Imperial (Middleby) Gas Fryers - IFST-25
70,000 BTU tube-fired performance in a compact 15½" footprint
Built for busy commercial kitchens that refuse to compromise on speed or flavor, the Imperial IFST-25 delivers powerful 70,000 BTU tube-fired heat, quick recovery times and a generous 12½" × 14" frying area — all in a rugged, stainless-steel package that fits right on your countertop.
Features
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High-efficiency cast-iron burners with built-in deflectors maximize heat transfer and cut energy waste.
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Snap-action thermostat (200 °F – 400 °F) and millivolt controls maintain precise temperatures without electrical hook-up.
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Large cool zone keeps crumbs below the fry area, reducing taste transfer and extending oil life.
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Robotically welded stainless-steel frypot virtually eliminates leaks and speeds up clean-up with a recessed, sloped bottom.
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Full-port 1¼" drain valve empties the frypot quickly and safely.
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Heavy-duty 4" stainless legs with non-marking feet provide rock-solid countertop stability.
Included With Your Fryer
- (2) nickel-plated fry baskets with vinyl-coated, heat-protected handles
- Fine wire-mesh crumb screen
- Stainless-steel basket hanger (removable)
Specifications
| Model |
IFST-25 |
| Oil Capacity |
25 lb (approx. 14 L) |
| Heat Output |
70,000 BTU/hr (21 kW) |
| Temperature Range |
200 °F – 400 °F (93 °C – 204 °C) |
| Frying Area |
12½" W × 14" D (318 × 356 mm) |
| Number of Burners |
3 tube-fired cast-iron burners |
| Gas Connection |
¾" NPT rear manifold |
| Manifold Pressure |
Natural Gas – 4" W.C. | LP Gas – 11" W.C. |
| Overall Dimensions |
15½" W × 29¼" D × 24½" H (394 × 743 × 622 mm) |
What our Experts Think
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Compact commercial frying performance: The IFST-25 is a 25 lb gas countertop fryer designed for steady, high-volume frying with a 70,000 BTU tube-fired system for fast oil recovery and consistent results.
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Built for busy kitchen workflows: Its deep cool zone design helps trap food particles, extending oil life and improving food quality during continuous service.
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Precise temperature control: Features millivolt controls with snap-action thermostat (approx. 200–400°F range) for reliable, repeatable frying performance across shifts.
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Durable stainless steel construction: Stainless steel frypot, front, and sides ensure long-term resistance to heat, grease, and corrosion in demanding commercial environments.
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High-efficiency tube-fired burners: Designed for rapid heat transfer and fast recovery, helping maintain stable frying temperatures even during peak rush hours.
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Operator-friendly maintenance: Includes removable crumb screen and fry baskets, making cleaning and oil management faster and more efficient between service cycles.
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Space-efficient countertop design: Despite its capacity, it maintains a compact footprint, making it ideal for tight commercial kitchens, food trucks, or multi-station fry setups.
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Expert verdict: A dependable, no-frills gas fryer built for operators who need consistent frying performance, durability, and efficient oil management in high-demand foodservice environments.
Q&A
Q: What is the Imperial (Middleby) IFST-25 gas fryer used for?
A: It is a 25 lb commercial countertop deep fryer designed for high-volume restaurants, ideal for frying fries, chicken, seafood, and other fast-service menu items.
Q: What is the capacity of the IFST-25?
A: It holds up to 25 pounds of oil/fat, making it suitable for medium-to-high demand kitchen operations.
Q: What is the BTU output?
A: It delivers 70,000 BTU for fast heat-up and strong oil temperature recovery during continuous frying.
Q: What type of burners does it use?
A: It uses tube-fired cast iron burners, designed for efficient heat transfer and consistent frying performance.
Q: How does temperature control work?
A: It features millivolt controls with a snap-action thermostat, typically adjustable from 200°F to 400°F (93°C–204°C) for precise frying control.
Q: Is it durable for commercial use?
A: Yes, it is built with heavy-duty stainless steel construction and a robust frypot designed for long-term restaurant operation.
Q: Does it include accessories?
A: Yes, it commonly comes with fry baskets, crumb screen, and a drain valve for easy oil maintenance and cleaning.
Maintenance Tips
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Daily oil filtration/cleaning: Drain and filter oil regularly; use the cool zone to remove food debris and prevent carbon buildup, improving oil life and food quality.
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Burner tube cleaning: Keep cast iron tube-fired burners free of grease and blockage to maintain consistent 70,000 BTU heat output and fast recovery.
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Crumb screen maintenance: Empty and clean mesh crumb screen daily to prevent sediment from burning and affecting flavor.
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Drain valve care: Flush and clean the 1¼" drain line after each oil change to prevent clogging and ensure safe, fast drainage.
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Cool zone upkeep: Remove sediment buildup from the frypot cool zone to reduce oil degradation and extend frying efficiency.
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Stainless steel cleaning: Wipe exterior, door, and frypot with non-abrasive cleaner to maintain hygiene and corrosion resistance.
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Thermostat check: Verify snap-action thermostat (200–400°F range) for accuracy to ensure consistent frying results.
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Gas safety inspection: Regularly check gas lines, pilots, and valves for leaks, wear, or irregular flame color.
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Ventilation maintenance: Keep hood and surrounding area grease-free to prevent overheating and improve kitchen safety.
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Deep weekly service: Fully cool fryer, then clean burners, frypot walls, and internal tubes to maintain efficiency and extend lifespan.