Here’s what we’ve learned about coating of french fries

Producing clear-coated French fries—or other potato products with thick, heavy coatings—comes with its own set of challenges. At Rosenqvists Food Technologies, we’ve spent years refining our coating systems to help our clients achieve longer production runs with less waste and easier cleaning.

Here are some of the main challenges we’ve tackled:

• Keeping machinery clean and hygienic
• Preventing excess coating mix from entering the first-stage fryer
• Reducing waste of expensive coating mix
• Maximizing production uptime

Through continuous innovation, we’ve made significant improvements in both design and performance. Today, some of our clients run their coating lines for several weeks without major interruptions. Here’s what we’ve learned along the way:

1. Easy Access for Cleaning

Clean equipment is essential for food safety and consistent product quality. Our designs focus on accessibility:

• Tiltable setting conveyors make cleaning easier during wash cycles
• Open-frame construction allows cleaning even during production
• Movable fine filters improve access and hygiene
• Integrated cleaning systems can include the entire coating mix unit

2. Gentle Handling of the Coating Mix

Maintaining the quality of the coating mix is crucial. We’ve optimized our systems to reduce stress on the mix:

• Specialized pumps or screws minimize shear and preserve texture
• Cooled drip trays and pressure-resistant systems help maintain temperature stability
• Tubular heat exchangers keep the mix cool during circulation
• Insulated batter enrobers prevent condensation issues

3. Minimizing Coating Waste

Every drop of coating mix counts. Our systems are designed to reuse and recirculate as much as possible:

• Adjustable air blowers remove excess coating before frying
• Optimized setting conveyors with the right length and turning points reduce loss
• Spray and drip tray systems help recover coating during production

Our goal: Lower Total Cost of Ownership

Every design improvement we make is aimed at reducing operational costs for our clients. By combining long production runs, efficient cleaning with minimal water use, and reduced coating waste, we help food producers achieve a more sustainable and profitable operation.