Recycling used cooking oil is a simple yet effective and smart option. It’s also an opportunity to protect the environment and increase your profits. But which method should you use to empty your fryer of used grease to ensure that it may be reused later?
The following are 4 of the most common options we see in the industry.
There are different options depending upon the size of your restaurant. From outdoor storage containers to direct pump systems.
1. Outdoor storage containers
When a restaurant employee is transporting the cooking oil, it’s fairly easy for the oil to spill. Due to the potential oil spillage, the employee could slip as well as burn themselves.
For some restaurants, it may be the only feasible option. Because the cooking oil needs to be transported to the storage container, this method does have a small margin of error.
Outdoor cooking oil storage containers work basically like cooking oil dumpsters or trash dumpsters. A restaurant employee must manually carry the used cooking oil to these storage containers.
The oil spills could also cause serious environmental problems that could attract heavy financial repercussions. Furthermore, outdoor grease storage containers might be easily stolen. To avoid this risk, some products include specially designed lids that deter thieves.
To sum it up, an outdoor storage container:
– Has some risks of spills and burns
– Is easy to conceal in a closed corral
– May require theft-deterrent lids
2. Indoor caddy system
Using this option, a restaurant employee only has to wheel the caddy close to the fryer, attach a hose, and drain the used oil into a portable cart. Once all of the oil has drained to the caddy system, it can then be easily wheeled to the storage tank outside– without any risk of messy oil on hands or risk of oil spills.
Aside from the convenience, you receive the maximum rebate possible for the used cooking oil as there is no risk of theft.
The indoor caddy system, due to its specially designed quick connectors that offer the safe and easy transfer of used cooking oil, is a better alternative to outdoor oil connection.
To sum it up, an indoor caddy system:
– Is easy to install
– Reduces the risk of injuries and spills
– Requires some physical work
3. Indoor pump station
The pump station should be close enough to connect the piping. Ideally, it should neighbor the fryer banks and storage tank.
Indoor pump stations cost more than outdoor storage containers and the indoor caddy system. Thus, it is essential to inquire first from a specialist before purchasing it. It usually isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s worth considering.
The wand works by siphoning the used cooking oil into an indoor storage container. When using the wand to siphon the used cooking oil, experts recommend accomplishing this with the proper safety gear. With the right gear, this method can drastically reduce the risk of spills, burns and other accidents associated with handling used cooking oil.
The indoor pump station is a step above the caddy system when it comes down to preventing accidents. With the help of a wand, there is no need for restaurant employees to manually remove the used cooking oil from your fryer.
To sum it up, an indoor pump station:
– Should be positioned near fryer banks
– Requires employees to wear proper safety gear
4. Direct pump system
Once installed in the kitchen, the only thing that a restaurant employee is required to perform is to simply flip a switch and all the used cooking oil will drain to the direct pump system. Unlike other systems, employees here don’t require any special safety gear to operate it.
Most modern fryers do work well with these systems. For those that don’t, the systems come equipped with adaptation kits.
Basically, the direct pump system increases kitchen efficiency, reduces the risk of injury, eliminates physical work, and prevents grease theft. The oil can then be sold and recycled.
Although installed indoors, direct pump systems are also compatible with outdoor grease storage tanks.
As compared to those already mentioned, the direct pump system is undoubtedly the simplest and the safest option on this list. Usually installed indoors, this technology works by creating a direct connection from the fryer banks to a specialized storage container.
To sum it up, a direct pump system:
– Is the easiest and safest option to use
– May be used with indoor and outdoor containers
Choosing the right size, model, and features for your kitchen is essential. Thus, make certain to consult a used cooking oil expert.