Difference between revisions of "Clean a Deep Fryer"

#Clean your deep fryer as needed. If you use your deep fryer frequently, changing the oil and cleaning it every few days will help prevent a buildup of grime that can be much harder to remove.<ref name="rf1">http://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-clean-an-oil-deep-fryer</ref> If you only use your deep fryer every couple weeks or less frequently, clean it after each use.

#Unplug the deep fryer and let cool completely. Never clean your deep fryer while it is still plugged in.<ref name="rf1" /> Let the oil cool completely to avoid burns. Never add water to a container of hot oil, or the mixture could explode.

#Drain the oil. If you plan to use the oil again, drain it into a food safe container with a sealed lid and store it in a cool place.<ref name="rf2">http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-deep-fryer/</ref> Otherwise, find out how you can [[Dispose of Cooking Oil|use cooking oil for other purposes]] or simply throw it away in a sealed container.

#Take the frying basket out and put it in the sink. Put two or three drops of dish washing detergent on the basket for later cleaning.<ref name="rf1" />

#Wipe off remaining oil from the pot and lid. Use damp, but not dripping, paper towels or a sponge to wipe away oil residue and bits of food from inside the deep fryer pot.<ref name="rf3">http://www.yourspares.co.uk/advice/common-deep-fat-fryer-problems.aspx</ref><ref name="rf4">http://www.oster.com/service-%26-support/product-support/product-faqs/deep-fryers/deep-fryers-faq.html</ref> If the oil has caked on, scrape it off with a pan scraper or spatula, taking care not to damage the finish. Some lids are removable for easy cleaning. [[Dispose of Cooking Oil|Dispose of the oil]] as before.

#Wipe the deep fryer's heating element clean if necessary. Most deep fryers have a heating element composed of a pair metal rods. If these are covered in oily residue, wipe them down with paper towels. Be careful not to bend or damage any parts while wiping, especially if there are thin wires.<ref name="rf4" />

#Use a soft sponge to scrub with dish soap. Use about four drops on the base of the fryer and four drops spread evenly around the sides.<ref name="rf1" /> Start at the bottom and scrub in circles to create a lather. Continue to scrub with a circular motion up the sides.

#Fill the fryer with hot water. Transfer it from your faucet/tap with a pitcher/jug/kettle or other container, rather than exposing your fryer's electrical components to a wet sink. Use as much water as you normally would oil and no more. Let the hot water sit for 30 minutes.<ref name="rf1" /> Whilst you wait you can move on to the next step and clean the other pieces.

#*If your tap water isn't that hot, you may heat some in a kettle or bring the water to a boil in the fryer by plugging it back in - be sure not to leave it unattended and do not allow it to boil dry.  Unplug your fryer and wait 30 minutes for the water to cool. Boil for several minutes if there is a large amount of caked on residue.<ref name="rf2" />

#Run warm water over the frying basket and clean it by wiping back and forth.  Use a scrubbing-brush (a tooth-brush works well)  to remove food particles.  <ref name="rf5">httpAdd more dish soap and clean the basket again if it still feels greasy.://www.livingspace360.com/index.php/a-simple-five-step-route-to-a-clean-deep-fat-fryer-3114/</ref>

#Clean or replace dirty filters on the fryer lid. Check your manufacturer's instructions to see if your filters are removable, and whether you can clean them. Foam grease-filters can be washed in hot soapy water and left to dry. Charcoal odor-filters are not washable and need to be replaced once they become grimy and clogged.<ref name="rf6">http://ec1.images-amazon.com/media/i3d/01/A/man-migrate/MANUAL000010517.pdf</ref>

#*If any filters are not removable, you cannot immerse the lid in water. Instead, wipe with a damp cloth with a little detergent, then a plain damp cloth to remove the detergent and oil.<ref name="rf7">http://www.livingspace360.com/index.php/a-simple-five-step-route-to-a-clean-deep-fat-fryer-3114/</ref>

#Use baking soda if caked-on oil remains. If some caked on residue or sticky layer of oil still hasn't been removed, try mixing a little bit of baking soda with warm water to create a thick paste. Put on to a sponge and use this to scrub off stubborn area with a circular motion until it is removed.<ref name="rf7" />

#*Only use other abrasive or chemical substances to clean your fryer as an absolute last resort. If you do need to use an oven cleaner or other cleaning product, scrub with soapy water afterward and rinse several times to remove all traces of the chemical before using it to cook.<ref name="rf2" />

#*If there is a stubborn grease film (run your bare hand over the surfaces to feel for any remaining greasy/sticky patches) rinse again with diluted vinegar. Add 1 part vinegar for every 10 parts water, or 1/2 cup for every quart of water (110 mL vinegar for each liter of water).<ref name="rf8">http://www.acitydiscount.com/Cleaning-Care-for-your-Electric-Deep-Fryer.71.1.htm</ref>

#Let dry completely (blotting with paper towel will speed up drying) before using again. Use a towel to dry the outside of the deep fryer, but let the inside air dry. Wait long enough for the fryer to dry completely. This gives any water that accidentally entered the electrical system a chance to drain before you plug the fryer back in.<ref name="rf2" />

#Filter and replace the oil frequently, especially if used to fry foods like fish and meat (sausages etc).  For heavy restaurant use, oil often needs to be filtered once or twice a day.<ref name="rf9">http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/education/restaurant-equipment-care-and-repair/commercial-deep-fryer-maintenance/c28231.aspx</ref> While you can [[Filter-Fry-Oil-for-Reuse|filter the oil for reuse]] by putting it through a coffee filter or cheesecloth, a restaurant operation would probably benefit from a specialized machine that filters quickly at higher temperatures. Whenever the oil grows darker in color, smokes at lower temperatures, or gives off a strong smell, it needs to be replaced completely.<ref name="rf10">http://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/improving-operations/advice-guy/articles/knowing-when-change-your-frying-oil</ref>

#*Your oil will last longer at temperatures of 375ºF (191ºC) or below, and if you do not add salt directly to the oil.<ref name="rf10" />

#Brush the heating coils clean whenever the oil is drained. Before the new or filtered oil is added back to the fryer, use a long-handled fryer scrubbing brush to remove bits of food from the coils.<ref name="rf9" /> This keeps the heating element effective and limits burned food particles in your oil.

#Keep the exterior clean. While cleaning the rim and outside surface of your fryer will not help the fryer function longer, it will stop it collecting grime and limit spillovers that make floors and work surfaces slippery.<ref name="rf9" /> Try to wipe it clean at the end of each day, and apply a degreasing product to the exterior whenever a grease film has built up. Let the degreasing product sit for ten minutes, then rinse off with a damp cloth. Dry with a different, clean cloth.<ref name="rf8" />

#Perform a thorough "boil out" clean every 3–6 months. To thoroughly clean your commercial fryer, you should fill it with warm water and heat to a simmer or slow boil.<ref name="rf9" /> Add a specialized "boil out" product according to manufacturer's instructions and maintain the simmer for 20 minutes. Wearing rubber gloves and taking care to avoid burns from splashes, use a long-handled soft-bristled brush to dislodge stuck food.<ref name="rf11">http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-the-coils-of-a-commercial-deep-fryer/</ref> Drain the fryer, then scrub and rinse as you would after a normal clean.

#*During the followup rinse, add 1 part vinegar for every 10 parts water to neutralize and remove the cleaning product.<ref name="rf8" />

#Follow the owner's manual to conduct an annual inspection. The manufacturer of your fryer model should provide instructions for performing an annual inspection to make sure all the parts are fitted together tightly and functioning properly.<ref name="rf9" /> If problems arise and the manual does not provide instructions for a solution, you may need to call an electrician or repairman.