Deep Frying Danger: Can Your Deep Fryer Catch Fire?

Deep fryers are a popular appliance used to cook a variety of foods, from doughnuts to chicken wings. However, they can also be dangerous and are susceptible to catching fire. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 21% of restaurant fires are caused by deep fat fryers. There are several reasons why deep fryers can catch fire, including poor mechanical maintenance, grease buildup, and inadequate clearances to combustibles. It is important to take precautions when using a deep fryer, such as regular maintenance and cleaning, to reduce the risk of fire.

Deep fryer maintenance and cleaning

Deep fryers can catch fire, and they are one of the most susceptible appliances for serious fires in commercial kitchens and restaurants. This is due to a few reasons: poor mechanical maintenance, fryer chimney grease buildup, and inadequate clearance to combustibles. To prevent fires, it is important to regularly maintain and clean your deep fryer. Here are some detailed tips for deep fryer maintenance and cleaning:

Filter Your Oil Regularly

Filtering your oil makes it last longer, and cleaner oil is better for deep fryers. Dirty oil can cause deep fryers to break down or spark a grease fire. The deep fryer has to work harder to heat unfiltered oil, resulting in more wear and tear. Aim to filter your oil at least once a day, or more if your fryer is used heavily.

Daily Cleaning

Proper daily maintenance only takes a few minutes but can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. If you're not changing your oil at the end of the day, clean the exterior of the machine to remove oil splashes and food residue.

Deep Cleaning

When it's time to change the oil (or at least once a month), perform a deep clean. This involves emptying your deep fryer and using a degreaser to clean the vat entirely. After the oil has been drained, fill the fryer with water and a deep fryer cleaner powder. After some light scrubbing, your deep fryer will be clean again.

Use Fryer Cleaning Brushes

Heat-resistant scrubbing brushes and rods designed for deep fryers and fryer drains can make cleaning a breeze. With these tools, you won't need to shut down the fryers to let them cool before cleaning, resulting in longer operating times and better long-term profits.

Boiling Out

Boiling out is the process of removing old oil, adding water and a cleaning solution, then boiling the water to clean the fryer's interior and remove stuck-on grime. First, drain all the grease and discard it safely. Clean any remaining debris from the drain line with a fryer cleaning rod. Rinse the fryer with hot water, then fill it with cool water and a deep-fat fryer cleaner. Boil slowly for 20 minutes, then turn off the fryer and let the water cool. After draining the water, use a long-handled fryer brush to clean the sides, top, and heating elements. Rinse thoroughly, then add new oil and fry powder or oil stabilizer to make it last longer.

General Safety Tips

Always unplug your deep fryer before cleaning. Do not submerge your fryer in water or put it in the dishwasher. Avoid getting water on the electrical parts, as this can ruin the fryer. Do not pour oil down the sink drain, as it can cause plumbing issues. Instead, dispose of it in the trash if it's small amounts, or hire a grease collection service for larger amounts.

Fire extinguishing equipment

Deep fat fryers are one of the most common sources of serious fires in commercial kitchens and restaurants. There are several reasons why a deep fat fryer may ignite. Firstly, poor mechanical maintenance can cause a deep fryer to catch fire. Thermostat malfunction is a common cause of deep fryer fires as the cooking temperature rises above the normal level of 191°C (375°F). When the oil reaches 218°C (424°F), it begins to smoke, and as the temperature continues to rise, auto-ignition occurs at approximately 273° to 420°C (523° to 788°F).

To prevent and extinguish fires caused by deep fat fryers, it is crucial to have the appropriate fire extinguishing equipment and to ensure regular maintenance and proper usage of the appliance. Here are some essential fire extinguishing equipment considerations for deep fat fryer fires:

• Fire Extinguishers: Ensure that you have the correct type of fire extinguisher specifically designed for deep fat fryer fires. A wet chemical fire extinguisher is the recommended choice for this type of fire. These extinguishers work by creating a soapy foam blanket over the burning oil, which cuts off the oxygen supply and cools the oil to prevent re-ignition.
• Fire Suppression Systems: Install a fire suppression system specifically designed for deep fat fryers. These systems automatically detect fires and release a fire-extinguishing agent to suppress the flames. They are designed to activate quickly and effectively, minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of kitchen staff.
• Fire Blankets: Fire blankets can be used to smother smaller deep fryer fires or to wrap around a person whose clothing has caught fire. Ensure that fire blankets are easily accessible near the deep fryer and that staff are trained in their proper use.
• Fire Extinguisher Mountings and Accessibility: Ensure that fire extinguishers are properly mounted and easily accessible in the event of a fire. Place them in prominent locations near the deep fat fryer, following relevant health and safety guidelines. Regularly inspect the fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged and operational.
• Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: Regular maintenance and cleaning of deep fat fryers are crucial to prevent fires. This includes cleaning the flue gas exhaust vent to prevent grease buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Additionally, ensure that the fryer is properly serviced and that all safety devices are functioning correctly.
• Staff Training: Proper training of kitchen staff is essential to effectively operate fire extinguishing equipment and respond to deep fryer fires. Ensure that staff are familiar with the different types of fire extinguishers, how to use them, and the specific procedures for dealing with deep fat fryer fires. Conduct regular fire drills and provide clear, easily accessible instructions near the deep fryer.

By following these measures and equipping your commercial kitchen with the appropriate fire extinguishing equipment, you can significantly reduce the risk of deep fat fryer fires and ensure the safety of your staff and premises.

Thermostat malfunction

Deep fryers are a fire hazard, and a thermostat malfunction is one of the most common reasons for deep fryer fires.

A thermostat malfunction can cause the cooking temperature to rise. Normally, vegetable oil for deep frying is heated to around 375ºF. If the thermostat malfunctions, the temperature can increase to 424ºF, at which point the oil starts to smoke. As the temperature continues to rise, smoke production will increase. Auto-ignition occurs between 523ºF and 788ºF, depending on the type of oil, the amount of impurities, and usage.

The risk of fire is greater with newer "high-temperature" fryers, which are designed to maintain oil heat for longer and cook at higher temperatures, much closer to the auto-ignition point. These units are a more significant fire risk and require upgraded fire-extinguishing systems.

To prevent fires caused by thermostat malfunction, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain your deep fryer. Ensure the thermostat is working correctly and is properly calibrated. If you suspect an issue, use a probe-style thermometer to test the oil's temperature. If the temperature is inconsistent, the internal thermostat may need to be re-calibrated, replaced, or re-wired. A technician can easily replace disconnected wires behind the thermostat.

Additionally, always monitor the fryer while it is in use and never leave it unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure you know how to use it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure safe operation.

Fryer chimney grease buildup

Deep fat fryers are one of the most common causes of serious fires in commercial kitchens and restaurants. Grease buildup in the chimney of a deep fryer is a significant fire risk.

In most deep fryer designs, the flue gas exhaust vent for the heat from the burner elements (whether gas or electric) goes up the back of the unit behind the vat. With repeated use, grease can splash and accumulate, building up and hardening on top of and around the exhaust stack. This buildup, similar to creosote in a wood-burning chimney, provides an excellent fuel source, especially if it falls close to the burner elements below.

To prevent fires caused by grease buildup, it is essential to regularly clean the exhaust stack and the entire ventilation system. Most new fryers are constructed with an open bottom, so any debris that falls down the chimney should fall straight to the floor. However, it is still crucial to clean the exhaust duct and flue above the fryer regularly. Hire a professional cleaning contractor to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

Additionally, create a cleaning routine to remove oil and grease buildup inside the fryer. Old oil is more flammable than fresh oil, so it is important to clean and change the oil per the manufacturer's specifications. Take down, clean, and degrease the baffle filters in the hood to reduce buildup and fire risk. Also, ensure that fire suppression nozzles are correctly aligned over each deep fryer.

By following these maintenance and cleaning procedures, you can significantly reduce the risk of a fire caused by grease buildup in your deep fryer chimney.

Annual inspections

Deep fryers are a fire hazard, and according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), they cause 21% of restaurant fires due to a lack of cleaning or proper maintenance. To prevent fires, annual inspections should be carried out by a qualified commercial cooking appliance contractor.

In addition to the annual inspection, daily or weekly checks should be performed by employees as part of their kitchen maintenance routine. These checks include cleaning the inside and outside of the fryer cabinet and inspecting for loose or frayed wires, leaking oil, and any other abnormalities. It is important to refer to the owner's manual for any warnings or special instructions before carrying out these procedures.

By conducting regular maintenance and annual inspections, you can significantly reduce the risk of a deep fryer fire and ensure the safety of your establishment.

Frequently asked questions