A Guide to Ventless vs. Vented Fryers

If you’re looking to expand your restaurant’s offerings by adding a fryer or deep fryer to make a variety of new dishes, or your commercial kitchen or catering company wants to do the same, there are a lot of options out there. But which one will offer the perfect fry? Well, at Zanduco Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, we’ve helped many kitchens find the best fryer for their needs.

Nowadays, fryers come with both vented and ventless options, so you might be curious about the best choice for you. That’s why we’ve come up with an in-depth guide when it comes to ventless versus vented fryers.

What’s the Major Difference Between Ventless & Vented Deep Fryers?

Although both types of fryers (ventless & vented) will provide you with great fried food, there are some differences between the two that buyers should be aware of before making a decision. One of the primary differences between vented and ventless fryers is, firstly, that vented fryers are designed with two pieces of equipment that need to be installed; ventless fryers only require one.

There are also differences in cost between the two types, as well as various pros and cons when it comes to safety and efficiency. Below, we’ll go in-depth into how the costs compare, as well as when it comes to safety, installation, and all the other aspects of buying a new fryer.

Ventless vs. Vented Costs

Firstly, when it comes to the cost of investing in new equipment for your restaurant or commercial kitchen, you’ll want to consider the cost and efficiency of what you’re buying and how it relates to the dish/dishes you’ll ultimately be serving; will they even out? Sure, buying a fryer, whether vented or ventless, will be an initial investment, but you also need to consider the installation costs on top of that. Will you need to renovate your kitchen to install a ventilation system with your fryer? Perhaps you might need to buy an extra exhaust hood; both are things to consider.

Vented fryers are certainly more inexpensive than ventless options at first glance, but if you have to renovate your kitchen or install a new exhaust system, ventless ones can be a more attractive option for some.

Ventless vs. Vented Installation

When it comes to the actual process of installing either a vented or ventless deep fryer, you’ll also need to consider the logistics of installing them. For traditional vented frying systems, you’ll need to install both the frying unit and a vent and hood, unless they’re already present in your kitchen. Additionally, you’ll need to choose a permanent location to install your fryer, since vented fryers aren’t mobile.

With ventless fryers, installation is an easier process because all you’ll need is access to a power outlet to plug it in. Ventless fryers require a 220-volt outlet and can be easily moved around the kitchen if necessary; you simply need to unplug them and move them to a new location.

Safety Concerns

There are also some safety concerns to keep in mind that can help you make up your mind about the two types of fryers. Firstly, vented fryers are open, which can cause burns for your employees if they’re not careful and also be a fire hazard if not operated properly. Carbon monoxide emissions are another issue for both fryers; when things fry they emit carbon monoxide, which is why vented fryers require a vent in the first place.

Additional Pros & Cons of Ventless Fryers

Since ventless fryers are a relatively new thing in the restaurant industry, we wanted to go over a few more of the pros and cons to give you all the latest info.

Ventless Fryer Pros

• Longer Oil Life: One of the foremost advantages of investing in a ventless frying system is that the oil will last much longer. This is because ventless ones are fully enclosed so no fumes escape during the frying process; this also means no air or dust will get into your frying oil. Airborne dust and debris are the two biggest causes of oil deterioration, but you can avoid this with a ventless fryer. It will also ensure the best-tasting food for your customers.
• Minimal Space Requirements: Another attractive factor of ventless fryers is the amount of space they can save in your commercial kitchen or restaurant. Traditional vented fryers will need space for a hood and ventilation system, but ventless ones require no overhead space. This translates into additional storage space for your kitchen, which is especially useful for smaller one. Ventless fryers can be placed upon a countertop or the floor, depending on your space and size requirements.
• Reduced Insurance Costs & Employee Safety: One of the big factors that make a ventless fryer attractive for many is the reduced insurance costs that come along with them. This is because they offer enhanced employee safety. You’ll be able to minimize kitchen burns when it comes to oil at least, and most ventless frying machines come outfitted with their own fire safety and suppression systems. They’re designed to stop a fire from spreading throughout your kitchen.
• Consistent Quality: Since ventless fryers offer automated systems and are completely enclosed, there’s no chance that your food quality will suffer from letting something cook too long. They eliminate any chance of human error, providing your kitchen with a more consistent quality of food. Many also come equipped with technology that will adjust cook times for the amount of food being fried, to ensure the highest quality results.

Ventless Fryer Cons

• Regular Maintenance: Because of their specialized design, ventless fryers do require some maintenance, like all kitchen equipment. You’ll need to change the filters on a regular basis and invest in regular equipment inspections and repairs. However, with vented systems, you also need to perform regular maintenance, so the maintenance cost difference between the two is minimal.
• They’re More Expensive: When compared to vented frying systems, ventless options are typically more expensive. This is because vented options aren’t equipped with an internal ventilation system.
• Some Food Can’t Be Fried: One of the biggest downsides to ventless frying systems is that it may lessen your options when it comes to frying some foods. Certain dishes that need to be watched closely, flipped, or specially fried using other unique cooking techniques simply aren’t possible with an enclosed frying system.

Where Can I Purchase a Ventless Fryer?

At Zanduco Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, we carry a wide range of commercial fryers, including two of today’s leading ventless frying systems:

Perfect Fry PFC375 Electric Countertop Ventless Deep Fryer

This semi-automatic ventless deep fryer is equipped with a two-gallon oil capacity that’s perfect for your frying needs. It offers the highest output on the market today and features innovative HEPA-style air filtration, stainless steel construction, and an integral fire suppression system. Additionally, the PFC375 comes with programmable controls and while it cooks, it’s odorless, so no more stinking up the kitchen with the smell of frying oil.

Perfect Fry PFA375 Electric Countertop Ventless Deep Fryer

Fully automatic with a 2.75-gallon oil capacity, this deep fryer from Perfect Fry is one of the leading products on the market today. In addition to boasting a stainless steel body, it has dual load cook cycle solutions and takes up a measly 17-inches of counter space. Due to the dual load cook cycle, you can cook two different dishes simultaneously, even if they have different cook times. The PFA375 also boasts cutting-edge technology that enables kitchen staff to pre-load food in a drawer while other dishes are still cooking, increasing efficiency.

Contact us today for more about vented and ventless fryers!

If you’re interested in a commercial fryer for your kitchen, Zanduco Restaurant Equipment & Supplies would love to hear from you. In addition to our fryers, we also carry a wide range of cooking equipment designed to suit your every need. You’ll find everything from work tables and shelves in our inventory to commercial refrigeration units and other restaurant equipment.

Zanduco Restaurant Equipment & Supplies works with every type of business in the restaurant and commercial cooking industry including bakeries and cafes, bars, butcher shops, cafeterias, catering companies, convenience stores, grocery stores, food trucks, hotels, ice cream shops, outdoor restaurants, and more.

Contact us today to learn more about our extensive inventory of commercial kitchen equipment by getting in touch online or calling 1 (855) 926-3826. Our friendly customer service staff will be glad to answer any questions you have.