Converting Velocity Pressure Fryer to Open Fryer

Burn Risk Do not attempt this procedure while the fryer is in use or the vat is hot. Severe burns may result. Only perform this procedure when the fryer is cool and disconnected from the power source.

These instructions provide manufacturer recommendations for converting a Henny Penny PXE 100 pressure fryer into a permanent open fryer configuration.

The conversion requires hardware changes. If the fryer is programmed to only keep the solenoid valve open, rather than removing the lid and installing an open fryer lid, a safety risk exists if a line or solenoid valve becomes blocked.

Henny Penny recommends converting the unit to a true open fryer configuration rather than disabling pressure in the control.

Changing Required Components

1. Replace the lid assembly (MANDATORY). To eliminate any possibility of pressure retention, the entire pressure lid assembly must be replaced with the OXE 100 open fryer lid assembly.

2. Adjust counterweight configuration by removing 4 counterweight bars from the existing counterweight assembly. The lid counterbalance system differs between pressure and open fryers. Counterweight differences:

   • PXE 100 pressure fryer uses 8 counterweight bars.

   • Open fryer configuration for this model uses 4 counterweight bars.

   NOTE: When the racks are fully loaded with product, the lid should not self-lower. If it does, adding the half size counterweight bar may be necessary. See Front Top Fryer and Counterweights for part number information.

3. Update product settings in the control to adjust times and remove the pressure step to ensure desired open frying doneness and product quality. In some restaurants, update the product mix at the control to reflect only open-fried products and not any products requiring pressure.