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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Commercial Electric Fryer | Single Tank Deep Fat Fryer | 8L Capacity Stainless Steel | Modena MEF81. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

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Modena Out of Stock

Commercial Electric Fryer | Single Tank Deep Fat Fryer | 8L Capacity Stainless Steel | Modena MEF81

SKU: MEF81
£75.99 / exc vat
£91.19/ inc vat
£110.99 / exc vat
£133.19/ inc vat

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  • 8 Litre Tank Capacity
  • Powerful 2.5kW Element
  • Full Stainless Steel Construction
  • Adjustable Thermostat (30-180°C)
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Product Overview

On the hunt for a compact and  mighty fryer that won’t let you down during a busy service? Meet the Modena MEF81. This countertop champion packs a punch, delivering consistently crispy and  delicious results without hogging all your precious kitchen space. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss bit of kit designed for professionals who value reliability and  simplicity.

Perfectly suited for cafés, small pubs, mobile catering vans, or as a dedicated secondary unit in larger kitchens, this commercial electric fryer 8L is incredibly versatile. Whether you're frying chips, onion rings, doughnuts or even chicken, its precise temperature control ensures everything comes out golden and  perfect. Its plug-and-play design means you can get it up and  running in minutes, with no complicated installation needed.

Built from robust stainless steel for easy cleaning and  durability, and  equipped with essential safety features, the Modena MEF81 is engineered for the daily demands of a commercial environment. It’s the smart, dependable choice for any business looking to add or upgrade their frying capabilities without a huge investment. Get ready to take your fried menu items to the next level.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • 8 Litre Tank Capacity: Fry generous batches of food, perfect for sides and  snacks.
  • Powerful 2.5kW Element: Heats up quickly, reducing waiting times during busy periods.
  • Full Stainless Steel Construction: Makes it durable, long-lasting, and  incredibly easy to clean.
  • Adjustable Thermostat (30-180°C): Gives you precise control for perfect results on different foods.
  • Safety Temperature Limiter: Provides crucial protection against oil overheating for peace of mind.
  • Compact Countertop Design: Fits easily into any kitchen layout, saving valuable floor space.
  • Removable Oil Tank: Simplifies the process of filtering oil and  deep cleaning the unit.
  • Plug & Play 13 Amp Plug: No hardwiring needed, just plug it in and  start frying.

Other Available Sizes:

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Modena
  • SKU: MEF81
  • Dimensions: 310(H) x 280(W) x 436(D) mm
  • Power: 2.5kW
  • Power Supply: Electric - 13 amp plug fitted
  • Tank Capacity: 8 Litres
  • Ideal Oil Capacity: 5.5 - 7 Litres
  • Temperature Range: 30°C to 180°C
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Net Weight: 5.2kg

Expert Review and  Insights

The Modena MEF81 sits in that sweet spot for so many businesses. It’s not trying to be a huge, high-volume floor fryer; it knows exactly what it is—a reliable, hardworking countertop unit. For startups, mobile caterers, or kitchens needing a dedicated fryer for allergens, its simplicity and  solid performance make it a truly sound investment. It’s a proper workhorse.

Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment Expert View Profile →

  • Top-Notch Simplicity: The dial controls are foolproof, making it great for fast-paced environments.
  • Recovery Speed: It can be a bit slow to recover temperature with large frozen loads.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Salty Squid, a popular seaside takeaway in Aberystwyth, needed a dedicated fryer for their gluten-free offerings to prevent cross-contamination and  meet growing customer demand. Their existing setup was too large and  inefficient for this specific task.

"The Modena is absolutely brilliant for what we need. It's compact, heats up fast, and  we can trust it to keep our gluten-free customers safe and  happy. Our fried fish is crisper than ever, and  our customers have noticed the difference."

Gareth Jones – Head Fryer

Since installation, they've reported a 30% rise in sales of gluten-free menu items and  improved kitchen workflow.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Place the fryer on a flat, stable, and  non-combustible surface.
  • Ensure at least 10cm of clear space around the unit for proper ventilation.
  • Before the first use, wash the removable tank and  basket with warm, soapy water.
  • Plug the 13 amp plug directly into a mains socket – avoid using extension leads for safety.

Keeping It Going

  • For best food quality, filter your cooking oil at the end of each day.
  • Wipe down the stainless steel exterior daily with a soft, damp cloth.
  • Never immerse the main electrical unit in water.
  • Allow the fryer and  oil to cool down completely before attempting to drain or clean it.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Fryer

Feeling a bit stuck on which fryer to choose? Let this quick guide help you find the perfect match for your kitchen.

Menu & Output

Consider what you'll be frying and  how much. An 8 litre commercial fryer is ideal for sides or specific menu items. If chips are your main seller, you might need a larger twin-tank model to keep up with demand.

Power Source

Electric fryers like this Modena MEF81 offer fantastic convenience – just plug them in and  go. Gas fryers often provide faster heat recovery but require a gas line, so always check your kitchen's utility connections first.

Space & Footprint

Countertop models are brilliant for saving space in smaller kitchens or food trucks. Always measure your available counter space before buying to ensure a perfect fit, leaving room for ventilation.

Safety First

Look for essential safety features. A built-in temperature limiter is a must-have to prevent oil from overheating, and  sturdy, non-slip feet will keep the unit secure during use.

Cleaning & Hygiene

A stainless steel electric fryer is the industry standard for a reason. Models with removable tanks and  baskets make the daily cleaning routine much faster, easier, and  more thorough.

See all Single Tank Electric Countertop Fryers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the ideal amount of oil to use?

A: For the best results, you should fill the tank with between 5.5 and  7 litres of cooking oil.

Q: Can the oil tank be removed for cleaning?

A: Yes, the oil tank is fully removable, which makes cleaning and  oil filtering much, much easier.

Q: What is the highest temperature the fryer can reach?

A: The thermostat allows you to set the temperature anywhere up to 180°C.

Q: Is this a countertop electric fryer?

A: Yes, absolutely. It's designed specifically to sit securely on a commercial kitchen countertop.

Q: What kind of plug does the Modena MEF81 have?

A: It comes fitted with a standard UK 13 amp plug, so no special electrical work is required.

Q: Is the unit heavy or difficult to move?

A: No, it weighs just over 5kg when empty, so it's very manageable to move for cleaning purposes.

Q: Can I put frozen chips directly into the hot oil?

A: Yes, but be careful not to overfill the basket, as this will cause the oil temperature to drop significantly and  can affect crispiness.

Q: How does the temperature limiter work?

A: It's an internal safety switch that automatically cuts power to the heating element if the oil temperature exceeds a safe limit, preventing a fire hazard.

What Customers Are Saying

"A fantastic bit of kit. We use it in our food truck and  it hasn't missed a beat. Heats up quickly, easy to clean, and  takes up very little counter space."

Liam O'Connell – Street Food Vendor, Cork

"This single tank deep fat fryer is a solid performer for our pub snacks. It's simple to use for all our staff and  the results are always consistent. Great value."

Eleanor Davies – The Shepherd's Inn, Lake District

"Bought this for our small café to do fresh doughnuts in the morning. It’s perfect. The temperature control is accurate which is exactly what we needed. Highly recommend."

Anya Sharma – The Sweet Spot Café, Birmingham

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The Modena Advantage: Reliability That Pays for Itself

In a bustling commercial kitchen, the last thing you need is equipment that can't keep up. That's where Modena truly shines. The brand has built its reputation on creating no-nonsense, dependable gear that's engineered for the daily grind. The value of the Modena MEF81 fryer isn't just in its affordable price tag; it's in its long-term operational consistency. This means fewer breakdowns, less kitchen downtime, and  more importantly, less lost revenue. Its beautifully simple design means less time spent on staff training and  a lower chance of user error during a frantic service. Choosing Modena is a smart investment in operational smoothness. It's the kind of quiet, unwavering performance that works tirelessly in the background, allowing you to focus on what really matters: creating fantastic food for your customers.

Explore more from Modena

Beyond the Thermostat: How a Temperature Limiter Protects Your Kitchen

You’ve seen 'thermostat' and  'temperature limiter' listed, but what’s the real difference? While the thermostat is what you use every day to set your cooking temperature, the temperature limiter is your silent guardian. Think of it like the safety barrier at a race track. The thermostat is the driver, controlling the speed (or temperature) for the perfect race. But if something goes wrong and  the car spins out of control (i.e., the oil gets dangerously hot due to a fault), the safety barrier—your temperature limiter—is there to stop a disaster. It automatically cuts power if the oil exceeds a safe temperature, preventing it from smoking, spoiling, or even catching fire. It’s a crucial background feature that gives you total peace of mind during a hectic service.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Cafés & Bistros: An ideal solution for adding consistently cooked chips, calamari, or other fried sides to your menu.
  • Mobile Catering & Food Stalls: The perfect countertop electric fryer thanks to its compact size and  simple plug-in operation.
  • Small Takeaways: A reliable workhorse for frying single-item bestsellers in fish & chip or chicken shops.
  • Pubs & Bars: Excellent as a secondary fryer to handle gluten-free items or popular bar snacks like halloumi fries.
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Get your Modena MEF81 Commercial Electric Fryer 8L on its way today and  start serving up perfectly crisp results!

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