Gas Floor Fryers

Gas Floor Deep Fryers: What You Need to Know

Capable of quick recovery and consistent temperatures, gas floor deep fryers accommodate small menu items and thick pieces of meat. These units can produce more servings per hour than other fryer configurations while frying large menu items. A staple of high-traffic foodservice operations, floor model gas fryers require a full hood and fire suppression system and are available in two fuel types:

• Commercial gas floor fryers that run on natural gas quickly recover heat between uses. These units output high measures of BTUs that are absorbed into the oil indirectly or through submerged tubes. Natural gas maintains cooking temperatures and heats oil faster than electric fryers, though you need access to a natural gas hardline to use it—a utility unavailable to many restaurants in rural areas.
• Floor-standing gas fryers running on liquid propane have the same advantages as natural gas units but don't require a hardline for operation, which is excellent for rural venues and food trucks. Many natural gas units can even be converted to run on liquid propane with a conversion kit. However, free-standing gas fryers that run on liquid propane are more costly than those using natural gas.

Common Questions About Gas Floor Fryers

Are gas or electric fryers better?

There are advantages and disadvantages to gas and electric fryers, so the best option depends on the needs of your operation. Gas floor fryers reach desired temperatures quicker than electric units and can achieve higher temperatures. However, electric fryers are more energy efficient. The monetary investment of both depends on your location, along with the general fluctuating cost of gas and electricity, so it's important to research the demands of your area before making a purchase.

How does a gas floor deep fryer work?

Floor model gas fryers heat oil with burners that run on liquid propane or natural gas. Depending on the configuration, gas flame heats burners to the sides of or beneath the frypot(s).

How do you turn on a commercial gas floor fryer?

Gas floor fryers require hot oil, and because hot oil is extremely combustible, it poses severe burn hazards and should never be left unattended in the kitchen area. Below, we'll go over how you can safely switch on units with manual pilots to start frying:

1. Fill the gas floor deep fryer with oil to the level mark engraved in the back of the tank.
2. Turn off the temperature gauge and gas valve.
3. Connect the unit to the natural gas line or propane tank, then open the valve.
4. Turn the gas valve to the pilot position.
5. Depress the gas valve, wait several seconds, then hold it down while you light the pilot with a long lighter to avoid any hand contact.
6. Hold down the gas valve for about a minute after the pilot is lit, allowing sufficient time for the pilot flame to heat the thermocouple.
7. Turn the gas valve, letting the pilot burn for a couple minutes.
8. Turn the gas valve on.
9. Turn the temperature control knob to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Repeat steps four through nine if the pilot light goes out.

While this process works for most floor model gas fryers, it's important to consult your manufacturer's instructions for maximum safety.