Buy a Deep Fryer: Electric or Gas? The Comprehensive Guide
The deep fryer is an essential in almost every professional kitchen – from fries as a side dish to crispy battered fish. The most important fundamental question when buying: Electric or gas? This guide explains the differences, the right size, and what you should pay attention to when purchasing a commercial deep fryer.
Electric or Gas Deep Fryer?
Both options deliver top frying results – they differ in installation, operating costs, and heating behaviour.
| Criterion | Electric deep fryer | Gas deep fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | everywhere with high-voltage power – flexible | gas connection required |
| Heating time | fast, precisely controlled | very high heating power, strong |
| Operating costs | depending on electricity price | usually cheaper in consumption |
| Control | very fine, often electronic | somewhat coarser |
| Ideal for | snack bars, restaurants, flexible locations | high throughput, large kitchens |
The right size: Tank volume & number of tanks
The tank volume (in litres) determines capacity and throughput. As a rule of thumb: per litre of oil approx. 0.8–1 kg of fries per hour. Two separate tanks (e.g. 10+10 L) are practical to avoid flavour transfer (fish vs fries).
| Tank volume | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 4–8 L | Café, small snack bar, side dishes |
| 10+10 L (double tank) | restaurant, snack bar – separated products |
| 20 L / 20+20 L | high utilisation, chain gastronomy, large kitchen |
What you should pay attention to when buying
- Cold zone: Falling batter settles at the bottom in the cooler zone – protects the oil and extends its lifespan
- Power (kW): Higher power = faster reheating after immersion
- Temperature control & safety thermostat
- Drain valve for easy oil change in larger models
- Stainless steel & removable tanks for easy cleaning
Saving oil: Frying oil filter
Frying oil is the biggest ongoing cost factor. With an oil filtration system you can significantly extend service life – more on this in the Frying Oil Filter Guide. Proper frying oil care also saves real money.
Frequently asked questions about deep fryers
Electric or gas deep fryer – which is better?
Electric is flexibly installable and finely controllable; gas has high heating power and is often cheaper in consumption. For most restaurants/snack bars, electric is the pragmatic choice; for very high throughput, gas pays off.
Which tank size do I need?
For small businesses 4–8 L is sufficient, for restaurants 10+10 L, and for high utilisation 20 L and above.
How often does the oil have to be changed?
Depending on use and care – with filtration and an oil tester significantly less often. An oil tester objectively shows when the oil is spent.
Deep fryers at Gastro-Nik
- Saro Electric Deep Fryer PORTO 10+10 L – double tank for restaurant & snack bar
- Saro Electric Deep Fryer FARO 20 L – single large tank
- Saro Electric Deep Fryer BRAGA 20+20 L – for high utilisation
Electric or gas – which suits you?
We advise you on power, size and oil management.
Last updated on 2 September 2026.