Vulcan Fryer Parts Guide

Vulcan Fryer Parts Guide: Where To Find Them Online

Vulcan is an all-American brand with a 150-year history. They are now one of the largest manufacturers of commercial kitchen equipment in the world. This post will look at the six best Vulcan fryers to help you decide if this brand has a place in your commercial kitchen.

I have previously looked at the best American Range Fryers, but if you didn’t find anything there to suit your taste, space, or budget, then hopefully, my Vulcan fryer guide will be of some use. I have looked into the different fryer models available to find their benefits and what each can bring to a commercial kitchen today. However, I have also looked at their potential drawbacks.

There are actually twenty-one different Vulcan fryers available to purchase. To see which Vulcan fryers I have included in this ‘best of’ guide, the links are just below.

At a Glance: 6 Best Vulcan Fryers 

Why Choose Vulcan?

Vulcan produces easy-to-use fryers that promote maximum kitchen productivity and are low on operational costs. They are designed to be the most profitable piece of kitchen equipment in the professional kitchen. Many are available for immediate shipment – please note, this does not necessarily mean immediate delivery.

The fryers from Vulcan are designed to meet the high volume needs of busy commercial kitchens, including restaurants, stadiums, fast-food diners, and hotels. Vulcan prices are high. For a fryer that can cost a six-figure sum, you have to be sure this is the right product for your commercial kitchen, and here is hopefully where this guide will help.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Vulcan Fryer For Your Commercial Kitchen 

Vulcan manufactures a comprehensive range of commercial fryers, including countertop, freestanding, gas, and electric models. Vulcan fryers can hold as little as 35 lb or up to 85 lb, and they can cost from just short of $10,000 to just under $50,000.

Let’s look a little into what the differences mean.

Gas or Electric 

Vulcan Fryer

Commercial gas fryers generally produce heavier carbonation, making them more troublesome to clean than an electric fryer. If the appliance isn’t in the best state and the oil is not regularly maintained, then the food will suffer.

The heating elements of electric fryers are immersed in the oil itself, so electric fryers tend to heat up more rapidly than their gas counterparts. However, gas fryers can reach higher temperatures.

Electric fryers are also quicker to recover heat between cooking cycles, meaning more food can be cooked in faster succession. For this reason, many commercial kitchens that have a quicker turnover (such as fast-food joints) will generally opt for an electric commercial fryer.

If a commercial kitchen is powered by electricity, there will be an upper limit on how much electricity can be used. If you’re currently operating near this, then a commercial gas fryer may be the best way to avoid additional expenses that upgrading the electricity supply would need.

That being said, gas-powered appliances will need appropriate ventilation systems, which can be costly to install.

Freestanding or Countertop

It may be that the space in your commercial kitchen necessitates the choice between a freestanding or a countertop fryer or the budget you have. Countertop fryers are the best choice for smaller kitchens and tighter budgets as they’re smaller and more affordable.

A countertop appliance can sit on top of a countertop or prep table with additional storage, such as an underneath shelf or cupboards. This will help to optimize the space you have.

The benefits of countertop fryers can also be their drawbacks. As they are smaller, they also have a smaller capacity and can’t cater to as many diners as larger freestanding models. Thus, a freestanding fryer would likely be the better option for a fast-paced commercial kitchen due to its larger capacity.

Manual or Programmable

Commercial Vulcan Fryer

The commercial kitchen can be a hectically busy place, so some commercial fryers have the ability to notify a chef when the cooking is completed. Some newer models will even raise the fryer basket to prevent over-frying, burning, or kitchen dangers if the chef hasn’t got there in time. Programmable fryers are more expensive to buy but can be significantly time-saving.

Running Costs 

As well as utility costs, another considerable expense that comes with owning a commercial fryer is cooking oil. Some of these fryers can hold 85 lb or more of cooking oil, and all this oil needs to be replaced fairly regularly. A commercial kitchen must dispose of the used oil responsibly, with grease or fat trap, which in itself can be a costly investment—but then replacing the oil costs a lot of money too.

Products such as oil stabilizers are effective at prolonging the oil life. If you opt for a larger Vulcan fryer, you should account for cooking oil costs and ensure that you’re buying the right-sized product for your kitchen that makes the best financial sense.

Cleaning and Maintenance 

Cleaning is possibly the most time-consuming of all kitchen tasks, so it is important to consider how long your new commercial fryer will take to clean. If you have an efficient grease trap, ensuring that this is well-maintained and regularly emptied is essential. To find out how to clean this yourself, check out our guide about this here.

Most fryer baskets can be cleaned in your commercial dishwasher. Dispensing on the handle material, you may be able to place the baskets in a decarbonizer overnight for the most hygienic and effective cleaning. All Vulcan fryers feature a stainless steel exterior, so this can be cleaned the same way as all your other stainless steel appliances and won’t require any special treatment – regardless of the model you choose.

My Criteria 

Before we head to my list of the six best Vulcan fryers, I want to explain why I have chosen the fryers I have. These models were not given to me to write about, nor were they selected at random; here are the things they had to meet for me to research them further:

Price

Fryer

As of 2020, the start-up cost of a restaurant in America can reach half a million dollars. This is an eye-watering sum and possibly leaves proprietors with a tight budget, especially those brand-new to the restaurant trade. For this reason, I have chosen to review Vulcan fryers across the price points, from their most affordable model to their most expensive.

By including a range of prices, I hope that readers with any size of budget can find a suitable Vulcan fryer.

Positive Feedback 

As well as my own positive testing experiences, I wanted to ensure that other consumers had a generally positive experience with a Vulcan fryer in this guide. Some have hundreds of online reviews, others have been featured on TV or influencers’ YouTube channels, but all in this guide will have been well received by the majority.

Features 

I wanted to ensure that I was doing the Vulcan brand justice by inducing a range of their fryers with different features. With so many fryers to choose from, I had to go with the ones that had the most appealing or most beneficial features.

6 Best Vulcan Fryers 

Commercial 35LB VEG SERIES Gas Freestanding Fryer

 

  • 35-40 lb. Tank Capacity
  • Simple, Easy-to-Use Millivolt Controls
  • High Limit Safety Shut Off
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ENERGY STAR® Certified 40LB Chef Series Electric Counter, Fryer

 

  • Stainless Steel Front, Sides, and Tank
  • Quick Disconnect Drain Pipe
  • Front Condiment Rail
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45LB POWERFRY3â„¢ TR SERIES GAS Freestanding Deep Fryer

 

  • Solid State Digital Control with 3 Melt Modes
  • Exclusive ThreePass Heat Transfer System
  • Energy-saving SoftStart Ignition System
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65LB POWERFRY3â„¢ TR SERIES Gas Freestanding Deep Fryer

 

  • No Electric Hook up: User-friendly Millivolt Controls
  • 200-400 Degree Fahrenheit Temperature Range
  • Four Adjustable 6-in Casters (x2 Lockable)
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85LB ER SERIES Electric Freestanding Fryer

 

  • Computer Controls with 10 Programmable Menu Options
  • High Limit Control
  • Ribbon Style Heating Elements
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85LB POWERFRY5â„¢ VK SERIES Freestanding Gas Fryer

 

  • Exclusive FivePass Heat Transfer System
  • Computer Controls with 10 Programmable Menu Options
  • 2014 Kitchen Innovations Award Recipient
Find it Here

#1 Commercial 35LB VEG SERIES Gas Freestanding Fryer 

35-40lb

The Commercial 35LB VEG SERIES Gas Freestanding Fryer is the lowest-priced and smallest capacity model by Vulcan. With a 35-40lb oil capacity, 14-in x 14-in frying areas, and twin baskets, this gas fryer delivers 70,000 BTU of power. It is equipped with user-friendly snap-action millivolt controls and has an adjustable temperature range of 200 – 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

One of my favorite features is the increased safety due to the hi-limit indicator shut off – the gas connection and standing pilot automatically shut off if the oil temperature gets too high. As well as this being great for restaurant employees, it can also positively impact your commercial insurance cost.

Oil life is also extended because of the large V-shaped cold zone at the bottom of the fry tank to prevent crumbs and debris from burning and tampering with the food flavor. The unit is made from durable stainless steel, with the sides and back featuring a non-corrosive, galvanized finish. The legs are nickel-plated

Certifications

  • NSF Listed
  • CSA Design Cert
  • CSA Blue Flame
  • Energy Star Qualified
  • Made in America

RRP

  • $1400 – $1600

Pros

  • Quick Shipping – Usually Within 1 Business Day
  • Affordable
  • Energy Efficient
  • Made in America
  • Safety Shut Off
  • Twin Baskets

Cons

  • Prop 65 Warning CA Residents
  • Extra Cost: This Unit Comes With a 3/4-in Gas Connection to be Installed by a Professional.

#2 ENERGY STAR® Certified 40LB Cef Series Electric Counter, Fryer

Vulcan

The ENERGY STAR® Certified 40LB Cef Series Electric Counter Fryer lets you make the most of your counter space and is ideal for smaller commercial kitchens. With a large 40 lb capacity and a small countertop footprint, I believe that this fryer would be a perfect choice for those who operate mobile catering vans where fried foods are in high demand but space is limited.

The unit is stainless steel and features a front condiment rail to store utensils, towels, or cooking pots and pans. The twin baskets have plastic-coated handles so that they remain cool to the touch, and the fryer comes with all the cleaning tools you will need, such as a clean-out rod, drain extension, and tank brush.

I like the solid-state controls on this fryer, ensuring that the oil is kept at the right temperature. This fryer uses low-watt density ribbon heating elements to raise the oil temperature initially and requires a 208V, 3 phase electrical connection. The dimensions are compact at 37-in x 18.38-in x 18-in, but it is a powerful appliance.

Certifications 

  • NSF Listed
  • Energy Star Qualified
  • CSA_C_US

RRP

  • $4900 – $5500

Pros

  • Solid State Controls
  • Space Saving, Compact Design
  • Twin Baskets
  • Fair Pricing
  • 16 Gauge Stainless Steel

Cons

  • Hardwired: Must Be Hardwired by a Professional
  • Prop 65 Warning for CA Residents
  • Shipping Can Take Around 4-Weeks or More

#3 45LB POWERFRY3â„¢ TR SERIES GAS Freestanding Deep Fryer

POWERFRY3

45LB POWERFRY3â„¢ TR SERIES GAS Freestanding Deep Fryer is a natural gas floor fryer that features KleenScreen filtration and solid-state digital controls. There are twin baskets within the 14-in x 14-in frying area, and the tube-style fryer delivers 70,000 BTU of power.

I particularly like the digital controls on this model, which feature two countdown timers, automated temperature control, time adjustment, and boil-out mode. You can adjust the temperature from 200-390 degrees Fahrenheit; it has a SoftStart ignition system with three selectable melt modes so that you can heat the oil gradually and extend its life.

The brand’s exclusive ThreePass heat transfer system results in much quicker heat recovery, yielding 72% thermal and 60.9% cooking efficiency. This fryer features a hi-limit indicator shut off and a V-shaped cold zone at the bottom to prevent debris burning. The KleenScreen filtration aids this further by removing impurities to result in great-tasting fried food.

Certifications

  • NSF Listed
  • CSA Design Cert
  • Made in America
  • CSA Blue Flame
  • Energy Star Qualified

RRP

  • $12,200 – $13,500

Pros

  • KleenScreen Filtration (1 Touch Activated)
  • SoftStart Ignition
  • Digital Controls
  • Exclusive ThreePass Heat Transfer System
  • Durable Stainless Steel
  • Twin Baskets

Cons

  • Prop 65 Warning CA Residents
  • Extra Cost: This Unit Comes With a 3/4″ Gas Connection to be Installed by a Professional
  • Shipping Times Can Be Fairly Long

#4 65LB POWERFRY3â„¢ TR SERIES Gas Freestanding Deep Fryer

65LB POWERFRY3

The 65LB POWERFRY3â„¢ TR SERIES Gas Freestanding Deep Fryer boasts twin baskets, a large 19.5-in x 12-in frying area, and delivers an incredible 150,000 BTU of power. It comes with user-friendly snap-action millivolt controls and has an adjustable temperature of 200 – 400 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a hi-limit indicator shut off to prevent the oil from getting too hot.

This fryer features the large V-shaped cold zone at the bottom to increase oil life and ensure that food tastes great by preventing any crumbs or debris from burning. There is a 1.¼-in full port drain valve which makes the removal of old oil a more hassle-free process. The entire unit is made from rugged stainless steel for excellent durability.

This fryer comes with a crumb scoop, clean-out rod, and tank brush, so no additional cleaning equipment is needed; however, protective wipes can be great for ensuring the shine of the stainless steel doesn’t harbor marks or dull over time. Natural gas is required for operation, and a professional gas engineer must install the fryer. The unit comes with both a ½-in and ¾-in gas connection.

Certifications

  • NSF Listed
  • CSA Design Cert
  • Made in America
  • CSA Blue Flame
  • Energy Star Qualified

RRP

  • $4200 – $4,800

Pros

  • High-Limit Shut off
  • Durable Stainless Steel
  • Tank Brush, Crumb Scoop, and Clean-Out Rod Included
  • 150,000 BTU
  • Four Adjustable 6-in Casters (x2 Lockable)
  • Quick Shipping

Cons

  • Natural Gas Connection Required
  • Prop 65 Warning CA Residents

#5 85LB ER SERIES Electric Freestanding Fryer

85LB ER SERIES Electric Freestanding Fryer

The 85LB ER SERIES Electric Freestanding Fryer features computer controls, 24 kW of power, twin frying baskets, and entire stainless steel construction.

The computer controls have ten different menu items you can program to be your most popular products to save time and operate your commercial kitchen more productively. This is programmable through the USB interface, laptop, or touchpad.

Another great feature of these fryers is the compensating time adjustment, automatic temperature control boil-out mode, and the shake and hold times. It is an absolute workhorse of a fryer. There is a low-watt density ribbon-style heating element that provides consistent, thorough, and fast heating. There is also the high-limit control shut-off to prevent the oil from getting too hot.

The entire unit is made from durable stainless steel for outstanding longevity and matches well with other stainless steel commercial appliances for a seamless look. The fryer comes with a clean-out rod and tank brush, although if you wanted additional items such as a crumb scoop, this would have to be brought separately.

Certifications 

  • NSF Listed
  • Made in America
  • UL, US, and Canada: meets safety standards imposed by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for use in the United States of America and Canada.

RRP

  • $10,000 – $10,550

Pros

  • Computer Controls
  • 10 Programmable Menu Options
  • High Limit Control
  • Ribbon Style Heating Elements for Efficiency
  • Twin Baskets, with Plastic Handles
  • Stainless Steel Construction
  • Ships Within 2-3 Weeks, Usually.

Cons

  • Hardwired: Must Be Hardwired by a Professional
  • Prop 65 Warning for CA Residents

#6 85LB POWERFRY5â„¢ VK SERIES Freestanding Gas Fryer

VK SERIES

The 85LB POWERFRY5â„¢ VK SERIES Freestanding Gas Fryer is possibly my favorite model. It is mighty with 90,000 BTU of power, has a remarkable 85-90 lb oil capacity, uses natural gas, and features computer controls. There are twin fry baskets in a 19.5-in x 18.¼ frying area and an adjustable temperature from 200 – 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can program ten different popular menu choices through the USB interface to gain consistency, productivity, and speed in the kitchen. This also means it doesn’t matter who is on duty as the food will always be the same. This fryer is an excellent choice for a busy fast-food restaurant, where speed is a top priority.

The fryer is great at conserving energy due to several features, including the SoftStart ignition system and Vulcan’s exclusive FivePass heat transfer system. The V-shaped cold bottom preserves oil life and ensures burnt crumbs or debris don’t compromise food flavor. I found the four 6-in casters to provide easy maneuverability.

Certifications

  • Kitchen Innovations Award Winner
  • Energy Star Qualified
  • Made in America
  • CSA Blue Flame
  • NSF Listed
  • CSA Design Cert

RRP

  • $10,250 – $10,850

Pros

  • Stainless Steel Construction
  • Computer Controls
  • 10 Programmable Menu Options
  • High Limit Control
  • Award Winner
  • 90,000 BTU of Power

Cons

  • This Fryer Needs Both a Natural Gas and a 120V Electrical Connection
  • Prop 65 Warning CA Residents

FAQs

Question: Is Gas or Electric Better for Food Quality and Taste?

Answer: It is nearly impossible to differentiate between food cooked in an electric fryer and the same food cooked in a gas fryer. The taste is pretty much the same. However, the main difference is the color and appearance rather than the flavor. Some of these differences can be down to the oil state and its cleanliness, though.

Question: How Long Will a Vulcan Fryer Last?

Answer: A good-quality, heavy-duty commercial fryer can last up to 10-years. You can maximize the service life by regularly cleaning and maintaining the appliance and adequately taking care of the oil.

Question: What are the Alternatives to Vulcan Fryers?

Answer: As well as American Range and Frymaster, Avantco is a good alternative to Vulcan. Avantco fryers come in larger capacity, free-standing, and countertop form and are of comparable prices to Vulcan. The Avantco brand retails in many places, including Amazon, where next-day delivery is available on some of their catering equipment.

My Verdict: The Best Vulcan Fryer 

The best commercial fryer means something different for every professional kitchen and chef. The Commercial 35LB VEG SERIES Gas Freestanding Fryer is the smallest in the range and the most affordable. But, if this is still too big for your kitchen, maybe consider the ENERGY STAR® Certified 40LB Cef Series Electric Counter Fryer.

The 45LB POWERFRY3â„¢ TR SERIES GAS Freestanding Fryer has some incredible features, such as the KleenScreen Filtration, SoftStart Ignition, and Exclusive ThreePass Heat Transfer System. However, it is fairly pricey, and delivery can take some time. 65LB POWERFRY3â„¢ TR SERIES Gas Freestanding Fryer has a more affordable price and is the most powerful model with 150,000 BTU.

85LB ER SERIES Electric Freestanding Fryer features computer controls and is a workhorse for a commercial kitchen. Although expensive, this model promises excellent durability and longevity, so it can be seen as a great investment. For an award-winning model, the 85LB POWERFRY5â„¢ VK SERIES Freestanding Gas Fryer is an excellent choice with very few drawbacks – the price aside!

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