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About SilverChef
buyer's guide
New Zealand's affair with fish and chips isn't just a fling—it's a legacy.
And behind every bite that makes your customers say "more, please!" is a commercial deep fryer.
Eager to perfect your fry game? Let's get to the crunch of it!
In this guide, we're dishing out the essentials: different fryer types, their standout features, and the top brands in the biz.
For every chef or restaurant owner seeking that unbeatable crispy finish – this is your roadmap.
Dive in, and let's make every fry count!
Starting or revamping a fast-food joint?
The right commercial deep fryer can make all the difference.
Let's simplify the most popular types and find the best fit for your kitchen.

If you crave simplicity and efficiency in your kitchen, meet the open-pot fryer – a top pick for many fast-food joints.

For menus rich in battered delights, the tube-type fryer stands out as a top contender, marrying innovative design with culinary precision.

A testament to electric efficiency, the ribbon fryer offers unparalleled consistency and speed for those who value swift service without sacrificing taste.

A must-have for dishes that float on oil's surface, the flat bottom fryer is designed for delicate items that demand an even frying environment.

These are not your average fryers; they mix the magic of frying with the science of pressure cooking.
Investing in the right fryer isn't just about current needs but also about future demands.
The style of fryer you choose can impact service speed, food quality, and overall customer satisfaction.

These compact units are engineered to occupy minimal space while delivering consistent frying outcomes.

These are the heavy-duty players in the frying world, designed for volume and consistency.

Embedded within countertops, these fryers optimise space without compromising on frying quality.

As the name suggests, these are all about specific tasks. They are primarily used for frying unique items like doughnuts and funnel cakes.

Ventless commercial fryers are game changers for spaces without a dedicated hood system. Equipped with their own ventilation and fire suppression, they ensure safety while delivering top-notch frying.
Before you dive into selecting a deep fryer, take a closer look at your menu.
Size and capacity aren’t just about how big the fryer is; it's also about how many baskets it can manage.
Below are the different capacities of fryers based on the number of baskets – single, double, and triple.
Read on for more details on each.
Single Basket Fryers
These are your one-man army. Ideal for establishments with a limited menu or those starting small.
They're perfect if you’re frying one type of food at a time.
But remember, while they're compact and cost-effective, they might limit your multitasking abilities during those unexpected rush hours.
Double basket fryers
This is where things start to get versatile.
With two baskets, you can fry two different foods simultaneously without flavour cross-over.
Imagine frying fish in one and chips in the other—efficiency and speed without compromising quality. It’s a game-changer for medium-sized establishments.
Triple basket fryers
For the bustling, high-demand venues, triple baskets are your frontline soldiers.
Three different foods? No problem.
Or maybe you want to dedicate two baskets to your bestseller and one to a side?
The flexibility here is unmatched, allowing you to maximise output and meet varied customer demands with ease.
Next up, we're tackling the ins and outs of settings, features, and functionality.
This is where you ensure your fryer seamlessly fits the bill for your kitchen's needs.
Take a closer look at these key features when you're weighing your options:
A fryer isn’t just another appliance. It's an investment in safety, quality, and efficiency. Make sure yours checks all the right boxes.
Filtration rids your oil of pesky food residues and carbon remnants.
The result?
Crispier, flavourful dishes and a safer dining experience.
Plus, it's a financial win; purified oil stands the test of time, trimming your operational costs.
Your filtration options:
The filtration advantage:
In New Zealand, where we cherish our clean, green image, choosing an energy-efficient deep fryer isn’t just a business decision—it's also a nod to our commitment to the environment.
Here's a brief overview of gas and electric power sources:
While commercial deep fryers are great time-savers, they do demand a bit of TLC.
Here's how to ensure it remains efficient and long-lasting:
The golden rule: clean, clean, and clean.
A daily wipe-down of the exterior keeps it shining, while a thorough weekly cleanse—emptying the oil and scrubbing the fry pot and baskets with hot water and detergent—is a must.
If you're frying up a storm daily, consider more frequent deep cleans.
Regularly filter that oil, especially if you start getting that burnt smell or if your food's getting too brown.
Once filtered, give those heating elements a good scrub and get rid of any lurking bits.
Getting an expert in occasionally is a smart move.
They have the knack to spot issues you might miss and help you save money in the future.
Top-notch oil isn't just about taste; it's about caring for your fryer.
Invest in quality oils; they're the lifeblood of your machine.
Looking to buy or upgrade?
Keep an eye out for material quality, design, size, placement options, and even the brand's reputation.
They play a part not just in how your kitchen looks but in how long your fryer will last.
A heads-up: Always ensure any products or accessories you consider are a good fit for your fryer.
Not sure? A chat with your supplier or manufacturer will steer you right.
Your deep fryer's going to be front and centre, but it's the little extras that can truly elevate your frying game.
Here’s a quick rundown of some essential accessories and extras for your deep fryers that can boost your operation:
Essential tools for the fryer, these baskets safely lower your food into the sizzling oil and retrieve it once golden.
Different sizes and shapes cater to varied frying needs, so choose wisely.
Think of these as your oil's best mates.
They extend its life by filtering out those pesky food particles.
A longer-lasting oil saves you money and guarantees that consistently fresh taste.
Safety first, right?
Splash guards shield your team from hot oil splashes, and as a bonus, they minimise those messy oil splatters.
It’s like a blanket for your fryer, protecting it from dust and debris when it’s taking a break.
These trays act as catchers for stray food bits, ensuring they don't hang around and burn in your oil.
These gloves are a must-have.
They're an extra safety net, protecting hands from heat when your team's hard at work.
A clean fryer is a happy fryer!
Regular maintenance is the key to its performance and lifespan.
These kits, equipped with brushes and other fryer-specific tools, make the cleaning job a tad easier.
It’s not just about adding accessories, but the right accessories.
Ensure they're a match for your fryer model.
And if in doubt? A quick chat with your supplier or manufacturer should set things straight.

Cobra, a powerhouse in the commercial kitchen equipment domain, is synonymous with durability, innovation, and reliability.
Tailored for bustling kitchens, Cobra's commercial deep fryers merge elegant design with unrivalled performance.
A hallmark of their fryers is the innovative 'cool zone', a game-changer for extending oil lifespan. Coupled with a high-efficiency rate and a formidable multi-jet target burner, Cobra elevates the frying experience.
If you're scouting for recommendations, consider the Cobra CF2 with its notable 'cool zone', 25kg/hr production capability, and robust 90 MJ/hr burner, all wrapped in stainless steel.
Alternatively, the Cobra Open Pot Deep Fryer—available in both LPG and Natural Gas variants—is a commendable addition to any commercial kitchen.
Shop Cobra commercial deep fryers now.

Trueheat, a titan in commercial kitchenware, seamlessly marries efficiency with craftsmanship.
Especially, where culinary fervour runs deep, the brand's deep fryers stand out for their robustness and adaptability. Why? They're engineered for the unique pulse and pace of busykitchens.
If you're looking for standout models, the Trueheat RCF4 dazzles with its swift frying prowess and stainless steel charm. Meanwhile, the Trueheat RC Series Gas Deep Fryer, tailored for aneclectic food scene, sets a gold standard in frying.
Choose Trueheat and let your culinary aspirations sizzle to perfection.
Shop Trueheat commercial deep fryers now.

Woodson, a prized subsidiary of Stoddart, stands tall in commercial kitchenware, renowned for premium, reliable countertop fryers.
Tailored for abustling culinary scene, their fryers excel in short orders, from crispy chips to golden fish. Marrying innovation with safety, they feature easy cleaning and optimal cooking.
Spotlight on their stellar models: The Woodson W.FRT50 Double Pan Fryer offers stainless steel durability, designed for efficient, short-run frying with two 5-liter tanks.
Whereas the Woodson WFRS50 Benchtop Fryer ensures precise frying at 180°C, boasts unique tilt-back heads, and features a safety-oriented design including over-temperature cut-out.
Shop Woodson commercial deep fryers now.

Over the past eight decades, Frymaster has diligently honed its craft, becoming an industry linchpin in commercial frying solutions. Frymaster takes pride in crafting products that epitomise durability and longevity.
For a vibrant culinary scene, Frymaster's fryers are more than just machines; they're a testament to quality and sustained performance.
Among their remarkable lineup, the Frymaster OCF30G and the Frymaster 1814 Gas Fryer shine brightly.
The OCF30G is not just any fryer; it's equipped with a SMART4U® OCF30 3000 Controller, expertly guiding users in all operations, and a COOL mode, ensuring oil remains at cooler temperatures during idle times.
Meanwhile, the Frymaster 1814 Gas Fryer, tailored for high demand scenarios, prioritises oil and energy conservation. Its expansive frypot, measuring 18” x 14” x 3-3/4”, can simultaneously cook three food baskets, ensuring efficiency in bustling kitchens.
Both models resonate with Frymaster's ethos of reliability and durability, promising unmatched performance in the fast-paced world of culinary excellence.
Shop Frymaster commercial deep fryers now.

Roband, inspired by the names of the founder's sons, ROBert and ANDrew, embarked on its journey in a family garage in 1959 with a humble milkshake mixer.
Today, led by Andrew and anchored in Sydney, it has evolved into a global symbol of quality kitchen equipment.
For commercial kitchens, Roband’s deep fryers stand out, offering a blend of innovation and reliability.
Two standout models are the FR40 Fryer and the FR25 FRYPOD DEEP FRYER.
The FR40 boasts a robust stainless steel build, meticulous thermostat control, and critical safety features like an isolating switch and over-temp cut-out.
The FR25 FRYPOD, meanwhile, sports a contemporary brushed stainless steel aesthetic, precision thermostat control, and a safety mechanism that bars element removal when powered on.
Together, these models encapsulate Roband's commitment to excellence in New Zealand's bustling culinary scene.
Spending thousands of dollars on a commercial deep fryer can put a strain on your budget and cash flow.
If you’d prefer not to invest a lot of money in a deep fryer, a cheaper, pre-owned appliance might be the solution you’re looking for.
SilverChef’s range of ‘Certified Used’ commercial equipment is mostly ex-rental equipment sourced from businesses we know and trust.
The equipment is typically less than two-and-a-half years old, has been fully refurbished by us, and is backed by a three-month parts-and-labour warranty.
Considering the effective or useful life of a deep fryer is much longer, you can be sure our Certified Used commercial deep fryers have plenty of life left in it.
You can either buy or finance the ‘Certified Used’ (and clearance) equipment on our website. (We’re one of the few financiers, if not the only one, in New Zealand that funds second-hand commercial kitchen equipment).
Read more about ‘Certified Used’ equipment
Cleaning your commercial deep fryer is essential for food quality and safety.
Follow these simple steps for effective cleaning:
For best results, clean regularly, and always consult your fryer’s manual for specific guidance.
Draining a deep fryer isn't just routine maintenance, it's about preserving the taste and quality of every dish served. Here's how to do it right:
It's a good practice to always refer to your fryer’s specific user manual or get professional advice for tailored maintenance instructions.
The amount of oil a commercial deep fryer requires largely hinges on its size, the type of food being fried, and the frequency of its use.
Typically, commercial fryers might need anywhere from 20 to 25 litres of oil.
Yet, when it comes to electric deep fryers, they often have a maximum capacity of around 12 litres.
However, these figures are just ballpark estimates.
For precise requirements tailored to specific models and culinary needs, always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Boil-out
The process of cleaning the inside of a fryer using a special chemical mixture to remove carbon build-up and other debris.
Cold Zone
An area at the bottom of the fryer pot where food particles fall and settle, preventing them from overcooking and maintaining oil quality.
Recovery time
The time it takes for the fryer to heat the oil back to the desired temperature after food is added.
Vat
Another term for the main container or tank where oil is heated and food is fried.
Filtration system
A system integrated into many fryers that filters out food particles, prolonging oil life.
Sediment tray
A tray or area designed to catch food particles that fall from the frying baskets, usually located in the cold zone.
Thermostat
A device to regulate the temperature of the oil, ensuring consistent cooking results.
Load capacity
The maximum amount of food, usually in pounds or kilograms that can be cooked at once in the fryer.
Oil capacity
The maximum amount of oil, usually in litres or gallons, that the fryer can hold.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand what you need to look for in a commercial deep fryer and how to choose the right model for your needs.
If you want to know more, you can always reach out to the SilverChef team.
Hospitality equipment can be expensive, and paying for it outright can put pressure on your business’s cash flow.
Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now and to pay for it in small, regular amounts out of the revenue it generates for you.
Rent–Try–Buy® not only helps you maintain your cash flow, it gives you unrivalled flexibility to adapt your equipment to the changing needs of your business.
You can upgrade or buy the equipment at any time or, after 12 months, return or continue renting it.
If you decide to buy the equipment, we’ll give you back 50% of the rent you paid in the first year and 25% of any rental payments thereafter — to put toward the purchase price.