Abstract: A deep fat frying system has heating elements controlled by triacs operated in the zero switching mode by a programmed digital processor. The triacs are switched, and thus power is delivered to the heating elements, at a rate substantially faster than the thermal cycle of the heating elements to create a constant or uniform temperature on the surface of the heating elements, which avoids temperature fluctuations, particularly excessive peak temperatures, in the heating elements that scorch fat in contact with the elements and that cause temperatures of the fat to overshoot a desired cooking set point temperature.

Abstract: An Improved Deep Fat Frying System is disclosed which utilities heating elements controlled by triacs operated in the zero voltage switching mode by a programmed digital processor which can be used in a deep fat fryer and operated in a manner to minimize the maximum surface temperatures of the heating element surfaces during all phases of operation. The triacs together with the programmed digital processor allows the fryer to be controlled in all modes of operation to advantageously reduce peak power demand at various times during the daily operating cycle, to minimize maximum temperature required for efficient heat transference to the oil, and to reduce temperature overshoot. A method of operation has also been disclosed by which the maximum power consumption of a battery of two or more of the units can be minimized by maintaining a low power heat up during melt cycle or initial warm up all the way to a set point temperature.