Comparison between Commercial Induction Fryers and Air Fryers – Lestov Manufacturer

In the modern catering industry, the choice of cooking equipment plays a vital role in the quality of dishes and production efficiency. Commercial induction fryers and air fryers are two common cooking tools, but each has unique working principles, advantages and disadvantages, and applicable scenarios.

This article will conduct an in-depth comparative analysis of commercial induction fryers and air fryers from multiple aspects, such as working principles, advantages and disadvantages, maintenance tips, considerations when purchasing, and how to fry delicious food, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for catering practitioners and cooking enthusiasts.

I. Working Principle

1. Commercial induction fryer

Commercial induction fryers work based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic coil inside it will generate an alternating magnetic field after being energized. When a magnetically conductive pot (such as an iron pot, a stainless steel pot, etc.) is placed on the fryer, the bottom of the pot will cut the magnetic flux lines, thereby generating an induced current at the bottom of the pot.

These induced currents are converted into heat energy through the pot’s resistance, causing the pot to heat up rapidly, thereby heating the cooking oil or other cooking media in the pot to achieve the purpose of frying food.

This heating method has the characteristics of fast heating speed, high thermal efficiency, and heat concentration at the bottom of the pot. It can quickly heat the cooking oil to a suitable cooking temperature and provide good cooking conditions for fried food.

2. Air fryer

The air fryer uses hot air circulation technology to achieve cooking. It is equipped with a heating element (usually a heating tube) and a high-speed fan. When working, the heating element heats the air to the set temperature, and then the high-speed fan forces the hot air to circulate inside the fryer so that the hot air flows evenly over the surface of the food.

This rapid flow of hot air is similar to the effect of hot oil in traditional frying. It can remove moisture from the surface of the food, forming a golden and crispy crust on the surface of the food while keeping the inside relatively tender and juicy, achieving a taste similar to fried food.

Since a large amount of cooking oil is not required, the air fryer only needs a small amount of oil or even no oil to fry food during the cooking process, which makes it unique in healthy cooking.

II. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages

1. Cooking efficiency

(1) Commercial induction fryer

Commercial induction fryer has obvious advantages in cooking efficiency. Since it can quickly heat cooking oil to a high temperature, some foods that require high temperature and fast frying, such as French fries and chicken nuggets, can be cooked in a relatively short time, meeting the needs of fast food delivery in commercial catering. Moreover, the pot of electromagnetic fryers is usually large, which can fry more food at one time, making it suitable for large-scale cooking operations.

(2) Air fryers

In contrast, the cooking speed of air fryers is relatively slow. Although its hot air circulation technology can improve cooking efficiency, due to its relatively small internal space and the fact that heat transfer mainly depends on the contact between hot air and the surface of food, the cooking time will be correspondingly extended for some foods with larger volume or larger quantity, which is not suitable for commercial scenarios that require fast and large-scale food delivery.

2. Cost and maintenance

(1) Commercial induction fryers

In terms of cost, the initial purchase cost of commercial induction fryers is relatively high, especially for high-quality, high-power induction fryers. However, from a long-term perspective, its operating cost may be more advantageous.

Induction fryers have high thermal efficiency and can effectively convert electrical energy into thermal energy. In addition, the amount of cooking oil used in the cooking process is relatively stable, and there will be no excessive oil loss due to the equipment itself.

In addition, the maintenance cost of induction fryers is relatively low. Their structure is relatively simple, without complex mechanical parts, and daily cleaning is also relatively convenient. You only need to keep the pot and stove clean, which reduces the extra expenses caused by equipment failure or improper maintenance.

(2) Air fryers

The initial purchase price of air fryers is relatively affordable, especially for some household models which are relatively inexpensive. However, in the long-term use, due to their relatively low cooking efficiency, more electricity may be consumed to achieve the ideal cooking effect, thereby increasing the operating cost. In addition, the heating elements and fans inside the air fryer are prone to failure under long-term high temperature and high-speed operation and require regular maintenance and replacement of parts, which will also increase certain maintenance costs.

3. Food taste and health

(1) Commercial induction fryers

The food cooked by commercial induction fryers has the characteristics of traditional fried food, with crispy skin and tender and juicy inside, which can satisfy consumers’ love for the taste of fried food. However, fried foods usually contain high fats, and long-term consumption may adversely affect health, such as increasing the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

(2) Air fryer

The air fryer performs well in terms of health. Since the amount of oil used in the cooking process is very small or even no oil is needed, it can significantly reduce the fat content in food, making the cooked food more in line with modern people’s pursuit of a healthy diet. At the same time, the air fryer uses hot air circulation to form a crispy crust on the surface of the food while retaining a certain amount of moisture and nutrients inside. The taste is also close to traditional fried food, which is a relatively healthy cooking method.

4. Applicable scenarios and flexibility

(1) Commercial induction fryer

A commercial induction fryer is suitable for various commercial catering venues, such as restaurants, fast food restaurants, canteens, etc., especially for scenes that require large-scale production of fried food. Its large pot capacity and powerful cooking capacity can meet the requirements of commercial operations for food delivery speed and quantity. In addition, the induction fryer can flexibly adjust the oil temperature and cooking time according to different cooking needs, and adapt to the production of various types of fried food.

(2) Air fryer

Air fryers are more suitable for home use or small-scale catering scenarios. Its small size does not take up too much space, is easy to operate, and can make delicious food without complex cooking skills. In addition to frying food, some air fryers also have multiple functions, such as baking and baking, which can meet the diverse daily cooking needs of families. However, due to the limitations of their internal space and cooking capacity, their flexibility and applicability are relatively poor when facing the cooking of large quantities or large foods.

III. Maintenance Tips

1. Commercial Induction Fryers

(1) Daily Cleaning

After each use, wait for the pot and furnace to cool to the appropriate temperature, and promptly remove the remaining food residues and oil stains in the pot. You can use a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a mild detergent to wipe it, and avoid using rough cleaning tools to avoid scratching the surface of the pot. The surface of the furnace should also be wiped regularly to keep it clean and prevent the accumulation of oil stains from affecting the heat dissipation and service life of the equipment.

(2) Regularly check the pot

Induction fryers have certain requirements for pots. You should regularly check whether the bottom of the pot is flat and has no deformation and whether the magnetic conductivity of the pot is good. Suppose the bottom of the pot is uneven or the magnetic conductivity decreases. In that case, it will affect the heating effect of the induction fryer and may even cause equipment damage or safety hazards.

(3) Maintain the electromagnetic coil

The electromagnetic coil is the core component of the induction fryer. It should be protected from moisture, water, or external impact. Regularly check whether the connection of the electromagnetic coil is firm. If it is loose, it should be tightened in time to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.

(4) Maintenance of the cooling system

The induction fryer will generate a certain amount of heat during operation, and a good cooling system is required to ensure the stable operation of the equipment. Regularly clean up the debris around the equipment and maintain good ventilation. At the same time, check whether the cooling fan is operating normally. If there is any abnormality, it should be repaired or replaced in time.

2. Air fryer

(1) Cleaning the frying basket and pot body

After using the air fryer, the frying basket should be removed in time to clean the food residue and oil stains in it. You can soak the frying basket in warm water, add an appropriate amount of detergent, wipe it gently with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse it with clean water and dry it thoroughly. The inside of the pot body should also be cleaned regularly. You can wipe it with a damp cloth to remove the oil and impurities attached to the inner wall.

(2) Check the heating element and fan

Regularly check whether the heating element of the air fryer is operating normally and whether there is carbon deposit or dirt on the surface. If there is a carbon deposit, wipe it with a soft cloth dipped in a small amount of alcohol. At the same time, check whether the fan can operate normally and whether there is any abnormal noise or vibration to ensure the normal operation of the hot air circulation system.

(3) Avoid damage from high temperatures

When using an air fryer, be careful not to place flammable items such as plastic and paper near the heating element to avoid fire. At the same time, avoid using the air fryer continuously for a long time to prevent the device from overheating and damaging the internal components. If you need to cook multiple batches of food continuously, you should take a proper interval to allow the device to dissipate heat.

(4) Storage environment selection

When storing the air fryer, it should be placed in a dry, ventilated environment without corrosive gases to avoid direct sunlight and humid environments that may cause damage to the device. In addition, when storing, the frying basket and other components should be properly placed to avoid deformation caused by collision and extrusion.

IV. Considerations when purchasing

1. Commercial induction fryer

(1) Power and performance

Choose a commercial induction fryer with appropriate power according to the actual needs of commercial catering. Too low power may not meet the needs of fast cooking, while too high power may lead to energy waste and increased equipment costs. At the same time, attention should be paid to the performance indicators of the equipment, such as heating speed and temperature control accuracy, to ensure that cooking operations can be carried out stably and efficiently.

(2) Compatibility of cookware

Since induction fryers have certain requirements for cookware, you need to consider their compatibility with existing cookware when purchasing. If you need to replace the cookware, you should choose a cookware with good magnetic conductivity suitable for induction fryers, and pay attention to whether the size and capacity of the cookware meet your cooking needs.

(3) Safety and protection functions

Commercial induction fryers are frequently used in commercial environments, and safety is of paramount importance. You should choose products with multiple safety protection functions, such as overheating protection, dry burning alarm, automatic power off, etc., to prevent safety accidents caused by improper operation or equipment failure.

(4) Brand and after-sales service

Choosing a well-known brand of commercial induction fryer usually provides better product quality and after-sales service guarantee. Before purchasing, you can learn about the brand reputation, user reviews, and coverage of the after-sales service network so that you can get timely repair and maintenance support when the equipment fails.

2. Air fryer

(1) Capacity and size

Choose an air fryer with appropriate capacity according to the actual needs of the family population or small-scale catering scenarios. If the capacity is too small, it may not be able to meet the needs of multiple people eating at the same time, while if the capacity is too large, it will take up too much space and may increase energy consumption. At the same time, consider whether the size of the air fryer is suitable for placement in the kitchen or dining area to ensure the convenience of use and storage.

(2) Functional diversity

In addition to the basic frying function, some air fryers also have multiple cooking functions, such as roasting, baking, and grilling, to meet different cooking needs. When purchasing, you can choose a model with rich functions and easy operation according to your personal preferences and actual frequency of use to improve the use value and flexibility of the air fryer.

(3) Heating uniformity and cooking effect

The heating uniformity of the air fryer directly affects the cooking effect. A high-quality air fryer can ensure that the hot air circulates evenly inside so that the food is heated evenly and the taste is consistent. When purchasing, you can refer to the user reviews and professional evaluations of the product to understand whether its heating uniformity and cooking effect meet expectations.

(4) Brand and price

There are many brands of air fryers on the market, and the prices vary greatly. When choosing, you should consider brand awareness, product quality, after-sales service, and price factors. Some well-known brands of air fryers are more guaranteed in terms of performance and safety, but their prices are relatively high; some niche brands or emerging brands with high-cost performance are also worthy of attention and trying, but their product quality and reputation need to be carefully examined.

V. How to fry delicious food

1. Commercial induction fryer

(1) Choose the right oil temperature

Different foods have different optimal oil temperature requirements. Generally speaking, for starchy foods such as French fries, the oil temperature is controlled at around 170℃-180℃, which can make the skin crispy and the inside cooked but not too greasy; for meat such as chicken nuggets, the oil temperature can be slightly higher, between 180℃-190℃, to ensure that the surface quickly forms a golden and crispy skin, locking in the moisture and tender taste inside.

(2) Control the frying time

If the frying time is too short, the food may not be fully cooked; if the time is too long, the food will be too dry or burnt. According to the type and thickness of the food, the frying time should be reasonably controlled. For example, French fries generally take about 3-5 minutes to fry, while chicken nuggets take about 5-7 minutes. During the frying process, the frying time can be adjusted in time by observing the changes in the color and texture of the food.

(3) Pre-treatment of ingredients

Proper Pre-treatment of ingredients before frying can improve the final taste. For example, after cutting potatoes into strips, soak them in water for some time to remove excess starch and make the fried French fries crispier; for meat, marinate them to increase flavor and water retention and coat the surface with a layer of batter or breadcrumbs to prevent excessive water loss and improve the crispness of the skin.

(4) Avoid oil temperature fluctuations

During the frying process, try to avoid opening the lid frequently or adding a large amount of ingredients to avoid causing the oil temperature to drop sharply and affect the cooking effect. If you need to fry food in batches, wait until the oil temperature rises to a suitable temperature before cooking the next batch to ensure that each batch of food can be fried under the same oil temperature conditions to obtain a consistent taste and quality.

2. Air fryer

(1) Preparation and placement of ingredients

For air fryers, the preparation and placement of ingredients have a great impact on the cooking effect. Ingredients should be cut into uniform sizes and shapes so that the hot air can evenly contact each part and the food is heated. When placing ingredients, avoid overcrowding. Try to lay the ingredients in a single layer in the frying basket, leaving enough space for hot air to circulate, which can improve cooking efficiency and the crispness of the food.

(2) Reasonable temperature and time setting

Different foods have different optimal cooking temperatures and times in the air fryer. Generally speaking, starchy foods such as French fries can be fried at 180℃-200℃ for about 15-20 minutes; meat such as chicken wings can be cooked at 180℃-200℃ for 20-25 minutes.

During the cooking process, the temperature and time can be adjusted appropriately according to the actual situation of the food and personal taste to achieve the ideal taste effect. At the same time, it is recommended to turn the ingredients over or stir them halfway through the cooking time to make the heating more even.

(3) Clever use of seasonings and spices

To enhance the flavor of the food, sprinkle an appropriate amount of seasonings and spices, such as salt, black pepper, rosemary, etc., on the surface of the ingredients before cooking. Since the amount of oil used in the air fryer cooking process is less, the seasonings and spices can better adhere to the surface of the ingredients, enhancing the penetration and release of flavors and making the cooked food more delicious.

(4) Combined with other cooking methods

In addition to being used alone, the air fryer can also be combined with other cooking methods to create a richer taste and flavor. For example, first, fry the meat in an air fryer until the surface is golden and crispy, and then put it in the oven to slow-bake at low temperature to make the inside more flavorful and cooked; or blanch or marinate the vegetables before frying to increase the taste level and nutrient retention of the vegetables.

VI. Summary

As two common cooking devices, commercial induction fryers and air fryers each have unique advantages and applicable scenarios. Commercial induction fryers have become an ideal choice for commercial catering venues to make fried foods due to their high cooking efficiency, low long-term cost, and strong applicability. In contrast, air fryers are more suitable for family use and people who pursue healthy diets due to their health, convenience, and multi-function characteristics.

When choosing these two types of equipment, you should consider factors such as cooking needs, budget, space, and requirements for food taste and health to ensure that you choose the cooking tools that best suit you. At the same time, mastering the correct maintenance techniques and cooking methods can extend the service life of the equipment, give full play to its performance advantages, and provide a strong guarantee for cooking delicious food.

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