Ultrafryer Fryer Troubleshooting
Deep fryers are essential in any commercial kitchen. Ultrafryer has a line of commercial fryers that can make everything from delicious French fries to crispy chicken tenders with ease. While it's not common, there can be some issues that come up on a unit over time. Fortunately, we have some easy Ultrafryer troubleshooting tips to help you out.
The tips below are for identification only. All repairs must be performed by an authorized service agent. Attempting repairs without proper training and qualifications can be dangerous and result in voiding the manufacturer warranty.
Main Burner Malfunction (All Models)
When the main burner fails, look for the possible causes before contacting an authorized technician:
- Closed gas valves (gas only) – See if the gas valves are closed or not fully turned on. If so, turn them into the opened position.
- Improperly seated coupling (gas only) – Look at the gas manifold fitting to see if the quick-disconnect coupling on the gas supply line is properly seated.
- No electrical power – Check that the ON/OFF switch is turned on and that the unit is plugged into an electrical outlet. Replace the power cord if there is damage. If neither is the issue, make sure the proper circuit breaker is on or needs to be reset.
- Incorrect mode – Be sure the applicable fryer control has been placed in the proper mode. For instance, select models require the unit to be in the "EXIT MELT" or "FULL ON" modes.
- Faulty blower motor – See if the blower motor is operating. If it isn't, the blower could have over-heated and shut off on thermal overload. The issue should correct itself in about 10-20 minutes once the motor cools. If the overheating reoccurs or this issues isn't resolved, have the blower replaced.
- Not maintaining flame (B-IR-18/20 Models) – When this occurs, there could be inadequate gas pressure or the igniter and flame sense are misaligned.
Low Oil or Shortening Flow Rate (All Models)
When the flow rate of the oil or shortening decreases when filtering, see if there is excessive residue and grease buildup on the filter screen, filter tub or standpipe suction fitting.
Raising or Lowering Oil Temperature is Too Slow (PAR-2/3 & ZRT3-H Models)
The oil or shortening might take too long to reach the proper cooking temperature, and recovery could be too slow due to small burner flames. The following might need to be checked by an authorized technician:
- Closed gas valve (gas only) – See if the manual gas valve is closed or not fully turned on. If so, turn it into the opened position.
- Incorrect gas pressure (gas only) – The gas pressure in the facility might need to be adjusted. This can be tested by an authorized technician using a water U-gauge manometer at the gas control valve pressure tap.
- Line obstructions – On gas models, there could be a blockage in the gas line. There also could be an obstruction in the flue pipe.
- Incorrect orifice plug opening – Make sure the drill size opening on the orifice plug is correct. An authorized technician will need to consult the service manual for more information.
- Damaged blower motor fins – Check if the fins of the blower motor are damaged. If so, the fins will need to be repaired or the blower motor will need to be replaced by an authorized technician.
Heat is Too High or Low (B-IR-18/20 Models)
If there is excessive or low heat, a service technician will need to repair the following problems:
- Incorrect gas pressure (gas only) – The gas pressure in the facility might need to be adjusted.
- Improper temperature offset – The incorrect temperature offset might have been selected.
- Broken components – The temperature probe, interface board or cooking control might need to be repaired or replaced by an authorized technician.
- Temperature setting too high (high temps) – See if the temperature setting is higher than 400°F.
- Tripped high limit (low temps) – The high limit might have tripped, causing temperature to decrease.
Puffing During Startup (B-IR-18/20 Models)
When there is a puffing noise during startup, a certified technician will need to identify and repair the following:
- Incorrect gas pressure (gas only) – The gas pressure in the facility might need to be adjusted.
- Electrode issues – There could be a cracked electrode or an excessive electrode gap. Both will need to be fixed by an authorized technician.
No Power to Control or Heat (B-IR-18/20 Models)
If there is no power to the cooking control or heat being supplied to the fryer, an authorized technician will need to identify and correct the following issues:
- Main circuit breaker is off – See if the main circuit breaker is off or needs to be reset.
- Broken transformer – If the unit's transformer is inoperative, it will need to be replaced by an authorized technician.
- Wiring issues – There could be a malfunction with the interconnecting wiring. Have an authorized technician repair or replace the wiring.
Still need assistance troubleshooting an Ultrafryer unit? Check out our selection of Ultrafryer manuals for more help.