How to Clean a Fryer
Deep fryers are common in quick-service operations and are also found in nearly every other operation that fries foods. Because these fryers cook food in oil or shortening, consistent cleaning is necessary to prevent grease buildup.
Whether your operation fries chicken, fish, or calamari to order or produces large volumes of french fries all day, learning how to clean a fryer properly and using the proper tools will lead to higher quality food and a longer product life. Keeping grease from accumulating on fryers will reduce a fire hazard.
Most commercial fryer manufacturers recommend two cleaning regimens that should be performed daily and weekly, respectively. Daily fryer maintenance consists of emptying used oil and cleaning the frypot and fry baskets with detergent and hot water, scrubbing if necessary. The weekly regimen consists of a more in-depth cleaning that involves boiling a solution of water and detergent in the fryer. Depending on the fryer, both procedures may require removal of sensitive parts, such as thermostats.
How to Clean a Commercial Deep Fryer
- Turn your fryer off and unplug it or shut off the gas supply. Wait for oil to cool below 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Drain the oil. If you'll be reusing it, run it through a filter cone, cheesecloth, or portable fryer filter.
- Take out any removable parts, including fryer baskets and racks, and clean them in a detergent solution.
- Clean any remaining debris or burnt food and scrub the inside of the fryer with a fryer rod and brush. Rinse and scrub the interior with a solution of water and detergent and flush it out with water.
- Place removable parts back in the fryer.
How to Boil out a Deep Fryer
Boiling out a deep fryer consists of filling the well with water and special cleaning chemicals and bringing the mixture to a boil. This will effectively cook away any stuck-on grease or food that could affect the quality of your final product. Specific steps may differ by unit, but every process will be a variation of the following:
- Complete the steps for daily maintenance.
- Close the drain plug. Uninstall any removable parts as required by each fryer.
- Fill the fryer with water to at least the minimum level. Some manufacturers recommend not filling the unit past the minimum oil level, and others recommend filling between the minimum and maximum level.
- Add a boil-out tablet or detergent.
- Set thermostat to the temperature that's recommended by the cleaning solution. You may need to select a boil-out mode, depending on the unit.
- Bring to a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. For heavier soils, let the water boil longer.
- Let the water cool and scrub the inside of the fryer with a brush. Drain the water.
- After the fryer has dried completely, close the drain valve and refill the fryer with recycled or new oil.
As an alternative to boiling, operators may choose to leave detergent and water in the unit at room temperature overnight, scrubbing periodically.
Deep Fryer Cleaning Tips
For best results, observe the following tips when conducting commercial deep fryer maintenance:
- Be aware of sensitive elements when scrubbing the inside of your fryer and filling it with water. Certain elements such as electrical heads, switches, and temperature probes could be damaged if bumped or exposed to water.
- To reverse the alkalinity in detergents and boil out tablets, spray the inside of the fryer with a vinegar or citric acid and water solution before rinsing.
- A vinegar solution, along with detergent, can also be helpful when cleaning fry baskets.
- Use personal protective equipment when working with hot liquids or elements and chemicals. This includes gloves, an apron, and facial protection.
- When boiling out a fryer, add chemicals to the water while it's still cold.
- Read the instruction manual for recommended cleaning procedures for your specific fryer as they may differ from those listed above.
How to Clean a Fryer Exterior
Chrome and stainless steel exterior surfaces should be cleaned with a damp cloth and non-abrasive cleaners. Polish with a dry cloth.
Manufacturer Documentation
Visit the following popular deep fryer manufacturer websites to find fryer maintenance and cleaning instructions for your specific unit:
