How to Clean a Deep Fryer
Why clean a deep fryer?
America loves deep fat fried food and we are picky about flavor and texture. And a dirty fryer or dirty oil can compromise that taste and texture. No one enjoys floppy french fries or fish that tastes like chicken or darkened crumbs on their fish filet.
To keep food crisp and tasting its best a restaurant must clean its deep fat fryers regularly, at least once a month in a busy kitchen.
What tools are needed to clean a fryer?
- A long handled deep fat fryer cleaning brush
- Heat resistant gloves
- Water pail for fresh water
- Plastic scrubbers
- Paper towels or clean rags
- Deep fat fryer cleaner
- Oil pan for collecting cooled oil
- Rod for cleaning out fryer drain line
Steps to clean a deep fryer
1. Turn off the fryer and let oil cool to room temperature.
2. Drain the oil into an approved container or caddy.
3. Use the cleaning rod to insure the drain line is clear.
4. Rinse the fryer with hot water. Drain the hot water and properly discard. Fill the fryer with cool water a few inches from the top.
5. Follow the instructions on your fryer cleaner and add the appropriate amount of liquid or pre-mixed powder to the fryer. (Keep the fry baskets in place while boiling.)
6. Boil slowly for 20 to 30 minutes.
7. Turn fryer off and slowly drain the water and fryer cleaner into a container. Properly
dispose of the water.
8. Using a long handled brush clean the walls, baskets and heating elements of the fryer.
9. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and drain. Wipe fryer and baskets dry with cloth or towel.
10. Close the drain valve!
11. Fill with new or cleaned oil.
There are many fry oil cleaners. Here are a few.
- Fry oil saver
- Fryer Puck
- Break-up
- Tough Guy Fryer Cleaner
Benefits of a fryer-oil cleaning
In addition to insuring your food has the texture and flavor you want, you will save money by extending the life of your cooking oil, by removing the contaminants in your fryer and keeping those contaminants from breaking down your cooking oil. Here are some other tips for saving money and extending the life of your cooking oil.