Uncover Hidden Fryer Costs with the Pitco Gas Savings Calculator

Efficiency is not optional in a commercial kitchen. It is the key to the business’s survival. Operators already juggle labor, food costs, and tight profit margins. But there is one expense hiding in plain sight that many do not even consider: the gas that fryers consume.

The good news is that smarter frying does not just mean crispier results. It also means better energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and tools that help operators make data-backed decisions. Enter the Pitco Gas Savings Calculator, a free online tool that shows exactly what the current fryer costs and how much could be saved by upgrading.

Hidden Costs Add Up: Is Your Fryer Burning More Than Just Gas?

Not all fryers are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency. Many operators focus on upfront costs without realizing the long-term impact of a fryer’s BTU consumption. Inefficient models, which sometimes are cheaper to purchase, can waste significant gas during every shift.

With gas prices on the rise and sustainability becoming a growing concern, understanding actual energy usage is more important than ever. This is especially critical in high-volume kitchens that operate multiple fryers for hours each day. Even small inefficiencies can add up quickly. That wasted energy shows up as higher utility bills and tighter margins.

Why Onboard Filtration Saves More Than Just Oil

Most operators understand that onboard filtration helps extend the life of cooking oil, but it also affects energy usage. Dirty oil reduces heat transfer efficiency, forcing the fryer to work harder to maintain the proper temperature, which leads to more burned gas and higher operating costs.

Fryers equipped with onboard filtration keep oil cleaner throughout the day. Cleaner oil allows for faster and more consistent heat transfer, meaning less energy is needed to maintain set temperatures. Over time, this translates into lower BTU usage, less strain on the equipment, and fewer maintenance issues. Onboard filtration is not only a wise investment for oil savings, but also a strategic way to improve energy efficiency.

Introducing the Pitco Gas Savings Calculator

The Pitco Gas Savings Calculator gives operators a clear view of their fryer’s energy impact without the need for complex spreadsheets. By entering a few key variables, users can quickly see how much gas their fryer uses and how it compares to other models.

Inputs include:

• • Daily cook volume
  • Hours of operation
  • Cost per therm of gas

The calculator then estimates:

• • Daily BTU usage
  • Estimate of daily and annual energy cost
  • Cost comparisons between Pitco fryer models

The tool allows multiple model comparisons, making it easier to see possible costs based on each individual operation’s volume. While the output is an estimate, it provides a practical starting point for cost-conscious decisions. 

Real-World Impact on Foodservice Operations

To understand the potential savings, consider this comparison: the Pitco SSH75 fryer, with a daily cook time of just over three hours, costs approximately $3,437.92 per year in gas. A higher-BTU fryer model, under the same conditions, has an approximate cost of around $5,316.63 annually. That is a difference of more than $1,800 each year.

For foodservice operations with multiple locations, that savings multiplies fast. Choosing the right fryer model is more than an equipment upgrade. It is a strategy to control long-term costs and increase profitability.