range of restaurant concepts. Because of this, it's crucial to ensure your deep fryers are in the best possible condition to keep up with demand and satisfy your customers. Understanding the components of a deep fryer allows you to diagnose any issues that might arise, perform quick maintenance, and ensure you are using your unit correctly. We'll outline the most important components of a deep fryer below.


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Restaurant Equipment

1. Body

The body serves as the framework that houses your deep fryer, providing a protective shell for your unit and a sturdy structure for frying foods. Typically constructed from stainless steel, the fryer body is designed for long-term use in busy commercial environments. It shields essential components, like the heating element, keeping them safe from the rest of the kitchen and minimizing the risk of damage. The exact layout and construction of your fryer's body will vary depending on the type of unit you purchase, how many fry tanks it features, and the fuel type it uses.

Restaurant Equipment

2. Doors

The doors of your deep fryer allow convenient access to the mechanical components inside the unit, providing easy access for repairs and mechanical adjustments. Depending on the unit you buy, there might be one door or multiple. They typically feature easy-to-use handles, making it easy for your staff to open and close them as needed. Like the body, they are typically constructed from durable stainless steel, although some doors may feature rubber grips on the handles. If your doors sustain damage at any point, be sure to replace them to minimize the risk of further damage to your unit's internal components.

Restaurant Equipment

3. Fry Tank

The fry tank, sometimes called the fry pot, is where the oil is held and heated to the desired temperature for frying foods. Their width and depth can vary depending on the size of your unit, although they are usually deep enough to prepare fried foods in bulk. Some units offer up to four built-in fry tanks, allowing you to prepare larger quantities of food or prepare multiple different foods at once. Other units may only feature one or two fry tanks, which is ideal for smaller kitchens or food trucks with limited space. Choose a fryer that features enough fry tanks to match your projected output.

Restaurant Equipment

4. Fry Tank Cover

When the fry tank is not in use, the fry tank cover provides a protective barrier against dust, airborne particles, and other environmental factors. These components fit seamlessly over the top of your fryer, providing a secure barrier that keeps unwanted contaminants at bay. It's important to note that you shouldn't place a fry tank cover on the unit while it is in use. Rather, you should use covers to protect your fryer overnight or when the unit is dormant. Most fry tank covers are made from stainless steel, and many feature convenient handles for easy removal.

Restaurant Equipment

5. Burner or Heating Element

Depending on what fryer you have, it will utilize a burner or heating element to heat oil to your desired temperatures. Fryers that run on natural gas or liquid propane use a burner. These components are typically located on the unit's walls or underneath it. Alternatively, electric fryers utilize a heating element. These parts convert electrical energy into thermal heat, quickly and conveniently raising the temperature of your fryer oil. There are many heating element styles, each of which lends itself to a different type of electric fryer and fryer layout.

Restaurant Equipment

6. Basket

Deep fryer baskets are designed to accommodate large quantities of food at once, serving as the vessel for you to submerge foods into the fryer oil. They are made from several different materials including chrome-plated steel, nickel-plated steel, and stainless steel. These baskets easily lift out of the fryer once foods are ready, and their vented design promotes efficient draining of excess oil to achieve the perfect texture. They also come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate different foods. Choose from rectangular, round, square, and even shell-shaped baskets to best fit your menu's needs.

Restaurant Equipment

7. Basket Hanger

Bakset hangers are mounted on the head of your deep fryer, providing a convenient storage solution for your fryer baskets. Baskets can easily be latched onto the hangar, allowing their contents to rest. By hanging your baskets, you allow more time for oil to drip away so that you can serve fried foods that are the perfect consistency. Additionally, hanging your fryer baskets eliminates the need to carry them across the kitchen, minimizing oil drippings and allowing for easy cleanup. Most basket hangars come built into your unit, although some may need to be attached after purchase.

Restaurant Equipment

8. Drain Valve and Drain Pipe

As their names suggest, drain valves and drain pipes help control and direct the flow of oil when draining a deep fryer. The drain valve is attached directly to the fryer tank, with the drain pipe tightly fastened to the other side. The valve can be switched open to quickly remove the contents of the fryer when it's time to change the oil, and the pipe provides a sturdy, dependable vessel to carry the oil out of the unit. Regularly changing the oil in your deep fryer is crucial for maintaining the quality of your fried foods. Over time, oil can break down and become less effective at frying, affecting the taste and texture of your dishes. Keeping an eye on the condition of your drain pipe and replacing it when necessary will ensure that your deep fryer continues to function efficiently.

Restaurant Equipment

9. Control Knobs

Knobs and dials provide a convenient way to operate your deep fryer, allowing you to adjust the temperature of your fryer oil to achieve the perfect results. Some knobs feature incremental measurements, while others are designed to point to measurement markings on the fryer itself. They can be made from plastic, rubber, or stainless steel depending on the construction of your unit. They also come in a variety of styles and colors. If you need to replace a control knob, be sure to choose one that is compatible with your unit to prevent temperature control issues.

Restaurant Equipment

10. Thermostat

The thermostat senses and regulates the internal temperature of your cooking oil and relays it to the unit. Some deep fryers feature high-limit thermostats capable of shutting down the fryer if operating temperatures reach unsafe levels, preventing the risk of fires in the kitchen. Monitoring the temperature of your oil at all times is essential to minimize the risk of damage to your unit and to prevent any potential injuries to your staff. Different fryer models may display temperature readings in various ways, depending on the unit you choose.

Restaurant Equipment

11. Legs and Casters

Depending on the layout of your kitchen and your operational needs, you have the option to choose either legs or casters for your deep fryer. Casters are a popular choice for fryers as they provide mobility and flexibility. By installing casters on your unit, you can easily move the fryer around, making it convenient to relocate or clean underneath the unit. Some casters lock to keep the unit stable during operation, preventing accidental movement that could lead to spilling or splashing of hot oil. Legs offer a more stable foundation for your deep fryer to rest on. Legs provide a sturdy base for the unit, ensuring it remains securely in place during use.

Deep Fryer Accessories

When it comes to deep fryer accessories, having the right tools and accessories can make a significant difference in the efficiency and safety of your commercial kitchen. We've listed the most important deep fryer accessories below:

  • Screens: These accessories are designed to prevent large crumbs from falling into the fry pot, ensuring that your oil stays clean and your food cooks evenly.
  • Sediment trays: Sediment trays use a mesh screen to catch smaller crumbs and particles, prolonging the life of your oil.
  • Splash guard: A splash guard is a must-have accessory to protect your kitchen walls and appliances from splashing oil.
  • Crumb scoops: Crumb scoops easily remove crumbs and other debris from your oil, keeping it clean and preventing off-flavors in your fried foods.
  • Clean out rods: These accessories are ideal for cleaning out deep fryer drains that are hard to reach, ensuring your unit remains free of clogs.
  • Mold rings: Mold rings are perfect for frying foods that need to be shaped, such as funnel cakes. These accessories help you achieve consistent results and create visually appealing fried foods.
  • Scrub brushes: These brushes make it easy to remove built-up sediment and maintain the cleanliness of your fryer for optimal performance.
  • Splash shields: Splash shields protect your hands as you handle the fry basket, reducing the risk of burns and injuries. By using splash shields, you can handle hot oil with confidence.

By understanding the key components of your deep fryer and investing in the right parts and accessories, you can ensure that your fryer operates efficiently, produces high-quality fried foods, and remains in good working condition for years to come.

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