Fluid top-off detection and control system

A fryer system, comprising:

• a vat for receipt of a volume of fluid;
• a capacitive sensor disposed within the vat such that the sensor is disposed to communicate with the volume of fluid within the vat, the capacitive sensor comprises a geometric metallic shell radiator structure at a first end and a jack at an end distal from the radiator structure, a cable electrically connected to the radiator structure and to a portion of the jack;
• a tank for holding a reserve of fluid;
• a plumbing system establishing fluid communication between the tank of the vat and the tank holding the reserve fluid, the plumbing system comprising one or more valves and a pump;
• a controller receiving a signal representing a capacitive value from the capacitive sensor and controlling operation of the plumbing system based on the capacitive value, wherein the controller operates the one or more valves and the pump of the plumbing system to maintain a fluid level in the vat.