Selecting Used Cooking Oil Equipment: Options and Considerations

Automated Used Cooking Oil Collection Equipment 

Automated cooking equipment lets kitchen staff drain fryers and put used cooking oil in a secured container without needing to use buckets or manually lift anything. In some cases, a Container can be installed directly to a fryer, turning the whole process into a push of a button.  

What to Consider Before Choosing a Used Cooking Oil Container 

Commercial kitchens can’t operate without a used cooking oil storage container. It’s a crucial part of any kitchen’s ability to make your delicious food, and is something that can bring the entire operation to a halt if it isn’t functioning properly. 

Selecting a used cooking oil container is important to ensure your oil is handled properly and your kitchen continues to run efficiently. Let’s examine a few things to consider when picking a used cooking oil container. 

1. Space 

Space is often at a premium in commercial kitchens. There is a lot of equipment needed to carry out all food-related functions.​​​ 

The amount of space you have in your kitchen might dictate whether you’ll need an outdoor collection bin. This is the right choice for many restaurants, but if possible, placing a container inside your kitchen is the preferable option for a number of different reasons. It is safer from the standpoint of both your employees and your building. 

Placing a container inside reduces the amount of time it takes to transfer oil because direct-pump connection is more readily available with indoor systems. Direct-pump connectivity means that the container connects directly to the fryer and transfers the oil with a single touch of a button.​ 

If your kitchen does not have much extra space, there’s still hope. Some used cooking oil containers have a dual function. For example, our Space Saver model has built-in shelving that can replace any existing equipment without losing the storage. 

Location 

Space is at a premium. You need to make sure your UCO equipment is situated in an area that does not interfere with your kitchen staff performing far more important duties as they prepare food for your hungry customers. 

Defining the area where you plan to place the container and whether that space has height or width restrictions is important to confirm before selecting a container. But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through which options work for your space. You don’t have to make the decision on your own. 

Here’s what to consider when it comes to the location of your used cooking oil equipment: 

• The distance between your container and your fryer: This will impact whether or not a direct pump is usable. 

• If the container will be inside or outside: If your outdoor bin would be near your fryer a direct pump could still be usable.  

• Accessibility: DAR PRO Solutions offers contactless collection meaning the container needs to be accessible without disrupting your flow of business. 

These three considerations ensure that you’re receiving the best system for your location. 

In some cases going with a traditional outdoor bin located near your trash corral is the only feasible option. If this is the route you choose to go, be mindful and proactive about making sure it doesn’t become an eyesore.