Pitco SG18S Solstice Natural Gas Tube Fryer

The Pitco SG18S is a free-standing natural gas tube fryer built around Pitco's Solstice burner system. It uses an atmospheric heating design — meaning no blower motor — which simplifies the unit mechanically and reduces potential points of failure over time. The Solstice burner and baffle arrangement is engineered to transfer heat efficiently into the oil while keeping flue temperatures lower than conventional tube fryer designs. Control is handled by a millivolt thermostat with a thermo-safety pilot and a high-temperature safety limit switch, giving operators reliable temperature management without the complexity of electronic ignition systems.

In a busy kitchen environment, recovery time is one of the most important performance factors for a fryer. The Solstice heating system is designed to bring oil back to temperature quickly after batches are loaded, which matters most during sustained service periods where throughput cannot afford to slow. The atmospheric design also means the unit operates more quietly than forced-draught alternatives, which can be a practical consideration in smaller or open kitchen environments.

Key operational advantages for kitchen teams include:

• Fast oil recovery between batches, supporting consistent throughput during service
• No blower motor — fewer mechanical components and simpler long-term maintenance
• Lower flue temperatures, which can improve conditions in the immediate working area
• Millivolt control system operates independently of mains power for basic functionality
• Stainless steel construction throughout, supporting hygiene and durability under daily use

At 103kg and with a footprint that demands adequate clearance to the rear and sides for flue ventilation, this unit requires careful positioning. As a natural gas appliance, it must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer and connected to an appropriately sized gas supply. Extraction canopy provision above the fryer is essential and should be assessed as part of installation planning. The unit is available in an LPG variant if your site runs on bottled or bulk gas — the fuel type option can be selected before ordering.

The SG18S is well suited to catering operations with consistent, high-volume frying demands — busy pub kitchens, fish and chip restaurants, hotel production kitchens, and contract catering sites are all typical environments where this fryer performs reliably. For sites with lighter frying requirements, a smaller-capacity model may be a more cost-effective choice, while very high-volume operations running multiple frying lines may benefit from looking at heavier-duty alternatives in the range.

If you'd like to talk through whether this fryer is the right fit for your kitchen's service volume and gas supply, our team is happy to help before you commit to a purchase.