Alright people, listen up. We have been getting a lot of requests for help converting some “off-brand” fryers out there, and I wanted to warn those of you who are thinking about buying one and converting them. These “throw away” fryers are saturating the market due to their incredibly low prices, and big box food equipment site offerings, which give it a lot of visibility.
Is there anything wrong with an inexpensive piece of food service equipment? ABSOLUTELY NOT. But if it comes at the expense of no parts support, and little to no product support, then YES. Here is a list of what we feel are acceptable good buy fryers at a great price, that have solid manufacturer support behind them when you need help.
Good Quality Fryers with Manufacturer Parts Support
1. 
American Range makes a great entry level Fryer in their AF-35/40 or (AF-40). It’s a two tube burner fryer with a 40lb. capacity. You can buy this unit for around $799-$950 most places, depends on shipping costs (on our website too. American Range AF-40 Deep Fryer) They have great parts support, and you can buy this brand with confidence.
2. 
Pitco / Friolator is by far the leader in commercial frying equipment, and rightly so. Their parts support, diagrams, and expert technical advice make it very easy to convert from NAT to LP, and the other way around. You can find a decent 3 burner Pitco used for around $500.
3. 
Vulcan is another big name in the industry that has a great part support behind it. Definitely a safe buy, whether it’s new or used.
4. 
Frymaster is a fryer giant in the industry, they have superior part support as well for any issues that may arise. And yes, they have conversion kits for their fryers, among other parts.
Words to the Wise
A good rule of thumb is if it’s not a well known brand, there probably won’t be good part support, which usually equals no ability to convert the fryer.
If you need help with your fryer, or would like to buy a good quality fryer at a great price, give us a call at Western Equipment Sales. We would love to come along side and partner with you and your food service establishment.
We want to thank King Hunter Guide Service out of Desert Aire, WA for their cooking equipment purchase of a commercial 36″ Star Char broiler, and 6 Burner Range with Oven by American Range! We built a custom setup just for Rich at King Hunter, that included a 72 Equipment stand on 6″ locking casters, Star Charbroiler converted to LP with 4 foot hose, quick disconnects, and a 2 stage LP regulator with adapter for a propane tank. The American Range AR-6 range was ordered for Propane from the factory, and outfitted with a 3/4″ quick disconnect, 12′ 1/2″ propane gas hose, and a 2 stage LP regulator and adapter piece for a large propane tank. We put the range on 4 6″ locking heavy duty casters.
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Most commercial ranges have a standing pilot that always burns so you can turn your gas burners or oven on and off at ease. In a restaurant environment this is fine, because you are always running your cooking equipment. But what if you have a space that doesn’t run your cooking equipment all the time, like a church or firehouse?
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