To eliminate any cross-contamination, Whiteheads Fish & Chips in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, has invested in a two pan Kiremko frying range exclusively for gluten free cooking
For over a decade, Whiteheads has been providing a variety of gluten free options. However, it wasn’t until the installation in December last year of a Kiremko frying range dedicated to gluten free that owner Geoff Whitehead finally felt confident he was serving it the right way.
Initially frying gluten free products on the same range as his traditional products, a spot inspection revealed higher-than-acceptable gluten levels, prompting Geoff to invest in a separate electric tabletop single fryer, which he later upgraded to a double fryer. As demand surged, Geoff upgraded to a Fado unit from KFE but following the accolade of Fish & Chip Shop of the Year in 2023, even this proved insufficient in coping with demand.
“Not only could the tabletop fryer not keep up with demand but the product wasn’t the same because we weren’t using a commercial frying range,” says Geoff. “I loved my Fado unit so decided to take the plunge and buy a two pan gluten free Kiremko – and it’s absolutely spot-on.”
The two pan Kiremko is equipped with storage cupboards specifically designated for gluten free ingredients, a hand basin, and a microwave. Situated away from the shop’s main frying range, it is operated by a dedicated server to meticulously control allergens and prevent cross-contamination, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality for gluten-sensitive customers.
“Everything gluten free is separate from the rest of the shop and it’s paid dividends because our gluten free sales keep going from strength to strength,” says Geoff. “Our customers can see the level we’ve gone to to make them feel safe. It is more expensive to do – gluten free ingredients generally cost more – but coeliacs will pay the price because they don’t get the chance very often to eat in a fish and chip shop.”
Benefiting from the technology that comes with a high efficiency Kiremko frying range, Geoff has seen a dramatic improvement in the quality of food, adding: “The recovery times are far greater, we’re getting a better product. The range has just taken it to a whole new level.”
Meanwhile, Geoff’s investment is already seeing a return, as the Kiremko not only costs less to operate compared to tabletop electric fryers but it also incorporates built-in filtration, providing additional savings and efficiency.