Replacing an inefficient frying range with a high efficiency Kiremko has delivered significant gas and oil savings for Ken’s Traditional Fish & Chips
When Michael Page started working at Ken’s Traditional in Wroxham, Norfolk, age 14, he had no idea that some 14 years later he would be the proud owner of the business.
“My first job was in this shop,” says Michael. “I always knew Ken would retire one day, but I didn’t know I’d be in a position to buy it. It’s the best thing I ever did.”
Norfolk Broads
Ken’s Traditional is a busy shop right on the Norfolk Broads, perfect for diners to sit back and watch the boats go by. Alongside steady winter trade from the locals, the summer season brings a surge in business, with trade increasing by as much as 400%.
The shop had previously been running a traditional three pan range that, despite not being very old, was increasingly unreliable. Micheal says: “I was throwing thousands of pounds at a range that, every single year, multiple times, things would go wrong. I even lost a pan numerous times in the summer.”
Fed up with constantly repairing the old range and worrying about breakdowns during peak season, Michael installed a new three pan high efficiency Kiremko counter range.
“I was told I would save on gas and that my fat would last twice as long because the range is more efficient,” he says. “I wasn’t sure if it would be quite that good as generally you are given the best-case scenario, but it is. Whereas before, the oil may last two to three days – now that will go five or six. You run it through the filtration system, top it up with fresh, and it’s unbelievable, it’s like brand new oil. We’re saving between £200 and £400 a week – that’s between £800 and £1,600 a month.”
Significant gains
Although Michael can’t pinpoint exact gas savings due to renewing his gas contract at a time when prices increased, he’s confident the new range is delivering significant gains.
The range’s improved heat retention and filtration made an immediate difference. “The filter system is phenomenal, and the recovery times on the pans are a lot faster than what we were used to.” he adds. “We’re restricted on the size of the range here because the building’s an old building. It’s one of the oldest in Wroxham and it’s the only part left of the original mill. I used to wish I had space for a fourth pan, but with three pans this efficient, it’s made a real difference. Rather than saying, ‘I’ll be a minute for chips’, now I’m saying to the team, ‘Hurry up and take those chips because the next lot is ready!’”
The new Kiremko is better in other ways too, for example, it features a dedicated melt cycle for fat. With the old range, the only option was to put the pans on full heat, which Micheal found often led to the fat burning.
Reflecting on the experience, Michael adds, “When I contacted KFE it was winter time and one of my pans was broken, so we were surviving on two pans. It was important to get the range swapped over before Easter and they were great getting it in before the holidays started.
“Considering I hadn’t heard of KFE before I bought the range, I’ve been so impressed. I would recommend a Kiremko to anybody. It does exactly what it says it will.”
Needing equipment that could handle high volume service without compromising quality, The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack turned to KFE. Read the full story by clicking here.
