Commercial Catering Fryers for Professional Kitchens

Professional catering fryers are essential cooking equipment for any commercial kitchen that requires consistent, high-volume frying results. Whether you operate a busy restaurant, fish and chip shop, takeaway, café, or mobile catering business, the right commercial fryer ensures perfect results for chips, battered fish, fried chicken, doughnuts, and all your fried menu items.

Our extensive range of catering fryers includes countertop models perfect for smaller kitchens and food trucks, plus freestanding fryers designed for high-output commercial operations. From compact single tank fryers to large twin tank models, we stock professional frying equipment built for demanding catering environments. Every commercial fryer in our range delivers reliable performance with features like rapid heat recovery, precise temperature control, and efficient oil management.

Choose from electric fryers with 13 amp plug options for easy installation, or gas fryers running on natural gas or LPG for maximum flexibility. Many models include built-in filtration systems to extend oil life and reduce running costs. Whether you need a countertop fryer for a small café or a high-capacity freestanding model for a busy fish and chip shop, our professional catering fryers deliver the consistent quality your business demands.

Shop by fuel type: LPG gas fryers, natural gas fryers, and electric models available.

Types of Catering Fryers

Countertop Catering Fryers

Countertop fryers offer maximum versatility for professional kitchens with limited space. These compact commercial fryers sit directly on your worktop and are ideal for mobile catering operations, food trucks, smaller cafés, and restaurants with moderate frying requirements. Most countertop models feature single or twin tanks with capacities ranging from 5 to 20 litres, making them perfect for cooking smaller batches while maintaining consistent quality. Many come with standard 13 amp plugs for easy installation without specialist electrical work.

Freestanding Commercial Fryers

Freestanding fryers deliver the high-capacity performance needed for busy commercial kitchens. Built for continuous operation, these professional catering fryers feature robust construction, larger oil capacities, and powerful heating elements that provide rapid recovery times during peak service periods. Ideal for fish and chip shops, high-volume restaurants, and busy takeaways, freestanding models often include advanced features like built-in filtration systems, digital temperature controls, and cold zones to prevent oil degradation. Choose from single tank models for dedicated frying or twin tank configurations for cooking different foods simultaneously or managing food allergen requirements.

Single Tank vs Twin Tank Fryers

Single tank fryers provide dedicated frying capacity perfect for operations cooking one type of food consistently, such as traditional fish and chip shops. Twin tank catering fryers offer greater flexibility, allowing you to fry different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. This is essential for managing dietary requirements, preventing allergen cross-contamination, and maintaining separate oils for different menu items. Twin tanks also ensure continuous service during peak periods as you can keep frying in one tank while filtering or refilling the other.

Pressure Fryers

Pressure fryers use sealed cooking chambers to fry food faster at lower temperatures, sealing in natural moisture and flavours. These specialised commercial fryers are ideal for producing perfectly cooked fried chicken with crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. Pressure frying reduces cooking time, minimises oil absorption, and delivers consistent results, making these units popular in chicken shops and restaurants specialising in fried poultry.

What power option do you need?

The best answer to this is to check what power source your fryer uses already if you are replacing an existing fryer.  We offer a choice of options which include electric (standard 13 amp plug, hard-wired single phase or hard-wired three phase),  or gas – natural or mains gas, or LPG  (propane or butane).

Electric fryers have quick start-up and recovery times because the heating element is usually situated directly in the oil.

Natural Gas (mains gas) If you have a mains gas supply to your premises, this is a great option.  More economical than bottled gas, our gas fryers offer quick heat-up times and good recovery times.

LPG Gas If your premises does not have mains gas, then bottled or LPG gas is a good option. Also ideal for mobile or roadside catering.

Choosing Between Electric and Gas Fryers

Electric catering fryers provide precise temperature control and consistent heating, making them ideal for operations requiring exact cooking temperatures. Electric fryers heat up quickly and maintain stable oil temperatures, ensuring consistent results throughout service. Most electric models are available with standard 13 amp plugs, single phase, or three phase power options to suit your electrical setup. Electric fryers typically have lower initial costs and simpler installation requirements compared to gas models.

Gas catering fryers, running on natural gas or LPG, offer rapid heat-up times and powerful output perfect for high-volume frying operations. Gas fryers provide excellent heat recovery during busy periods and often have lower running costs in premises with existing gas supplies. Natural gas fryers connect directly to mains gas supplies, while LPG models use bottled gas, making them perfect for mobile catering operations, outdoor events, and locations without mains gas connections.

Consider your kitchen’s existing utilities, installation costs, and daily frying volumes when selecting power options. Both electric and gas commercial fryers deliver professional results when properly maintained and operated according to manufacturers’ specifications.

Choosing the Right Commercial Fryer for Your Business

Selecting the ideal catering fryer depends on several key factors that affect your daily operations and food quality.

Oil Capacity and Production Volume

Match your fryer capacity to your expected frying volumes. Smaller cafés and food trucks typically need 8-15 litre single tank fryers, while busy fish and chip shops and high-volume restaurants require 20-40 litre capacities or twin tank configurations. Larger oil capacities provide more stable cooking temperatures during continuous frying and reduce the frequency of oil changes.

Heat Recovery Time

Fast heat recovery is crucial for commercial operations serving multiple orders during peak periods. Professional catering fryers with powerful heating elements and efficient designs recover to cooking temperature quickly after adding food, ensuring consistent results and reducing customer wait times. This feature is particularly important for fish and chip shops and busy takeaways where continuous frying is essential.

Temperature Control and Safety

Look for commercial fryers with precise temperature controls, typically adjustable thermostats ranging from 130 to 190 degrees Celsius. Digital controls offer greater accuracy, while mechanical thermostats provide proven reliability. Essential safety features include overheat protection, drain taps for safe oil disposal, and cool zones that prevent food particles from burning and extending oil life.

Filtration and Oil Management

Built-in filtration systems significantly extend oil life and reduce operating costs by removing food particles and impurities. Manual filtration requires draining and filtering oil through separate equipment, while automatic systems filter continuously during operation. Consider your expected oil usage and budget when choosing filtration options for your professional fryer.

Space and Installation Requirements

Measure your available kitchen space carefully before selecting a catering fryer. Countertop models require adequate worktop space and proximity to power supplies, while freestanding units need floor space, ventilation, and potentially specialist gas or electrical installation. Consider clearances for safe operation, maintenance access, and heat dissipation when planning your kitchen layout.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Easy maintenance extends equipment life and ensures food safety compliance. Look for fryers with removable oil tanks, accessible heating elements, and smooth surfaces that simplify daily cleaning. Stainless steel construction provides durability and hygiene in professional kitchens, while quality components from manufacturers like Blue Seal, Lincat, Valentine, and Pitco ensure reliable long-term performance.

Complete Your Fryer Setup with a Chip Scuttle

Pair your fryer with a professional chip scuttle to keep chips warm and crispy between cooking and serving. Our range includes countertop models for compact spaces and freestanding units with overhead gantries for high-volume operations. Essential for chip shops, takeaways, and busy kitchens.

LPG Gas Fryers

For mobile catering and sites without mains gas, our Infernus LPG gas fryer offers professional 23L capacity with Robertshaw valve control. Twin baskets, fast heat recovery, portable design. Ideal for food trucks, festivals, and outdoor catering.

Complete your cooking lineup with our restaurant griddles for versatile grilling and frying.

⭐ Featured: Bestselling LPG Fryer

Looking for a reliable LPG fryer for mobile catering or outdoor events? The Infernus Hurricane 23L LPG Fryer is our #1 bestseller for takeaways, food trucks, and catering vans.

Key features: 23L capacity • Twin baskets • Robertshaw gas controls • CE approved • Free UK delivery

View Full Specifications →

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Catering Fryers

What size catering fryer do I need for my business?

Fryer size depends on your expected frying volumes and menu requirements. Small cafés and food trucks typically need 8-15 litre single tank fryers, while busy fish and chip shops require 20-40 litre capacities. Consider your peak service demands – if you regularly serve 50+ portions per hour, a twin tank or large capacity freestanding fryer ensures you can maintain consistent service without interruption.

How long do commercial fryers take to heat up?

Electric catering fryers typically heat to operating temperature in 15-25 minutes, while gas fryers often heat slightly faster at 10-20 minutes. Actual heating times depend on oil capacity, power output, and ambient temperature. Models with more powerful heating elements and smaller capacities heat faster, making them ideal for mobile catering where quick setup is essential.

Can I use the same fryer for different foods?

Yes, but consider food allergen management and flavour transfer. Twin tank fryers allow you to dedicate separate tanks for different foods, preventing cross-contamination between fish, chicken, and vegetarian options. If using a single tank fryer, thorough oil filtration between different food types helps manage allergens and maintain distinct flavours, though dedicated fryers remain the safest option for allergen-sensitive operations.

How often should I change the oil in a commercial fryer?

Oil change frequency depends on usage intensity, food types, and filtration systems. High-volume operations typically change oil every 3-7 days, while moderate-use establishments may extend to 7-14 days. Regular filtration significantly extends oil life. Monitor oil quality through colour, smell, and smoking point – discard oil when it darkens significantly, develops off odours, or smokes below normal frying temperatures.

Do I need planning permission to install a commercial fryer?

Installation requirements vary by location and fryer type. Gas fryers require qualified Gas Safe registered engineers for installation and must comply with current gas safety regulations. Electric fryers may need specialist electrical work for three phase or hard-wired installations. Contact your local authority regarding ventilation requirements, as commercial frying operations typically require extraction systems that may need planning permission depending on your premises and location.

What is the difference between a catering fryer and a domestic fryer?

Commercial catering fryers are built for continuous daily operation in professional kitchens, featuring heavier construction, larger capacities, more powerful heating elements, and commercial-grade safety features. Domestic fryers are designed for occasional home use with smaller capacities and lighter duty components. Professional fryers typically include features like cold zones, built-in filtration, precise temperature controls, and stainless steel construction that domestic models lack.

Are gas or electric fryers better for fish and chips?

Both gas and electric catering fryers produce excellent fish and chips when properly operated. Gas fryers traditionally dominate fish and chip shops due to their rapid heat recovery, high power output, and lower running costs in premises with existing gas supplies. Electric fryers offer more precise temperature control and easier installation. Your choice should depend on existing utilities, installation costs, and local energy prices rather than cooking performance, as both deliver professional results.