Ways to Reduce Energy Consumption on a Commercial Fryer
A deep fryer is one of the most essential pieces of equipment in a commercial kitchen. It’s used to fry up everything from crispy side dishes and appetizers to sweet treats and entrees. Despite the versatility, this unit uses a lot of power when it’s not operating properly. According to ENERGY STAR®, on average, a fryer consumes 18,000 kilowatts an hour (kWh) annually. To put that in perspective, a U.S. household consumes 6,000 kWh less than that in a year.
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to reduce the energy consumption of a commercial fryer. By following the tips below, you can help cut down on utility costs and become more energy efficient.
Follow a Shutdown Procedure
Did you know that equipment still consumes power when it’s idle? Even though it’s not frying, a commercial fryer can still use up energy while it’s on and plugged in. If a unit sits idle for more than 50 percent of the day, you should turn it off. Have your staff routinely shut machines off during lulls in the day or when it’s closing time.
Perform Routine Cleaning & Maintenance
Regular maintenance and cleaning on a commercial fryer not only helps performance, but it also goes a long way in reducing the amount of energy a fryer uses. Make sure to follow the daily cleaning procedures and weekly boil out instructions laid out in the owner’s manual. Also, check for leaks and have thermostats adjusted regularly. Repairing any leaks and adjusting the thermostat should be handled by an authorized service technician. When a fryer is properly sealed and operating at correct cooking temperatures, it helps conserve energy.
Filter Oil Consistently
A buildup of sediment and food particles can really affect the performance of a commercial fryer. It hurts everything from the taste to the texture of food. Dirty oil also makes a unit work harder, meaning it uses more energy. Instead of spending lots of money on new oil during the course of a week, filter your fryer consistently to help keep oil as clean as possible. If you’re commercial fryer doesn’t have a built-in filtration system, consider using filter paper, filter pots and portable pumps to clean particles and residue.
Consider Energy-Efficient Models
Are you in the market for a new commercial fryer? Look for high-efficiency fryers with the ENERGY STAR rating. ENERGY STAR certified gas fryers save 22% more on energy than standard gas fryers and cost $4,640 less in lifetime operating costs compared to standard units, according to ENERGY STAR. Also, purchasing these units could qualify for a rebate, which can net you as much as $1,200 back in your pocket.