Food Truck Fryer Buying Guide
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Types of Food Truck Fryers
The type of deep fryer that will make the most sense for your food truck will come down to the type of food you're looking to cook in the fryer, the capacity you need, your required utility type, and how much space you have available in your food truck. Read on to learn about the 5 best types of deep fryers for your food truck.
Electric Countertop Fryers
Electric countertop fryers utilize a heating coil that is directly within the pot to heat the oil. Space is at a premium in food trucks, so having portable equipment to ensure your space is set up exactly to your liking and to accommodate any future changes to your food truck's layout is a huge advantage. When choosing an electric countertop fryer, keep in mind that the higher the wattage rating is, the higher the heating efficiency will be.
- Plug-and-play, portable design
- Easy to clean
- More energy efficient and less costly to maintain
- Light, medium, and heavy-duty options
- Models available with capacities up to 75 lb.
- Will need access to electricity or a generator to use
Gas Countertop Fryers
If you have a gas line on your food truck, then a gas countertop fryer might be the best option for you. They come in either natural gas or liquid propane options and their heating elements typically sit beneath or on the sides of the pot. When choosing a gas countertop fryer, keep in mind that the higher the BTU rating is, the higher the heating efficiency will be. If you're purchasing gas equipment for your food truck, make sure you obtain all of the food truck permits needed to operate.
- Typically has faster heat up times
- Light, medium, and heavy-duty options
- Models available with capacities up to 35 lb.
- Funnel cake fryer options available
- Can create more heat in the kitchen than electric options
- Tied to a fixed location
- Requires professional installation and hood ventilation
Countertop Air Fryer
A commercial air fryer for a food truck is an ideal alternative to a traditional deep fryer because it delivers the crispiness of fried food using little to no oil. This not only makes the food healthier, but also reduces the amount of cleanup required and the lack of an open fry pot will keep the heat down in your small space.
- Achieve healthier food options while using very little oil
- Lack of an open fry pot reduces heat buildup and the risk of oil-related injuries in the kitchen
- Easy to clean
- Models available with programmable touch screen controls
- Portable design
- Most do not have a large capacity
- May not be able to keep up with high demand
Ventless Countertop Fryer
Ventless fryers are ideal for food trucks with no space under their vent hoods or no ventilation at all. Because they have an electric power source, they have a variety of programmable controls that make them easy to use. Adding ventless equipment to your food truck provides greater flexibility with where you can place the equipment in your kitchen and reduces installation costs.
- Easy to operate
- Feature a built-in filtration and fire suppression system
- Virtually odorless operation
- Feature a self-contained oil drainage kit that allows operators to empty oil even when it's hot
- Built-in filtration system means more moving parts that could have issues
Drop-In Fryer
Instead of sitting on top of your counter, drop-in fryers stay consistent with the height of your countertop or prep surface. They provide space for other cooking equipment and food prep. If a clean visual appearance to guests is crucial to the design of your food truck, drop-in fryers provide a great solution to creating a streamlined look without sacrificing performance.
- Fry pot is removable for easy cleaning
- Designed to fit inside a cutout in your countertop to conserve space
- Stays consistent with the height of your countertop for ease of use
- Provides a visually appealing, streamlined look
- Fixed, non-portable design
Countertop vs Floor Fryers for Food Trucks
Countertop fryers tend to be better suited for food trucks because they have a smaller footprint without sacrificing performance. However, if your menu items are almost exclusively fried foods, then a floor fryer might be a better option for your business.
Pros and Cons of a Countertop Fryer
- Space-saving, portable design is great for small footprint kitchen
- Some models can accommodate two or more baskets in a smaller footprint
- Generally easier to use and maintain
- Available in electric, gas, and ventless models
- Fewer high capacity options available
Pros and Cons of a Floor Fryer
- Typically have higher frying capacities
- Best for establishment that sell large quantities of fried food every day
- Able to handle constant use throughout the day
- Typically has a quicker recovery time in between batches than countertop fryers
- Will need a hood ventilation system
- Difficult to accommodate in small footprint kitchens
Gas vs Electric Fryers for Food Trucks
Which power source you choose may simply come down to the utilities you have available in your food truck. However, if you are deciding between the two types, the gas vs electric fryer comparison below can help you choose which power source is best for your needs.
Pros and Cons of an Electric Fryer
- Typically have faster recovery times
- Immersion-style burners are easier to clean
- Portable design is not tied to gas line
- Will need a generator to ensure use in the event of a power outage
Pros and Cons of a Gas Fryer
- Typically have faster heat up times
- Since the heating element is on the outside, it has a gentler heat transmission, which contributes to longer-lasting oil
- Don't have to worry about power outages
- Generally harder to clean
- Require professional installation
- Typically more expensive to service and maintain
- Will create more heat inside the kitchen
Related Resources
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The popularity of food trucks has grown so rapidly over the past few years that some cities are now known for their food truck scene . What used to be considered a food risk has become foodie trend across the globe. If you are wondering how to start a food truck business of your own and what the cost is to start a food truck, check out the following steps and tips to help you get the ball rolling. Shop All Food Truck Supplies Learn how to open a food truck by following these 9 easy steps: Research Your Food Truck Scene Choose a Food Truck Concept Write a Business Plan Get Funding Get the Proper Licenses and Permits Buy a Food Truck Purchase Equipment and Supplies Choose a POS System Invest in Marketing and Advertising Food Truck Pros and Co
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