Birko 1001008 Double 8L Benchtop Deep Fryer with Tap | Twin Tank Commercial Fryer 2x15A (Supersedes 1001004)

Double your kitchen's frying throughput, eliminate menu cross-contamination, and streamline hot oil disposal with the Birko 1001008 Double 8L Commercial Benchtop Deep Fryer with Front Drainage Taps (officially superseding model code 1001004). Purpose-built for high-turnover Australian fish and chip shops, pubs, sports clubs, takeaway cafes, roadhouses, food trucks, and busy restaurant lines, this heavy-duty twin-tank benchtop unit delivers independent dual-well temperature management, high-output recovery power, and quick-drain convenience in a compact commercial footprint.

High-Volume Twin-Tank Versatility (2 x 8L Oil Capacity / 2 x 3kg Batch Load)

With two fully independent 8.0-litre oil tanks (16L total oil capacity), the Birko 1001008 handles demanding ticket volumes with ease. Each tank is paired with a heavy-duty chrome-plated basket rated for up to a 3.0 kg batch load (6.0 kg total batch capacity). The isolated dual-vat design gives kitchen teams the freedom to fry high-volume chips on one side while dedicating the second vat to crumbed chicken, battered seafood, or allergen-sensitive gluten-free orders, eliminating flavour transfer and keeping cooking oil clean for longer.

Integrated Front-Mounted Oil Drainage Taps

Draining and filtering hot oil from standard benchtop fryers often requires clumsy lifting or manual ladling. The Birko 1001008 eliminates this occupational health and safety hazard with two dedicated front-mounted brass drainage taps. When service finishes and the oil has cooled, staff simply position a grease bucket or oil filter container beneath the spout and open the tap for a smooth, controlled, and mess-free drain.

Dual 2900W High-Recovery Elements with Tilt-Head Safety Interlocks

Powered by two independent 2900W immersion heating elements (5800W total heating power), this unit provides rapid heat-up and immediate thermal recovery when cold or frozen foods are submerged. Each element head features a swing-back tilt design with a built-in safety electrical interlock micro-switch, instantly isolating power when raised for tank cleaning. Each control console also features a front-mounted, user-resettable over-temperature safety cut-out pin to prevent oil overheating and eliminate kitchen fire hazards.

Independent Digital Timers & Precise Thermostat Control (+40°C to +190°C)

Each fry vat operates under its own mechanical thermostat dial, offering fine temperature modulation across a +40°C to +190°C temperature range for blanching, par-cooking, or high-heat crisping. Dual digital countdown timers with loud audible alarms give chefs and kitchen hands strict time control over fry batches, preventing over-browning and ensuring portion consistency during busy dinner services.

Commercial #304 Stainless Steel Build with Stainless Night Lids

Fabricated throughout from heavy-duty #304-grade commercial stainless steel, the housing, tanks, and fittings resist corrosion from cooking fats, food acids, and chemical degreasers. The unit comes complete with two matching stainless steel night covers/lids to protect cooking oil from dust, flies, and airborne kitchen grease overnight, extending oil life and saving money. Running on two separate 240V / 15 Amp circuits, the 15.7 kg unit sits securely on heavy-duty non-slip rubber feet.

Key Features & Benefits

• Double 8L Tank Capacity (16L Total / 2 x 3kg Batch Load): High-capacity twin-vat setup delivers up to 6kg of fried food per cycle for fast ticket turnaround.

• Front-Mounted Oil Drain Taps: Controlled front taps make oil draining, daily filtering, and tank cleaning safe, fast, and splash-free.

• Direct Replacement for Superseded Model 1001004: Features updated internal electrical components while maintaining identical kitchen footprint and performance.

• Independent Dual-Zone Operation: Separate controls allow you to shut down one side during quiet trade or dedicate one vat exclusively to allergen-free or seafood items.

• Dual 2900W High-Output Elements (5800W Total): Delivers fast thermal recovery to seal food fast, locking out excess oil for crisp, non-greasy food.

• Swing-Back Elements with Safety Interlocks: Heating heads tilt out of the way for wipe-down cleaning and automatically cut power when raised.

• Heavy-Duty #304 Stainless Steel Construction: Commercial-grade stainless chassis and tanks withstand rigorous daily use in commercial kitchens.

• Dual Digital Countdown Timers: User-friendly digital timers with audible alarms ensure precise cook timing and portion consistency across staff.

• Dual Front-Panel Resettable Safety Cut-Outs: Protects against dry-firing or oil over-temperature conditions with accessible manual reset buttons.

• Stainless Steel Night Lids Included: Two durable stainless steel covers shield oil from kitchen dust and airborne contaminants between shifts.

• Ergonomic Operator Safety: Cool-touch insulated basket handles, heat-resistant ABS control dials, and non-slip rubber benchtop feet.

• 12-Month Commercial Warranty: Backed by Birko with 12 months full parts and labour coverage across Australia.

Technical Specifications

Daily Care, Maintenance & Oil Drainage Guidelines

To maintain oil cleanliness, protect heating element efficiency, and meet commercial food safety standards:

1. Power Isolation & Cool Down: At the end of trading hours, turn both thermostats to "0", switch off the wall switches, and unplug both 15A power cords. Allow the cooking oil to cool down completely (below 40°C) before handling the drainage taps or heating heads.

2. Oil Draining via Front Taps: Position a clean, heat-resistant commercial oil filter bucket or container directly beneath the front drainage spout. Slowly rotate the front tap lever to release the cooled oil through an approved commercial filter paper or mesh cone. Daily filtration removes burnt batter flakes and carbon sediment, extending cooking oil lifespan and ensuring clean flavour.

3. Internal Tank Scrubbing: With the oil drained and the tap open into a waste bucket, wipe down the inside of the stainless steel vats with a soft sponge, warm water, and commercial food-safe degreaser. Flush with fresh water and drain completely. Close the taps firmly before refilling.

4. Heating Element Cleaning: Tilt the element heads back until the safety interlock engages. Wipe down the immersion coils and thermostat sensor bulbs with a damp microfibre cloth to remove grease build-up. Never use abrasive wire scouring pads or steel wool on the elements, as this can score the protective metal sheath.

5. Night Cover Placement: Once the vats are refilled with clean, filtered oil, place the two included stainless steel night lids over the tanks to protect the oil from dust, flies, and airborne kitchen grease until the next morning.

6. Electrical Safety: Never submerge the control consoles or power leads in water, and never spray the fryer housing with a high-pressure commercial pre-rinse hose.

Countertop Placement & Electrical Guidelines

The Birko 1001008 is engineered for high-volume commercial cooking lines and food truck fry stations:

1. Dual 15A Dedicated Electrical Connections: The unit draws 2 x 2900W (5800W total) on standard 220–240V single-phase power. It is fitted with two separate Australian 15 Amp power cords featuring wider earth pins. It requires two dedicated 15A commercial wall sockets on independent circuit breakers. Never attempt to file down the earth pins to fit standard 10A sockets, and never operate this unit using domestic extension cords or double adaptors.

2. Solid Countertop Positioning: Position the 15.7 kg unit (over 30 kg when full of oil) on a flat, level, sturdy, and heat-resistant commercial stainless steel workbench. Ensure all heavy-duty rubber feet make firm, flat contact with the bench to eliminate sliding when operating the drainage taps or shaking heavy baskets.

3. Exhaust Hood Ventilation: Position the fryer directly beneath a compliant commercial kitchen exhaust hood to safely remove hot grease vapors and steam. Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 150 mm from side splashbacks and keep the unit well away from wash sinks to avoid water splashing into hot oil.

4. Oil Level Monitoring: Always check that the cooking oil level in both tanks sits comfortably between the stamped "MIN" and "MAX" fill lines before turning on the power. Running the fryer with oil below the minimum line will trip the over-temperature safety cut-out and damage the element, while filling past the maximum line risks hazardous oil boil-over when submerging food.

Freight & Delivery Notice

Free standard commercial road freight - kerbside delivery is available Australia-wide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Birko 1001008 the direct replacement for model 1001004?

Yes. Model code 1001008 officially supersedes the older Birko 1001004 model. It retains the identical double 8L oil capacity, front drain taps, 2 x 3kg batch capacity, and 2 x 15A power requirements while incorporating upgraded internal electrical components.

Can this double fryer be plugged into standard 10 Amp power points?

No. The Birko 1001008 draws 2 x 2900W and comes fitted with two separate Australian standard 15 Amp plugs (with larger earth pins). It requires two dedicated 15A commercial wall outlets on separate circuit breakers to operate safely.

How do the front drainage taps work?

Each 8L vat features an integrated front-facing brass drain tap. Once the oil has cooled to a safe handling temperature, place a filter container beneath the spout and open the tap to drain the oil cleanly by gravity, completely eliminating the need to lift heavy hot oil pans.

Can I run only one side of the fryer during quiet trade periods?

Yes. Both tanks feature entirely independent heating elements, power cords, thermostats, and digital timers. During quiet afternoon trade or prep shifts, you can run a single 8L tank to minimise power consumption and turn on the second tank only when peak service begins.

What should I do if one of the fryer tanks stops heating?

If the oil temperature exceeds safe operational limits or the unit is accidentally turned on with insufficient oil, the manual thermal safety cut-out on the front panel will trip to prevent overheating. Allow the oil to cool, confirm the oil level is between the MIN and MAX lines, unscrew the black safety cap on the corresponding control console, and firmly press the red reset pin until it clicks.

Are the night covers and baskets included?

Yes. The Birko 1001008 comes supplied complete with two heavy-duty chrome-plated wire baskets with cool-touch insulated handles, as well as two stainless steel night lids to protect your oil from airborne contamination between service shifts.

N.B Images are for illustrative purposes only. Specifications are subject to change without notice.