Funnel Cake Equipment and Supplies Buying Guide

Funnel cake fryers are specifically designed to fry wet batter pastries like funnel cake or donuts in bulk. They feature a wide, flat bottom that allows for an even distribution of heat, ensuring that every dessert is cooked thoroughly. Additionally, the open design of these fryers makes it easy to insert funnel cake rings, as well as to fish them out with skimmers once they are done frying. There are two main types of funnel cake fryers to choose from: countertop and modular fryers.

• Modular fryers: Modular funnel cake fryers are ideal for restaurants and large concession stands, as they take up more floor space but allow you to prepare larger batches of funnel cakes.
• Countertop fryers: Countertop funnel cake fryers are smaller models that offer less output but are perfect for food trucks and small concession stands with limited space.

When it comes to creating perfectly portioned funnel cakes, the right tools make all the difference. Batter dispensers and funnel cake pitchers are essential equipment for any establishment looking to serve up this classic fair treat with professional consistency.

• Batter dispensers: Batter dispensers hold and release wet batter into the fryer. These tools give you control over how much batter you release at a time, ensuring even portions and consistent quality. They are particularly useful for preparing large batches of funnel cakes, making them ideal for businesses that experience high demand.
• Funnel cake pitchers: Funnel cake pitchers are smaller in design and can be filled with batter and poured as needed, allowing greater flexibility in creating intricate designs or patterns. With convenient handles for easy gripping and narrow spouts for precise pouring, funnel cake pitchers are perfect for smaller operations or operators looking to add an extra layer of detail to their funnel cake menu.

While traditional funnel cake batter is mixed by hand, commercial operations may benefit from using a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer. These machines ensure batter is mixed thoroughly, creating the right consistency and texture in your funnel cakes. They also reduce the physical strain that hand mixing takes on your staff, helping them preserve energy for when they need it most.

• Electric hand mixers: For smaller kitchens, food trucks, or concession stands with limited counter space, an electric hand mixer is the ideal choice. This compact option is perfect for operations that don't plan to prepare large batches of batter at once, offering the convenience of mixing batter quickly and easily without taking up too much space.
• Stand mixers: A stand mixer is the preferred choice for larger kitchens that anticipate selling a higher volume of funnel cakes. They let you mix large quantities of batter with ease, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture every time.

Funnel cake rings are specialized forms that provide the ideal shape and diameter for funnel cakes. They provide a framework to pour batter into, keeping your fryer tidy during the process and helping you reduce loose sediment in the oil. The rings typically come in different sizes, including 4”, 6”, and 8” options, allowing you to cater to different serving options.

• 4" funnel cake rings: The smallest funnel cake ring option, ideal for individual portions.
• 6" funnel cake rings: A middle-of-the-road option that offers a substantial serving size ideal for splitting with small groups.
• 8" funnel cake rings: The largest funnel cake ring option, great for preparing sharable funnel cakes that can be shared.
• Multi rings: These tools feature multiple rings formed together, typically three at a time, allowing you to prepare multiple funnel cakes simultaneously.

Mixing bowls are sturdy, structured vessels that let you mix ingredients thoroughly. They are found in virtually every commercial kitchen and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate countless food prep tasks. Whether you opt for stainless steel for its durability or prefer the versatility of glass, plastic, or silicone, having a reliable mixing bowl in your kitchen arsenal is essential for perfecting your funnel cake batter.

• Stainless steel mixing bowls: Stainless steel mixing bowls are typically the best option for preparing funnel cake batter. They offer the perfect balance of durability and versatility, making them ideal for the rigorous demands of commercial kitchen use.
• Glass mixing bowls: Glass mixing bowls are non-reactive and offer enhanced visibility, allowing you to monitor batter consistency. They are also stain- and odor-resistant, but not as durable as other options.
• Plastic mixing bowls: Plastic mixing bowls are the most economical option, offering a lightweight, versatile bowl that won't shatter, crack, or dent if dropped. However, they may retain stains or odors and are susceptible to scratches from whisks and other cooking utensils.
• Silicone mixing bowls: Silicone mixing bowls are flexible and feature non-stick walls so that you can make sure no batter goes to waste. They are easy to clean, and their flexible, squeezable design can be shaped to pour batter precisely into a dispenser or funnel.

Shakers and sugar dispensers hold and pour sugar and other granulated spices or toppings. Once a funnel cake is finished cooking, you can let it rest and use your shaker to coat it while the surface is still fresh and warm out of the fryer. Not only are sugar dispensers easy to use, but they are also a breeze to clean and refill, making them an ideal choice for fast-paced operations where efficiency is key.

• Shaker jar: The most common type of sugar dispenser used for funnel cakes. These dispensers feature a perforated lid, providing a light, even coating of sugar as you shake it.
• Flap spout shaker: These dispensers feature a single flap spout that dispenses sugar when you turn it on its side. They offer a less even spread, but more precision.

Tongs are a versatile, robust food-handling tool, as well as a staple in most commercial kitchens. They make it easy to flip funnel cakes without coming in contact with boiling oil, as well as to remove them once finished cooking. Tongs come in a variety of lengths and sizes, catering to different types of fryers and the size of your funnel cake mold. Remember that you should only use metal tongs to handle funnel cakes, as plastic tongs will melt when they come in contact with oil.

• Stainless steel tongs: Stainless steel tongs offer enhanced durability and ease of cleaning. They can handle the hot temperatures of a fryer and feature a clean look.
• Coated tongs: Coated tongs feature a metal or stainless steel base with a rubberized handle coating, ensuring a secure grip while reducing the risk of heat transfer.

Skimmers are designed to extract golden-brown funnel cakes from boiling oil, straining excess oil away in the process. Available in a range of sizes, from small to large, skimmers offer flexibility in handling multiple funnel cakes at once or retrieving them one by one. Additionally, you can choose between round or square shapes to suit the type of pot you are using and your personal handling preferences.

• Coarse mesh skimmers: These skimmers feature a wide, open-weave wire. They are ideal for quick and convenient scooping, but don't offer as much precision and won't catch excess sediment.
• Fine mesh skimmers: These skimmers feature a tighter weave, ideal for capturing funnel cakes but also for removing impurities from the oil, such as fat deposits, foam, or debris.
• Extra fine mesh skimmers: These skimmers feature the tightest weave, capturing all debris while letting the oil pass through.

When it comes to creating delicious funnel cakes, you have two options. You can prepare your own batter, or you can opt for a pre-made funnel cake mix. No matter which you choose, the beauty of funnel cakes lies in their versatility. You can prepare them plain, add mix-ins and flavorings to enhance their appeal, or get creative with eye-catching designs.

• Pre-made mix: Pre-made funnel cake mixes are available in bulk quantities, often made with a blend of preservatives and flavor enhancers to ensure consistent taste and quality. These mixes simplify the cooking process, cutting down on prep time so you can fulfil orders faster. Additionally, their pre-mixed recipe ensures every funnel cake you make tastes exactly the same.
• In-house batter: If you're making funnel cake batter on your own, the recipe is relatively simple. A standard funnel cake batter recipe calls for flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and baking powder, and can be customized as you see fit with flavorings like cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate.

Appealing to a diverse range of tastes is key when it comes to building out a funnel cake menu. While some customers might enjoy the simplicity of a classic powdered sugar-topped funnel cake, others seek out more adventurous flavor combinations. Incorporating diverse funnel cake toppings can even catch a customer's eye and promote impulse purchases.

• Powdered sugar: A staple topping for funnel cakes, powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and nostalgia to the classic funnel cake experience.
• Candy: For a playful twist, consider adding candy toppings to your funnel cakes. Choose from smaller candies like M&Ms for a burst of color and flavor, or go all out with crushed chunks of larger candy bars such as Kit Kats or peanut butter cups.
• Cinnamon: Adding a sprinkling of cinnamon or cinnamon sugar to your funnel cake can elevate its flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
• Cookie crumbles: Create a cookies and cream-inspired funnel cake by sprinkling cookie crumbles on top. These crumbles not only add a crunchy texture but also pair exceptionally well with funnel cake sundaes.
• Marshmallow: For a gooey and sweet topping, consider topping your funnel cake with melted marshmallows. This adds a delightful texture and can be further enhanced by combining it with chocolate and crushed graham crackers for a s'mores-inspired twist.
• Sprinkles: Sprinkles are a fun and colorful addition to any funnel cake. Choose flavored sprinkles for a unique touch, opt for rainbow sprinkles for a classic look, or select themed sprinkles to tie in with seasonal celebrations.