Commercial Fryer Won't Light or Hold Temperature? 6 Checks

If a gas fryer won't light, confirm the gas supply and follow the lighting procedure on the door label; if the pilot won't stay lit, the thermocouple or thermopile is usually weak. A fryer that shuts off may have tripped its high-limit — let it cool and press the reset if your model has one. Oil that won't hold temperature points to a thermostat, probe or controller fault. Never bypass a high-limit or safety valve.

6 checks you can do safely

1. Confirm gas. Check the manual valve and that other gas equipment on the line works.
2. Relight correctly. Follow the door-label procedure exactly; hold the pilot long enough to heat the thermocouple.
3. Check the high-limit reset. If the fryer overheated, let it cool before resetting. Repeat trips need service.
4. Check the flue. A blocked flue or poor exhaust can starve the burners of air.
5. Verify oil temperature. Compare with a probe thermometer; a large difference means a thermostat, probe or controller fault.
6. Electric fryers. Check the breaker; one failed element slows recovery.

When to call a technician

• The pilot lights but won't stay lit.
• The high-limit trips repeatedly.
• Oil temperature is off by more than about 10°F.

Stay safe

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) before touching anything inside it, and never open a sealed refrigeration system, a gas valve or a microwave. If a code points to a part, the part has to be tested before it is replaced; we do that on the $75 diagnostic visit, credited toward the repair.

Frequently asked questions

Do you repair Pitco and Frymaster fryers?

Yes, plus Vulcan, Dean, Henny Penny, Imperial and other brands.

Can you come during service?

Commercial calls are $100; for an emergency we can be on site within 2 hours for $300.

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