What’s the difference between a pressure fryer and an open fryer?
Why a pressure fryer is better
There is no mistaking the fact that America loves fried foods — from chicken and fish to potatoes, onions, mushrooms, cheese … you name it. If it’s fried, you know people will love it.
What you might not know is there are different ways restaurants go about frying all of the foods people love. The two most common methods, open frying and pressure frying, have each been around for decades. Both get the job done, but in very different ways with varying degrees of efficiency and finished product quality.
An open fryer was first invented in the 1800s. This cooking method is based on submerging pieces of food in a big vat of cooking oil. Many open fryers include a basket the food is placed into before being lowered into the oil. This is the typical “deep fryer” setup at a quick-service restaurant that cranks out batches and batches of french fries.
A pressure fryer was first invented back in the 1950s. It cooks food under pressure within a sealed cooking well, usually around 12 to 14 psi.
Benefits of pressure fryers
Cook faster. One benefit to using a pressure fryer is that cook time is decreased. For instance, eight pieces of bone-in chicken can be cooked in 10-12 minutes whereas 16-18 minutes would be needed with an open fryer. That is a significant time savings that can result in considerably higher output over the course of a day. Customers will also be happier because they don’t have to wait as long for their chicken.
Better finished product. Another benefit to pressure frying is product quality. Pressure frying seals in all of those seasonings and natural juices, resulting in a piece of chicken that is more succulent, tender and flavorful. Pressure fryers also tend to cook product more consistently.
The design of the pressure frying equipment plays a big role in finished product quality. For instance, Broaster pressure fryers use a round cooking well. This allows for more uniform heat distribution by eliminating cold spots in the corners. The result is evenly cooked chicken, batch after batch.
Extend oil life. Pressure fryers allow food to be cooked at a lower temperature. Thus, the cooking oil won’t break down as quickly, which means you’ll be able to use the same oil for several more days. That reduces not only the hard cost of the oil itself, but also the labor required to change the oil since it doesn’t need to be changed as frequently.
Final considerations
It should be noted that open fryers do tend to produce a crunchier product. That makes sense, seeing as how a piece of food is swimming around in boiling hot oil for more than 15 minutes. If the crunch is what you and your customers are after, or all you want to cook is french fries, it might be best to stick with an old-fashioned open fryer. But if taste, juiciness, consistency and efficiency are what you’re after, a pressure fryer is the way to go.
From a cost perspective, the actual cost of ownership (purchase price) is just slightly higher for a pressure fryer. The cost of equipment maintenance is roughly the same, as well. But a pressure fryer gains a couple of advantages with respect to operating costs. As pointed out earlier, pressure fryers cook faster and at lower temperatures. The time and money a restaurant can save on cooking oil, energy to power the fryer, and labor can really add up over time, literally returning thousands of dollars to the bottom line over the course of the year.
Another thing to think about on the operating cost side is unexpected repairs. First of all, always ask about warranties when comparing brands and product models. Also, look for design elements that make a pressure fryer more durable and easy to clean. The easier a fryer is to maintain, the longer it will last — and the less money you’ll spend on labor to maintain it.
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A moment for TWO of our favorites - Jumbo Popcorn Chicken and Jumbo Cajun Popcorn Chicken!
Our Popcorn Chicken lineup is one of the most versatile items we offer. You can serve them as an appetizer, a snack, as a wrap or sandwich, add into salads, and more! Contact your local distributor to get yours 👇
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Mar 19
What was Broaster up to in 1954? 👀
The Broaster Company was formed through a partnership between Tom Payne, Walter Blakely, Jerold Spates & Jack Vos.
We began selling our line of specialty foodservice equipment, accessories, and proprietary marinades & coatings through a nationwide distributor network.
We officially trademarked “Broaster” and “Broaster Foods,” protecting the brand for authorized distributors and licensed operators using Broaster Pressure Fryers and signature seasonings.
The foundation for a legacy was set in motion. 🔥 #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterHistory #BroasterFoods #Broaster #PressureFryer
Mar 13
Adding Genuine Broaster Chicken® to your menu isn’t just another item, it turns your location into a destination your customers intentionally go to. 🍗 With Broaster’s proven system, operators get a simple, consistent program that delivers juicy chicken with a signature crispy finish every time.
Why operators love it:
✅ Simple, repeatable process
✅ Built-in brand recognition
✅ Strong margins
✅ A craveable product that drives repeat traffic
Why customers love it:
🍗 Fresh, hot, crispy chicken
🍗 A brand they trust
🍗 A craving that keeps them coming back
Looking to drive traffic and boost ticket averages? Genuine Broaster Chicken makes it easy. Contact us to learn more!
Mar 12
March Madness is almost here, and that means eating lots of chicken wings! 🏀 Need some extra recipe inspiration? We`ve got you covered.
Which of these wings are you adding to your menu? 🍗
Chicken Wing Details:
Chickite® Marinade – Product # 96636
Chickite Supreme Marinade – Product # 96504
Slo-Bro® Coating – Product # 96635
Slo-Bro Extra Spicy Coating – Product # 96403
Crispy Cajun Coating – Product # 95013
NEW Nashville Hot Dust – Product # 95239
#BetterBeBroaster #BroastedChicken #GenuineBroasterChicken #ChickenWings #BroasterCompany
Mar 11
✨ Operator Spotlight! ✨
This week’s spotlight goes to Lakeshore Family Restaurant in Wautoma, Wisconsin! They`re serving up tons of breakfast items 🍳 Mexican favorites🌮 Italian food🍝 Steak 🥩 and our favorite, #GenuineBroasterChicken! 🍗 There`s something for everyone on this menu!
Thank you for being a loyal Genuine Broaster Chicken Operator! #BetterBeBroaster
Mar 9
Happy #NationalFrozenFoodDay! 🍽️🍗 Let us know in the comments, which ready-to-cook Broaster Foods item is your favorite? 😋
Now available nationwide through @dotfoodsofficial #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterFoods
Mar 6
Bring on the HEAT 🔥
Have you tried our NEW Nashville Hot Dust? (Product #95239)
Chef Ken is sharing his favorite ways to use it — from cranking up your chicken to adding a bold kick to fries, sandwiches, and more.
Mar 5
Distributor Training Recap ✨ We love training week here at Broaster!
Last week we had the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and sharpen our skills with an incredible group of distributor partners. Thank you to everyone who participated in our training!
Missed this session? Stay tuned… more training opportunities are coming soon!
Mar 4
No hood? No problem. 🔥
Our ventless fryer lineup is built for locations without a traditional hood system so you can turn underused space into a high-performing hot food destination fast.
Ready to unlock new profit in your space? Let’s talk about which ventless solution fits your operation best. Contact your local distributor today 👇
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Mar 3
✨ Operator Spotlight ✨ We’re proud to spotlight 63 Express Hager City Gas Station and Convenience Store in Hager City, Wisconsin...a convenience store that’s adding real value to their community with Genuine Broaster Chicken®! 🍗
By offering freshly prepared Broaster Chicken alongside convenience essentials, this store isn’t just selling great food but they`re also driving customer traffic, increasing in-store purchases, and giving people a reason to choose quality on the go. Broaster Chicken’s pressure-fried process delivers the crispy, juicy flavor customers love and keeps them coming back time and again.
Thank you for being a Genuine Broaster Chicken Operator! 😎 #BetterBeBroaster
Feb 27
Since 1953, we’ve been cooking up more than just chicken! From our early days to today, Broaster has a rich history full of innovation, flavor, and milestones you might not know about. 🐔✨
Follow along as we share our journey from 1953 to 2026 and everything in between! Starting off strong with 1953, L.A.M. Phalen develops and patents the Broaster Pressure Fryer and the unique Broaster pressure frying concept. During this time, Flavor Fast Foods is formed under the leadership of Phalen and is staffed by people associated with Tekni-Craft, manufacturers of the Taylor Freezer line. #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterHistory
Feb 26
Cooking fresh fish in your kitchen? 🎣 We’ve got you covered! Chef Ken shows off our Creole Coating (Product # 96587) and All-Purpose Batter (Product # 96501 ), which are perfect for fish, shrimp, and even veggies. 🍤🥦
Grab yours from your local distributor and take your seafood to the next level! 👇
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Feb 25
Ready to take your fried food game to the next level? 🔥 Meet our pressure fryer lineup ➡️ the backbone of flavorful, juicy, consistent cooking in kitchens everywhere! 🍗
Standard Features Include:
👉 Fast & productive
👉 Pressure-activated cover – for safety and ease of use.
👉 Round cooking well – ensures uniform heat, prevents sticking, and delivers superior quality.
👉 Durable construction – fully welded 300 Series stainless steel.
👉 Easy to operate – SmartTouch™ color touchscreen with intuitive menu.
👉 Auto Comp™ feature – adjusts cooking time for varying load sizes and temperatures.
👉 Automatic cook cycle counter
👉 Built-in oil filtration
👉 Touchscreen controller
From compact options ideal for smaller spaces to high‑capacity units built to handle peak demand, our lineup lets operators choose the perfect fit for their volume and workflow. Contact us today to get started!
Feb 23
Ever wondered what makes Broasted Chicken different from regular fried chicken? 🤔
It’s all in the pressure frying. Cooking chicken in a Broaster Pressure Fryer locks in flavor and juiciness that ordinary frying can’t match. 🍗✨
And fun fact:
👉 “Broasted®” and “Broaster™” are trademarked, meaning only operators using our equipment and recipes can call their chicken Broasted. #BetterBeBroaster
Feb 20
This week’s Operator Spotlight goes to The LakeHouse in Lake Villa, IL! 💯
Welcome to a place where great food and great vibes come together just right. From juicy steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty pastas to our flavor-packed Genuine Broaster Chicken and so much more, The LakeHouse offers a menu that satisfies every craving and served with warm hospitality you’ll want to return for again and again. 🍽️🔥
If you’re in Lake Villa, make sure to stop by and see what everyone’s talking about! 😎 Thank you for being one of our loyal Genuine Broaster Chicken operators!
#BetterBeBroaster #OperatorSpotlight #GenuineBroasterChicken #TheLakeHouse #LakeVillaEats
Feb 19
Today is #NationalPancakeDay 🥞 and the best way to enjoy pancakes? When they’re wrapped around a mini sausage link and bite-sized! These handheld minis are fully cooked, frozen, and ready to heat and serve...ideal for breakfast menus, grab-and-go programs, or snacking any time of day. Product # 96426.
Contact your local distributor to get yours! Now available nationwide through@dotfoodsofficial
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Feb 17
