Fryers

About Fryers

Small kitchen appliances play a significant role in modern lifestyles. They make kitchen tasks easier and food preparation more enjoyable, while some models even save valuable counter space.  

Friers - like the name says - are the appliances designed for making fried food, crunchy french fries and crispy panko-coated bites such as croquettes.

While deep fryers stand as a long-favoured staple of many home and commercial kitchens, air cookers are stepping up as a healthier, diet-friendly alternative. What they both have in common is the speed - these appliances are the perfect opposite to slow cookers.

Types of Fryers

Electric Deep Fryers

These are common models, affordable, relatively compact, and perfect for indoor home use.  

Propane Deep Fryers

Propane-powered models are a traditional type that heats fast and delivers crispier results than electric ones. However, they are designed mostly for outdoor use. 

Air Fryers

Air-based variety is an ideal alternative to a deep fryer for everyone worried about their calorie intake - hot air distribution eliminates the need for using oil. While the resulting flavour is not exactly the same as the taste of deep-fried food, the bites are still crunchy, crispy, and free of extra fat. 

Air fryers are similar to ovens; also cost-efficient, convenient, and much easier to clean than other types. 

Models with Lockable Lids

Lockable lids are great for home use due to their safety. These models feature a basket that can be moved without opening the lid, which means less hot oil spraying all around. Most models are designed with a window that allows visual control of the processes, and a hot oil indicator showing when the time is right to start frying. 

A filter can be either permanent or removable for cleaning. 

Rotary Fryers

Rotary models, like their name indicates, feature a rotating basket. Its movement passes the entire content through hot oil, eliminating the need to keep it submerged. As a result, only half of the regular oil amount is required for the frying process, while the ideal cooking temperature is reached faster This type also comes with a filter, lid (mostly lockable), and viewing window.

Types of Commercial Deep Fryers

• Countertop fryers: Also known as benchtop deep fryers, these models are designed to be more compact and fit to the worktop or counter. Countertop commercial deep fryers are available with single or double frying tanks.
• Free-standing fryers: High capacity units deliver high output, ideal for demanding daily use. They mostly feature filtration units installed in the base.
• Induction fryers: This type is based on induction cooking technology, designed to reduce running costs and maintenance. Induction units can be either countertop or free-standing. 
• Doughnut fryers: This is the most common example of fryers built for specific applications. 
• Combi fryers: Combi units are designed to fit with other kitchen appliances for maximum versatility.

Air Fryers VS Deep Fryers 

• How deep fryers work: These models are composed of a cooking chamber that takes the oil and a basket that holds the food while dipping. Most of them require submerging the food deep in the oil in order to bring it to a crispy form. While the resulting taste is unique and favoured by many, the absorption of fat during the cooking process is high.

• How air fryers work: Air fryers utilise the method based on the mechanism of convection to roast and bake food. They circulate hot air evenly all around the food at high temperatures, producing crisp shells around tender insides. Using an air fryer is extremely easy and resembles the principles of baking. 

Power

The power of all cookers ranges between 1800 and 2200 watts. More power means that the oil will heat faster. Some models are digitally controlled, while all have some kind of thermostat for temperature control. 

Capacity

Ideal deep fryer capacity depends on the application, amount and the type of food it will be used with. For occasional home use, such as making batches of fries and nuggets for the family, a desktop deep fryer should suffice. Cooking for parties or frying whole chickens requires a larger model. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning a deep fryer is a demanding task. Some units offer dishwasher safe attachments and detachable oil compartments. However, users should still count with draining the oil and doing most scrubbing the container hand. A deep fryer with a drainage system can make the cleaning process faster and easier.

Proper maintenance can extend the life span of the appliance. It's important to clean it after each use and change the oil regularly. Also, using good quality oil is strongly recommended. 

Things to Consider Before Buying 

Electric fryers can come with convenient additional safety features. Those include automatic shutoff when oil reaches hazardous temperatures, a detachable break-off cord, and a cool-touch exterior to avoid accidental burns.

It's recommended to follow the instructions precisely when using fryers. Oil should be kept under the maximum level, under controlled conditions and at a suitable temperature.

Most deep fryer varieties include basket accessories that allow for processing more than one type of food at a time. 

Air fryers deliver almost the same taste as deep fryers - but with much less oil or guilt. Processing food by hot air distribution results in up to 80% lower fat intake.