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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This or That? 🌶️🍗
Are you sticking with the classic favorite, or turning up the heat with a little Nashville Hot flavor?
Cast your vote below!
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Throwing it back to the 2026 @nationalrestaurantshow ! 🎥🍗
Chef Ken chatted with @calibbqmedia about Broaster Equipment and some of the delicious food items we showcased at the show. From equipment to menu solutions, the conversation highlights how Broaster Company helps operators serve quality food with confidence.
A big thank you to @calibbqmedia for creating this video and helping share our story!
And next up… the NACS Show! 🎉 Join us October 7–9 in Las Vegas and come visit us at Booth C4875. We’d love to see you there!
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Myth vs. Fact
❌ Myth: Pressure frying makes food greasy.
✅ Fact: Pressure frying can actually reduce oil absorption compared to traditional frying.
By cooking under pressure, food retains moisture while developing the crispy texture customers love. Less oil absorption.
More flavor. That`s the power of pressure frying. 🔥🍗
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A leader who helped shape Broaster Company into what it is today. 🤝⭐
Since becoming President & CEO in 2005, Jay Cipra has helped guide Broaster Company through years of growth, innovation, and success. Building on the foundation established in 1954, Broaster continues to expand its global market presence, strengthen foodservice partnerships, grow relationships with regional and national chain operators, and introduce new products and programs to support operators around the world.
Under Jay’s leadership, Broaster has expanded its equipment portfolio with innovations like the E-Series 24 Pressure Fryer, launched branded food programs including Broaster Express® and Rock County Smokehouse®, and invested in manufacturing automation to support continued growth.
Today, Broaster continues to build on its legacy of quality and innovation. Thank you, Jay, for your leadership, vision, and commitment to helping move the company, and the Broaster Brand, forward. 🍗
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They say admitting it is the first step…
but we’d rather say we’re just dedicated to supporting local operators daily. 😋🍗
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It starts with a process that`s been perfected for over 70 years. Genuine Broaster Chicken is prepared using proprietary marinades and coatings, then pressure fried in a Broaster® Pressure Fryer to create the crispy texture and juicy flavor customers know and love. It`s this unique combination of ingredients, equipment, and preparation that makes Genuine Broaster Chicken one of a kind.
That`s why there`s only one Genuine Broaster Chicken. 🙌
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The Smokaroma® Pressure Smoker helps operators create flavorful smoked menu items with less time and less hands-on labor than traditional smoking methods.
✅ Smoke up to 45 lbs. of ribs in under 90 minutes
✅ Hot smoke or cold smoke
✅ Reduce product shrinkage by up to 40%
✅ No basting, turning, or constant monitoring
From ribs and brisket to cheese and vegetables, the Smokaroma Pressure Smoker gives operators more ways to add unique smoked flavors to their menu. 🍖🧀🌽
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Operator Spotlight: The Block Food + Drink🤩🧋🐾
Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy Genuine Broaster Chicken with friends, family, and even your four-legged companion? The Block Food + Drink in St. Louis Park is a local favorite, serving up upscale bar food, 36 taps, boozy shakes, and a year-round Pawtio, plus a famous dog menu for your pups.
When it comes to Genuine Broaster Chicken, guests can dig into a whole bird, half bird, or their popular 12-Piece Broasted Feast. Crispy, juicy, and pressure-fried to perfection every time. 🍗
📍 7007 Walker St, Saint Louis Park, MN 55426
Whether you`re stopping in for dinner, drinks, or a meal with your pup, @theblockslp is a must-visit destination in the Twin Cities area.
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The secret isn’t complicated: Prep. Cook. Serve. 🍗✨
Become a Genuine Broaster Chicken® Trademark Operator today and give customers a reason to keep coming back.
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Team Flats or Team Drums? Let us know below 👇
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We`re growing our team at our Beloit, Wisconsin headquarters and currently have openings for:
🔹 Food Safety & Quality Assurance Specialist
🔹 Grinder/Polisher
Ready to join a company with a passion for quality, innovation, and great food?
Visit our careers page to learn more and apply.
www.broaster.com/careers
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peak life experience🍽️🤩🍗
You haven’t lived until you’ve had Genuine Broaster Chicken®. Find your nearest location with our store locator today! broaster.com/store-locator
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