Creative Conversions: Transforming Your Counter Deep Fryer

Deep fryers are a great way to achieve that crispy, crunchy texture and moist interior that only a fryer can provide. While some people opt for pots of oil on the stove, deep fryers offer greater capacity and control, making them a popular choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of constantly adjusting the oil temperature. However, deep fryers can be messy and challenging to store, especially for those who don't fry frequently. So, if you're thinking of converting a counter deep fryer into something else, it's essential to consider your needs and how often you plan to use it.

A deep fryer installed into a countertop

Benefits of a Built-In Deep Fryer

Having a deep fryer installed into your countertop can offer several advantages over a traditional freestanding unit. One of the main benefits is the convenience of having a dedicated space for frying, eliminating the need to constantly adjust the oil temperature on your stovetop. Built-in deep fryers often have accurate thermostats, allowing for precise temperature control. Additionally, built-in models tend to heat up quickly and recover their temperature rapidly after adding food, ensuring efficient frying.

Ease of Cleaning

Another advantage of a built-in deep fryer is the ease of cleaning. Many built-in models feature a "cold zone" or a "cold-oil zone" below the heating element, where any fallen pieces of food can settle without burning. This design feature helps keep the grease from spilling onto the countertop and makes cleaning easier. Some models also have a spigot or drainage system, allowing you to drain the oil into a container for disposal or storage. This eliminates the need to turn the entire unit over to remove the grease, making the process less messy.

Safety Considerations

When using a deep fryer, it is essential to consider safety. Deep frying involves handling a large amount of hot oil, so it is crucial to have proper ventilation. If your built-in deep fryer is not installed under a kitchen hood vent, it is recommended to use it near an open window or a fan directing air outside. This will help prevent the buildup of steam and reduce the risk of spatter burns.

Cost and Usage

While built-in deep fryers can be a worthwhile investment for those who fry foods regularly, they may not be cost-effective for occasional use. If you only fry once a month or every two months, as mentioned in your comment, a dedicated deep fryer might not be necessary. In such cases, a pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop may be a more practical and economical option.

Recommendations

If you decide to purchase a built-in deep fryer, it is important to choose a reliable model that suits your needs. The Miele built-in deep fryer, as mentioned in one of the comments, is a well-regarded option. It features a "cold zone", a thermostat, and a spigot for easy drainage. Additionally, some users recommend considering induction cooktops or tabletop burners as more affordable alternatives to built-in deep fryers. These options provide temperature control and can be used with a pot or Dutch oven for frying.

A pot/Dutch oven for deep frying

A Dutch oven is a great alternative to a deep fryer. It's a versatile piece of cookware that can be used for simmering stew, baking bread, roasting, braising, sautéing, and, of course, deep frying.

Dutch ovens are typically made of cast iron, which is excellent for heat retention and distribution. This is important for deep frying, as oil that's too hot can burn your food, while oil that's too cool will result in soggy, greasy food. The heavy bottom and thick sides of a Dutch oven help prevent this issue and create perfectly cooked food.

Another benefit of using a Dutch oven for deep frying is safety. The depth and high sides of a Dutch oven help prevent splattering, which is crucial when working with hot oil. The depth also makes a Dutch oven better suited for frying larger foods, such as chicken legs, than a shallower wok.

When deep frying in a Dutch oven, it's important to follow a few key steps:

• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or sunflower oil.
• Only fill the pot about one-third full with oil to minimize splashing and allow room for the oil to rise when food is added.
• Heat the oil slowly to prevent scorching and encourage steady heat.
• Use a deep-fat thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, ensuring it reaches 350-375°F.
• Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and lowering the oil temperature.
• Have a sheet pan or paper towel-lined plate ready to drain excess oil and keep your food crispy.

By following these tips, you can successfully convert your counter deep fryer into a Dutch oven for deep frying, creating delicious, crispy, and golden treats!

A propane fryer

If you're looking to convert a counter deep fryer into a propane fryer, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, using a fryer set up for natural gas with propane gas is dangerous and should not be attempted. Propane has about 2.44 times more energy per cubic foot than natural gas, so it's important to consult a professional technician when making this conversion.

There are three key items that need to be changed when converting a fryer:

• Burner orifices
• Gas valve regulator
• Pilot orifice

Some manufacturers like Frymaster and Pitco provide a "kit" with all the required items, but most manufacturers require you to purchase these items separately. For example, if you have a Pitco Model 14 and are converting from natural gas to propane, you would use kit B751008. On the other hand, if you have an American Range model AF-45 and are making the same conversion, you would need to buy the following separate items: Valve Conversion (RSW), Burner Orifices (3 or 4, depending on your BTUs), and a Pilot Orifice.

While changing the parts is not overly difficult, ensuring the proper gas pressure requires special equipment and knowledge that most people do not possess. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult a restaurant equipment professional for this type of conversion.

Please note that it is not possible to convert an electric commercial deep fryer into a gas fryer. It is safer and more cost-effective to purchase a gas fryer that is UL-listed and safe to operate with gas.

An induction hob

Converting a Counter Deep Fryer into an Induction Hob

Converting a counter deep fryer into an induction hob is possible but requires careful consideration of the power output, cookware material, and weight. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines to help you through the process:

Understanding Induction Cooking

Induction cooking uses a magnetic field to heat the cookware directly, which then heats the oil. This differs from traditional gas or electric stoves that heat the pan indirectly by applying heat to the cooking surface. It's important to note that not all cookware materials are compatible with induction cooktops.

Choosing the Right Cookware

When using an induction hob for deep frying, it's recommended to use cookware with suitable material and weight. While cast iron retains heat well, it may draw too much power before the oil reaches the desired temperature. Stainless steel or induction-compatible cookware is a better option to allow for more efficient heating of the oil. Ensure your cookware has a flat bottom for optimal contact with the induction hob.

Power Output and Temperature Control

Deep frying requires high temperatures, and it's crucial to have sufficient power output from your induction hob. Look for a hob with adjustable temperature settings and a power output of at least 1800W. Some hobs may shut down automatically if they detect overheating, so choosing one with higher wattage can help prevent this issue. Additionally, consider using a lower setting to preheat the oil, as induction cooktops tend to heat up quickly.

Safety and Maintenance

Always use a fire extinguisher when deep frying, especially when cooking outdoors. Grease aerosol and splatter can be an issue, so consider using the hob under a canopy or range hood to minimise the mess and direct the steam away from you. Remember to place the hob on a flat, stable surface and use enough paper towels to catch any splatters. Regularly clean and maintain your induction hob according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Advantages of an Induction Hob

Induction hobs offer precise temperature control, allowing you to set the power level accurately. They also have faster heat recovery than traditional gas cooktops, making them more energy-efficient. Additionally, induction hobs are generally safer as they only heat the cookware and not the surrounding area, reducing the risk of burns.

A table-top fryer

When choosing a table-top fryer, consider the volume of food you plan to produce. If you're frying for a large group, you'll need a bigger fryer with a higher capacity. For example, if you're frying for 30-50 people, a single basket might not be enough, and you may need to invest in a dual-basket fryer.

You should also think about the power source. Electric fryers are typically more affordable, easier to install, and provide more precise temperature control. However, they may have slower heat-up times and lower maximum temperatures than gas fryers. Gas fryers, on the other hand, offer faster heat-up times and can achieve higher cooking temperatures, resulting in crispier food. But they require a connection to a gas source and may need professional installation.

Some popular table-top fryers include:

• All-Clad 3.5-Liter Deep Fryer
• Chefman 4.5-Liter Deep Fryer
• Breville Smart Fryer
• Hamilton Beach Professional-Style Deep Fryer
• DeLonghi Livenza Deep Fryer
• Waring WDF75RC Countertop Fryer
• Adcraft Single Tank Deep Fryer
• Globe GF30PG Liquid Propane Countertop Fryer

Frequently asked questions