Commercial Deep Fryer Prices and Buying Guide: Costs, Types, Maintenance & Compliance in Australia

Discover comprehensive insights into commercial deep fryer prices, types, maintenance, financing, and compliance in Australia. Make informed buying decisions with our expert guide.

Key takeaways

• Prices start from $1,200 for compact benchtop units, with heavy-duty floor models ranging between $3,500–$12,000+ depending on capacity, fuel type, and features.
• Electric vs gas: Electric fryers are cheaper to install, while gas fryers offer faster heat recovery—ideal for high-volume use.
• Oil capacity and tank configuration significantly affect both price and productivity. A twin-tank, 20-litre gas fryer starts from $6,000.
• Expected operational life is 7–10 years, but regular servicing every 6–12 months is critical to longevity.
• Australian compliance requires AS/NZS 60335 certification, especially for gas units which must meet AS 4563 and AS 5601.
• Finance options like lease-to-own or rental plans are widely available, starting at $100/month for mid-range models.
• Energy efficiency and safety features, like automatic filtration and over-temperature cut-offs, are vital for modern kitchens aiming to meet Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) obligations.

Introduction

Whether you're running a high-volume restaurant, café, or takeaway kitchen, choosing the right commercial deep fryer is essential for delivering consistent food quality, managing operating costs, and ensuring kitchen safety. In this Australian-specific buying guide, we break down everything from pricing and types to ongoing maintenance, certification, and what to ask suppliers before making your purchase.

Types of commercial deep fryers

1. Benchtop fryers

Compact and ideal for small venues or satellite cooking areas.

• Price range: $1,200–$3,500
• Capacity: 5–12 litres
• Ideal for: Low-volume frying, food trucks, cafés
• Pros: Space-saving, affordable
• Cons: Limited capacity, slower recovery time

2. Floor-standing fryers

Heavy-duty and suitable for fast-paced, high-output kitchens.

• Price range: $3,500–$12,000+
• Capacity: 18–25 litres per tank
• Ideal for: Restaurants, fast food venues, hotels
• Pros: Fast recovery, high throughput
• Cons: Larger footprint, higher energy use

3. Gas vs electric fryers

• Heating time: Gas fryers heat up faster, making them suitable for high-turnover kitchens.
• Installation cost: Electric fryers are cheaper to install as they usually only require a standard power outlet. Gas fryers need plumbing by a licensed gasfitter.
• Running efficiency: Gas models are often cheaper to run hourly, but electric fryers lose less heat to the environment.
• Price comparison: Electric models range from $1,200 to $5,000+, while gas fryers start from around $4,000.

Commercial deep fryer prices in Australia

Here’s a breakdown of average prices based on fryer type and configuration:

• Benchtop electric fryers (5–12L): $1,200–$3,500
• Floor-standing electric fryers (18–25L): $3,500–$8,500
• Gas fryers (18–25L): $4,000–$12,000+
• Twin-tank fryers (20–40L combined): $6,000–$13,000
• Fryers with auto-filtration systems: $8,000–$15,000

Tip: Investing in a fryer with built-in oil filtration may save up to $1,000–$2,000 annually in oil costs (Australian Restaurant Association, 2023).

Key operational considerations

When selecting your fryer, keep the following in mind:

• Recovery time: Faster recovery allows for better consistency during busy periods.
• Tank configuration: Single, twin or multiple tanks affect flexibility and allow you to cook different foods separately.
• Filtration system: Integrated oil filtration extends oil life, improves food quality, and reduces labour.
• Power source: Confirm whether your kitchen has appropriate gas connections or high-capacity electrical outlets.
• Space and ventilation: Ensure your kitchen layout allows for fryer clearance and adequate ventilation per AS 1668 standards.

Maintenance and servicing

Routine upkeep is critical to safety, performance, and longevity.

• Daily maintenance: Drain oil, clean fry baskets, wipe surfaces, and inspect controls.
• Weekly cleaning: Clean burner tubes, deep clean tanks, and inspect filters.
• Professional servicing: Every 6–12 months by a licensed technician is recommended.
• Typical service costs:
• Minor service: $150–$300
• Major service with part replacement: $400–$800

Pro tip: Skipping scheduled maintenance can shorten fryer lifespan by up to 30% (Hospitality Equipment Association of Australia, 2024).

Common replacement parts

Knowing which parts wear out quickly helps in planning and budgeting:

• Heating elements: $300–$800 depending on size and brand
• Thermostats: $100–$250
• Oil filters and baskets: $50–$150
• Control panels and timers: $250–$600

Choose brands with local parts support and quick access to authorised technicians.

Financing options in Australia

You don’t always need to pay the full cost upfront:

• Lease-to-own plans: Flexible payments over 1–5 years, with ownership at the end.
• Rental contracts: Includes servicing, ideal for temporary sites or fast food outlets.
• Chattel mortgage: Allows full ownership while claiming depreciation and GST credits.
• Typical monthly repayments: $100–$250/month for equipment valued at $5,000–$12,000

Speak with your accountant to maximise tax benefits under the instant asset write-off scheme (ATO, 2025). For flexible, fast, and competitive financing tailored to commercial deep fryers, check out EasyAsset Finance. Their expert team can help you secure the best terms to preserve your cash flow and grow your business.

Warranty considerations

Be clear about what your warranty covers and for how long:

• Standard warranties: 12 to 24 months
• Extended warranties: Up to 5 years (often an extra cost)
• Coverage should include: Parts, labour, on-site repairs
• Watch for exclusions: Misuse, poor maintenance, and unauthorised servicing can void warranties.

Compliance and certification in Australia

Commercial fryers must comply with Australian safety and gas standards:

• Electric fryers: Must meet AS/NZS 60335 safety standards for electrical appliances.
• Gas fryers: Must comply with AS 4563 (gas appliances) and AS/NZS 5601 (gas installations).
• Local council regulations: May require grease management systems and appropriate hood ventilation.
• WHS compliance: Employers are legally obligated to provide safe, well-maintained equipment for kitchen staff.

Always ask suppliers for certification documents and ensure the fryer meets all state-specific health and safety laws.

Delivery, installation, and fit-out tips

When purchasing a commercial deep fryer, many buyers underestimate the impact of delivery, installation, and kitchen fit-out on overall cost and operational efficiency. Paying close attention to these factors can save you time, money, and avoid costly downtime.

• Delivery costs: Always clarify whether freight and delivery fees are included in your quote. Depending on the fryer’s size and your location within Australia, delivery charges can range from $150 to $600. Remote or regional areas may incur higher costs.
• Unloading and positioning: Larger commercial fryers are often heavy and bulky. You may require a forklift or commercial lift access to safely unload and position the fryer in your kitchen space. Confirm with the supplier if they provide unloading services or if you need to arrange this independently.
• Installation requirements:
• Electric fryers that draw more than 15 amps must be installed by a qualified electrician to comply with Australian electrical safety standards.
• Gas fryers require professional installation and commissioning by a licensed gasfitter to ensure safe operation and compliance with AS 5601 Gas Installations standards.
• Fit-out considerations:
• Allow a minimum clearance of 300mm on either side of the fryer to ensure adequate airflow and safe operation. This spacing is essential to prevent overheating and aligns with Australian Standard AS 5601.
• Ventilation compliance: Commercial deep fryers generate significant heat and fumes. You must confirm whether your kitchen requires an exhaust canopy or hood system that meets Australian Standard AS 1668 for ventilation and fire safety.

Industry-specific fryer recommendations

Commercial deep fryer needs vary significantly depending on the type of food business you operate. Here are tailored recommendations to help you select the right fryer for your specific industry:

• Food trucks and cafés:
• Compact, benchtop electric fryers are ideal for small spaces and limited power availability. These units offer fast plug-and-play setup and quick heating, suitable for low to medium volume frying.
• Quick service restaurants (QSR):
• High-volume kitchens benefit from twin-tank gas fryers equipped with automatic oil filtration systems. These models allow continuous frying, fast oil recovery, and reduced oil waste — essential for meeting demand during peak hours.
• Pubs and clubs:
• Floor-standing gas fryers with integrated oil filtration and digital temperature controls provide the durability and consistency required in busy hospitality venues. Their larger capacity supports extended service hours and diverse menu options.
• Catering businesses:
• Mobile or modular fryer units are highly recommended for catering operations that require transportable kitchen setups. These fryers are designed for ease of movement and fast installation, maintaining high performance even in temporary environments.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What size fryer do I need for my café?
   For a small café or takeaway, a benchtop fryer with 5–12 litres capacity is usually sufficient for occasional use.
2. Is gas cheaper than electric for fryers?
   While gas fryers can be more efficient for high-volume frying, they require licensed installation and may cost more initially.
3. How often should I change fryer oil?
   Depending on usage, oil should be filtered daily and replaced every 3–7 days. Fryers with built-in filtration can extend oil life by up to 40%.
4. Can I finance a fryer purchase in Australia?
   Yes. Many suppliers offer finance, rental, and lease-to-own options with flexible terms. These are especially useful for new businesses.

Final thoughts

Your commercial deep fryer is a workhorse of the kitchen—whether you're pumping out chips, chicken, or seafood. Choosing the right type, ensuring it's compliant, and setting up a proper maintenance schedule are critical to keeping your kitchen safe and productive. Always consult with local suppliers who understand Australian compliance and can offer full support.