Commercial gas deep fryers are designed to deep fry a wide array of foods. Mostly found in commercial settings, these machines help the team prepare multiple batches of food at the same time to reduce serving time. But, like with other commercial appliances, commercial gas deep fryers are also vulnerable to problems. Below are some of the most common problems, along with troubleshooting tips for you to be prepared when such issues come up, so you deal with them yourself or call in a commercial appliances repair expert.

Commercial Gas Deep Fryer Problems And Their Fixes

Incorrect Thermostat Or Failure

Before you dig deep into finding out why your commercial gas deep fryer is not functioning as it is supposed to, you need to check the thermostat. Different meals require different temperatures when it comes to frying. There is no universal principle or temperature applied to all the food items prepared.

This means it is possible that someone did not notice the thermostat with an incorrect reading or malfunction. It is the thermostat that controls the heating element or the burners and turns them on and off based on the temperature. If the temperature is set incorrectly, it might be that the fryer won’t function at all.

This is because the temperature set might be too low. In some cases, the thermostat may not trigger the heating element to turn on. To make sure the thermostat is working normally, you need an external thermometer to compare your temperature reading with the thermostat reading of the fryer.

If the temperature reading is a bit off or the heating process seems unusual, it means the thermostat is at fault and might need replacement.

Tripped Safety Reset Button

If your commercial deep gas fryer is not heating or turning on, you might want to check the safety reset button. Most modern commercial gas deep fryers come with a high-temperature limit switch that is designed to shut off as soon as the oil reaches a specific high temperature. This is a safety feature added to prevent the oil from burning along with the food items as well. Most commercial appliances, including commercial convention ovens, have a high-limit switch.

How it works? Once the fryer reaches the certain temperature limit, it cuts down power to the heating element. It may appear as if the fryer has malfunctioned, but in reality, it will be cooling down the oil. To reset the fryer, you will need to consult the user manual.

But if you notice that the safety switch is tripping frequently, it could mean there is some other problem that needs to be looked at.

Always find the cause of the problem instead of offering asymptotic treatment.

Power Supply Issues

If you turn on your commercial deep gas fryer and it does not show any sign or response at all, it means there could be a power supply issue. The first thing you are going to do is unplug the fryer and plug it in another outlet. If the fryer turns on, it means the outlet was the issue and will need replacement.

But if it doesn’t turn on, you will need to check the power cords, especially if the fryer is old. Inspect the power supply for any cracks, damage, or burn marks. If you spot something unusual, you will want to replace the power supply. With time and due to external factors, power supply lines can become faulty and will need replacement. To fix this issue, you will need to consult an expert.

Heating Element Failure

Heating element failure is another reason your commercial gas deep fryer may not be functioning normally. It is one of the most common issues in deep fryers and can go out without any signs. If your deep fryer is turning on but the oil isn’t turning hot, or the food items are not frying, it means the heating element is faulty.

In some cases, you might also observe uneven heating. The only way to check and fix the heating element is by consulting the user manual and accessing it. Make sure the fryer is not hot before accessing the heating element. Turn off the power supply and inspect the heating elements for any unusual signs.

Using a multi-meter, check if the elements show any signs of life. If they don’t, it means the heating elements need to be replaced. We will suggest hiring an expert to replace the elements, as it could be risky.

This is an important advice whether you’re troubleshooting a deep fryer, gas oven, or any other appliance. Always find an expert for that appliance. For instance, if your gas oven is not working, consult a commercial gas oven repair Arlington expert.

Faulty Relay Or Contactor

Modern commercial gas deep fryers come with relays or contactors that control the power delivery according to the requirements of the unit. A relay or contactor is a small component yet it plays a crucial role in the functioning of the deep fryer.

The problem is that if the relay happens to run into a problem, it won’t let the heating element function either. If you hear a buzzing or clicking sound when the heat is turned on but no heating follows, it means the relay is most likely at fault.

These components tend to wear out due to high current loads and electrical arcing. Unfortunately, you cannot repair a relay or contactor. You will simply need to replace a bad relay or contactor. So, it will be best to hand over the job to an expert.

Malfunctioning Control Board

The control board acts as the brain of the commercial deep fryer. When you press a button or feature, the control board sends signals to activate the specific feature. If the control board happens to become faulty due to any reason, the entire deep fryer will stop functioning.

Although these boards are rigid and are designed to stand the test of time, voltage fluctuation and load can sometimes damage them as well. If your commercial deep fryer is showing erratic behavior, you might want to get the control board checked.

Depending on the damage, it may or may not be repairable and will need replacement. Then again, you will need to call a professional to fix it.

Pilot Light Problems

A pilot light is a significant component of a deep fryer as it helps ignite the gas to heat the oil. This replaces the manual effort of lighting the burners every time. If the pilot light happens to be faulty, it won’t be able to ignite the gas. This could lead to a frustrating issue, especially during peak business hours.

Pilot light issues are fairly common in commercial gas fryers and need to be fixed before they can create further issues. Before you can call a professional to fix the pilot light, make sure the connections are good and secure. If it still malfunctions, only a professional can help you fix it.

Conclusion

That’s it! Make sure to hand over the task of fixing the appliance to a reputable deep fryer repair Clifton professional if the problem seems complex. And keep in mind that commercial appliances require regular professional maintenance. This will help prevent future problems and avoid business troubles when you least expect them.