How to Clean a Fryer
Matthew G / Commercial Fryers, How-To / June 26
Whether you’re whipping up fried chicken or delicious onion rings, a deep fryer is a major asset to any establishment. Unfortunately, it can get messy when used on a daily basis. You can keep your unit running in peak condition by doing some routine commercial kitchen maintenance throughout the week.
So what exactly do you need to do? Below are helpful tips and instructions for how to clean a fryer in your kitchen.
How to Boil Out a Fryer
Over time, fat and carbon deposits will build up on your fryer’s heating element and in the tank. We recommend doing this on a weekly basis, but you should always stick to the advice of your machine’s manufacturer if there is doubt. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions for boiling out your machine, or follow the general suggestions below:
- Let the oil cool –Turn off the fryer, and let the oil inside cool.
- Remove the oil – Once the oil cools down, drain it from the machine into a container.
- Scrape the interior – Using a cleaning rod or scraper to remove the oil and buildup from the walls and base.
- Add water and cleaner – Fill the fryer with water up to the level line. Add an appropriate grease-cleaning solution or detergent to the water as well.
- Boil the water – Turn on the fryer and let the water and detergent boil for a 5-10 minutes. This will help remove excess grease remaining in the machine.
- Cool the water and dispose it – Turn the unit off and allow the water to cool down significantly. Once it’s cool enough, discard it in a container.
- Wipe down the interior – Wipe off the bottom and side walls using a sponge, cloth or paper towel. Mix of warm water and cleaner in a bowl or bucket. Using a soft bristle brush or a clean non-abrasive sponge, scrub down areas of the interior where oil and other remnants are still present.
- Rinse the fryer – Rinse the interior with water to remove the soapy mixture and oil remnants. If you still notice residue, scrub the base and side walls with water and baking soda. Rinse again when complete.
Cleaning the Fryer’s Exterior Regularly
Oil and remnants can splash onto the exterior your commercial fryer. On a daily or weekly basis, try to clean the outside using warm water and a degreasing cleaner or vinegar. Make the application easy by adding the cleaning solution to a spray bottle and spraying the mixture onto the exterior. Then, wipe the unit down using a wash cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
Other Fryer Maintenance Tips
Aside from boiling out the machine and cleaning its exterior, try these preventative maintenance tricks for your commercial deep fryer.
Monitor for Leaks
Even if you don’t smell them, try to check for gas leaks every month or so. Simply spray the gas-conducting hoses with a soap-based cleaner and watch for bubbles. If gas is leaking out of the lines, the soap will bubble up. If this happens, you should immediately shut off the gas and contact a technician to help you correct the issue.
Your fryer also can fall victim to grease leaks. These are not only less dangerous, but they’re also easier to spot. However, they’re still a risk. If you notice a puddle of grease, make sure to take prompt steps to fix any hoses or parts where the leaks are coming from.
Avoid Polymerization
This is really just a fancy way of saying “don’t get extra stuff in your oil” like excess food or water. Foreign objects in your oil will speed its breakdown, causing the taste to deteriorate more quickly. Of course, this is unavoidable to a certain extent, but you can take steps to guard against it. Load your fry baskets away from the vat so that loose particles of food and ice crystals don’t end up in the oil. Maintaining the purity of your cooking oil will keep it lasting longer.
Optimize Oil Quality and Lifespan
You can further protect and prolong the lifespan of your fryer oil by keeping the heat relatively low. We suggest maintaining a temperature of under 355 degrees Fahrenheit and decreasing the temperature to 250 during downtime. Make sure to place a cover on your fryer at night or during any long stretch of time during the day when it’s not in use. Just like any food product left to sit exposed to air, your oil can become stale.
Use a fryer oil filter to remove foreign matter that finds its way into the oil. Finally, remember that when the time does come to change your fryer oil, you can contact your local biodiesel company to help you dispose of the used stuff. Used oil should be stored in spill resistant stainless steel drums.
