Fish and Chip Shop Equipment Checklist: What You Need and What It Costs
Quick answerA fish and chip shop needs equipment for four jobs: prep (potato peeler, veg cutter, stainless prep tables), frying (at least two separate oil tanks, so fish and chips never share oil), holding (a chip scuttle that keeps chips crisp, plus a hot cabinet for pies and sausages) and serving (heated sauce warmers for curry, gravy and cheese). Use the kit builder below to total your budget.
The chip shop workflow, step by step
-
Peel. Peeling by hand is the slowest job in any chippy. A commercial potato peeler handles up to 300kg an hour with minimal waste, and also does carrots and other root veg. -
Prep. Cut chips, then prep the sides. A vegetable cutter slices up to 120kg an hour for onions, coleslaw and salad. Work on stainless steel prep tables that wipe clean. -
Fry. Run fish and chips in separate tanks so batter and flavours don't transfer, and so service carries on when one tank is being drained or filtered. Twin-tank fryers give you both in one footprint. -
Hold. Chips start to go soft within minutes. A chip scuttle holds them with dry overhead heat so you can batch-fry ahead of the rush. Never hold chips in a wet bain marie. -
Serve. Heated sauce warmers keep curry, gravy and cheese sauce pourable all night, and a hot display cabinet sells pies and sausages on impulse.
Kit builder: total your equipment cost
Start from a preset, then tick or untick items to match your shop.
£0.00Call for a bundle quote
Prices correct at time of writing. Buying several items? Call 0121 769 3436 for trade pricing.
Choosing your fryers
Oil volume matters more than anything else. A bigger tank loses less temperature when frozen product goes in, so it recovers faster, cooks crisper and absorbs less oil into the food.
| Fryer | Oil | Power | Format | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EF-101V | 10L | 3kW, 13A plug | Countertop | Small menus, a second fryer | £152.76 |
| EF-102V | 2 x 10L | 2 x 3kW | Countertop | Small takeaways frying fish and chips | £272.46 |
| EF161C | 16L | 5kW | Freestanding | Full evening service, one product | £200.64 |
| EF162C | 2 x 16L | 2 x 5kW | Freestanding | Most chip shops: fish in one, chips in the other | £315.78 |
| 30L fryer | 30L | 10kW | Freestanding | High-volume chip frying | £489.99 |
| Twin 2 x 10L 12kW | 2 x 10L | 12kW | Freestanding | Busy shops needing fast recovery | £718.99 |
Larger freestanding fryers need a dedicated electrical supply installed by a qualified electrician. Check the rating plate before ordering. For more detail see our fryer buying guide.
Tips from the trade
- Always two tanks. Even a small shop should separate fish and chips. It protects flavour and gives you a backup when one tank is down.
- Batch, hold, don't fry to order. A chip scuttle lets you fry ahead of the Friday rush and still serve crisp chips.
- Filter and change oil regularly. Drain taps make it a five-minute job rather than a dangerous lift.
- Hold hot food at 63°C or above and check with a probe thermometer during service.
- Sell the sides. Curry, gravy, mushy peas and pies are high-margin add-ons. Keep them hot and visible on the counter.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to equip a fish and chip shop?
Core electrical equipment for a small takeaway (twin fryer, chip scuttle, sauce warmer, food warmer and prep table) comes to around £1,000 at Keloo prices. A busy shop adding a potato peeler, veg cutter and larger fryers is closer to £2,500. Ventilation, refrigeration and fit-out are extra.
Do I need a potato peeler?
If you peel more than a sack or two a day, yes. It saves hours of labour every week and paying for it in staff time happens quickly.
What size fryer does a chip shop need?
Most chip shops want at least two separate tanks of 16L or more. Busy shops add a large single tank, such as a 30L fryer, purely for chips.
Why are my chips soggy after holding?
They're being held in moist heat. Use a chip scuttle with dry overhead heat and a draining base, not a wet bain marie.
Electric or gas fryers?
Electric fryers are simpler to install, easier to clean and suit most takeaways. Larger electric fryers need a dedicated supply, so plan your electrics early.
Equip your chip shop
Fryers, peelers, chip scuttles and sauce warmers with a 12-month warranty and next-day UK delivery. Trade pricing on multi-unit orders: 0121 769 3436.
Shop Fryers