How To Properly Store And Reuse Deep Fryer Oil

Deep-frying produces a flavor like nothing else, but it's a messy, dangerous, and inconvenient process that requires a lot of oil. It can also be expensive, and many people wonder what to do with the leftover oil. While it's tempting to pour it out, it's not supposed to go down the drain. Instead, you can store it away for future use. Reusing oil is a personal choice, but if you decide to keep it, there are ways to do it safely.

Storing deep fryer oil

• Allow the oil to cool completely before storing. Turning off the heat source and letting the oil cool in the frying vessel is a good practice. Oil burns are dangerous, so be patient and only proceed when the oil has reached room temperature.
• Strain the oil to remove any food particles, crumbs, or sediment. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to catch even the smallest particles. This step is crucial, especially after frying breaded or battered foods, as these particles can burn and affect the oil's taste and quality.
• Transfer the strained oil to a clean, airtight container. You can use a glass jar, the original container the oil came in, or a sealed jar/bottle. Using a funnel can help make the process neater.
• Store the oil in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid storing it near heat sources like ovens, stoves, or microwaves. The ideal storage location is a dark cabinet or, even better, the refrigerator or freezer.
• Label the container with the date, the type of oil, and what it was used for. This helps you keep track of how many times the oil has been used and ensures you don't mix different types of used oils.
• Use the oil within a reasonable time frame. While there is no exact guideline, it is recommended to use the oil within one to two months of storage.
• Reuse the oil wisely. Oils absorb flavours, so use them for similar types of foods. For example, don't use oil that was used for frying fish to fry doughnuts.
• Dispose of the oil properly when it's no longer usable. Do not pour it down the drain, as it can clog pipes. Instead, solidify it, then throw it away, or find a local disposal centre that accepts used cooking oil.

Reusing deep fryer oil

Yes, you can reuse deep fryer oil. However, there are some important rules to follow to ensure you get the most out of the oil and stay safe while doing so.

Choosing the Right Oil

Every oil has a specific smoking point—the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke. Oils with a high smoking point (400°F+) are best for deep frying. Good options include peanut oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is not a good choice for deep frying due to its low smoke point, high cost, and dominant flavour.

Temperature Control

Temperature control is key to prolonging the life of your oil. When oil surpasses its smoke point, its fats start to break down, releasing a substance called acrolein, which gives burnt food a bitter taste. Frying with old oil will cause food to taste acrid and greasy. Therefore, it is important to monitor the oil's temperature as it heats up, ensuring that it does not surpass its smoke point.

Storing and Straining the Oil

Once you have finished frying, allow the oil to cool completely before storing it. It is important never to attempt to filter hot oil as it can cause serious burns. To strain the oil, drape a few layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter over a fine-mesh strainer or chinois set over your storage container. Pour the oil through the cheesecloth/filter to catch any crumbs and impurities. Then, store the oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

There is no hard and fast rule for how many times oil can be reused. Each time oil is reused, it becomes more and more destabilized until it decomposes. Used oil will begin to look cloudy or foamy and will develop an acrid, rancid aroma. It may also take on the flavour of the food that was cooked in it. As a general rule, frying oil should not be reused more than three times and should be discarded after one to two months.

How to Dispose of Used Oil

Used oil should never be poured down the drain as it can cause plumbing problems. Instead, place the oil in a closed vessel and chill it, then discard the solidified oil with your regular trash. Alternatively, take it to a local disposal centre that accepts used cooking oil, or use a recycling facility where it can be converted into biodiesel fuel.

Straining deep fryer oil

To strain the oil, wait until the oil has cooled completely. Never attempt to strain hot oil as it can cause serious burns. Once the oil is cool, drape a few layers of cheesecloth or coffee filters in a fine-mesh strainer or chinois over your storage container. Pour the oil through the cheesecloth or coffee filters to catch any small crumbs.

It is also important to note that the oil will take on the flavour of the food you cooked in it. Therefore, it is recommended to label the container with the date, the food that was fried, and the number of times the oil has been used. This will help you keep track of the oil's flavour and freshness.

Discarding deep fryer oil

Firstly, it is crucial to never pour the oil down the sink drain. Oil can congeal and clump, leading to clogged pipes and costly plumbing issues. Instead, allow the oil to cool completely before handling. This step is essential for safety, as oil retains heat and can cause serious burns.

Once the oil has cooled, it's time to choose the right container for disposal. If you have a small amount of oil, less than a cup, you can simply pour it into a coffee mug, let it solidify in the fridge, and then scoop it out into the trash. For larger amounts, use a non-recyclable container with a lid, such as a cardboard milk carton or a plastic bottle with a tight lid. Seal the container securely and throw it into the garbage.

Another option is to mix the oil with an absorbent material like cat litter, sand, or sawdust. This helps to contain the oil and prevent leaks. You can also purchase a grease disposal system, which consists of a plastic receptacle with foil-lined bags designed to hold used cooking oil.

If you're environmentally conscious, recycling used cooking oil is a great option. Check online or with your local solid waste department to find recycling centres or drop-off locations near you. Recycled cooking oil can be transformed into biodiesel fuel, reducing the need for fossil fuels.

In summary, discarding deep fryer oil requires patience, the right containers, and awareness of recycling options. Always remember to cool the oil, choose suitable containers, and explore eco-friendly disposal methods to ensure a safe and responsible process.

Health concerns of reusing deep fryer oil

Reusing deep fryer oil can carry health risks due to the accumulation of residual food particles, moisture, and impurities in the oil. These contaminants can lead to the formation of toxic compounds, such as acrylamide and heterocyclic amines, which are linked to cancer and other health issues.

When oil is heated during cooking, it undergoes a chemical process called oxidation. This process can lead to the formation of compounds called aldehydes and ketones, which have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. The extent of this damage depends on several factors, including the type of oil, temperature of cooking, and the length of time the oil is reused.

Reusing oil can also result in the breakdown of its flavour and texture, as well as the development of off-flavours and odours. This is because frying oil will take on the flavour of the food you cooked in it.

To balance the benefits of reusing oil, such as saving money and reducing waste, with the potential health risks, it is recommended to discard the oil and replace it with fresh oil for each batch of frying. However, if you do choose to reuse frying oil, it is essential to do so in moderation and with proper precautions, such as filtering and storing it in a clean and sanitary manner. As a general rule, it is recommended to discard frying oil after three to four uses to minimise the risk of contamination and ensure the quality and safety of the food being prepared.

Frequently asked questions