Oven Cleaner For Deep Fryers: Safe Or Not?

Deep fryers are a great way to achieve that unique flavour and texture of fried food at home. However, the large amount of cooking oil and food particles that gather can be challenging to clean. While oven cleaners can be used as a last resort, it is not recommended for deep fryers as it may damage the finish. Instead, a mixture of baking soda and warm water can be used to create a thick paste to scrub off any caked-on residue or sticky layers of oil. For heavy carbon deposits, a commercial deep fryer cleaning solution or a specialised boil-out product can be added to the water and boiled for 20-30 minutes.

Safety precautions when cleaning a deep fryer

Safety should always be a priority when cleaning a deep fryer. Here are some precautions to take to ensure a safe and effective cleaning process:

• Always unplug the deep fryer and let it cool down completely before cleaning. Never attempt to clean a fryer that is still plugged in to avoid the risk of electrical shock and burns.
• Do not immerse the fryer in water or place it in the sink or dishwasher. This could cause electrical shorts and damage the appliance.
• Properly dispose of used cooking oil. Do not pour oil down the sink drain as it can cause plumbing issues. Instead, drain the oil into a sealed container and dispose of it in the trash or recycle it.
• When handling cleaning chemicals, such as oven cleaner or carbon cleaner, wear protective gear like rubber gloves and eye protection to avoid skin and eye irritation.
• Use non-abrasive cleaning tools and sponges to avoid scratching or damaging the surface of the fryer. Soft sponges, nylon pads, and soft-bristled brushes are ideal for this purpose.
• Keep the fryer away from the wet sink when filling it with water. Avoid exposing the electrical components to water to prevent damage. Use a pitcher or kettle to fill the fryer with water instead.
• Be cautious when boiling water in the fryer. Do not leave it unattended, and make sure to unplug the fryer once the water has boiled for the recommended time.
• If using a commercial deep fryer cleaner, follow the instructions on the product carefully and do not leave the fryer unattended during the cleaning process.
• Always dry the fryer thoroughly after cleaning and before using it again. Blot with paper towels or a clean cloth to speed up the drying process.
• Keep a box of baking soda nearby in case of a fire. Baking soda can be used to extinguish flames in an emergency.

Step-by-step guide to cleaning a deep fryer

While oven cleaners are not mentioned in guides for cleaning a deep fryer, the following is a step-by-step guide to cleaning a deep fryer:

Step 1: Allow the fryer to cool completely

Unplug your deep fryer and let it cool down completely before you start cleaning it. This may take several hours.

Step 2: Remove the frying basket and oil

Take out the frying basket and put it in the sink. Wash it with dish soap and hot water. A cleaning brush or toothbrush can help loosen small bits of food stuck to the basket.

Before deep cleaning, carefully lift the oil reservoir and pour the oil into a plastic bowl or container. If the oil is cloudy, very dark, or smelly, safely dispose of it in the trash. If it's still relatively clean, you can pour it back into the fryer after cleaning. If you plan to reuse the oil, pour it through a strainer to remove any leftover food bits.

Step 3: Scrape the sides and bottom

Work on a kitchen counter, not in the sink, and avoid submerging your deep fryer in water. Use an abrasive sponge or a straight plastic edge to scrape away any build-up on the sides or bottom of the fryer.

Step 4: Boil out the fryer

Add a squirt of liquid dish soap to the inside of the fryer. Then, fill it up with hot water. Plug the fryer in and turn it on to bring the soapy water to a boil. This process, known as "boiling out," helps break down grease inside the unit.

Let the water boil for 5-10 minutes, depending on how dirty the fryer is. Once the water has boiled, turn off the fryer, unplug it, and let both the unit and the water cool down completely.

Step 5: Wipe down the inside and outside

Use an old rag or microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the fryer, removing any remaining sticky oil and grease. If more soap is needed, dip the cloth in a mixture of liquid dish soap and hot water.

After the inside is clean, wipe down the outside of the fryer, including the cord, using the same soapy water mixture to tackle any sticky oil spots.

Step 6: Tackle tough grease with baking soda (if needed)

If there is still some stubborn grease, add a heaping spoonful of baking soda to a small bowl and mix in hot water to form a paste. Work this paste into areas with a sticky film or stuck-on residue. If your fryer has a metal reservoir, you can use a steel wool sponge to scour dirty areas.

Finally, wipe down the fryer with a clean, dry cloth and let it air dry completely before using it again.

How to clean a commercial deep fryer

Commercial deep fryers are essential for any restaurant, but they can get very messy and compromise the tasty crunch of your food. Regularly cleaning your deep fryer will ensure your customers enjoy a delicious and safe dining experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a commercial deep fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Fryer for Cleaning

Turn off the fryer and, if it is a gas model, close the gas supply inlet and turn off the pilot light. Unplug the power source from the wall and allow the oil inside to cool down completely. This can take a long time, as most fryers are kept at a constant heat of around 350°F. Once the oil is cool, drain it into a spill-resistant container for proper disposal.

Step 2: Remove Large Debris

Use a scraper to scoop out food crumbs and particles from the bottom of the fryer. Remove any oil and grease buildup from the inside walls, corners, and base. Use a fryer cleaning rod to clean grease out of the drain line, as any leftover grease remnants can cause mechanical and safety issues.

Step 3: Boil Out

Fill the fryer with water and a commercial degreasing solution up to the level line. This can vary depending on the type of fryer. Turn on the heater and boil the water and cleaning solution for at least 20-30 minutes to remove any stuck-on grease. For very heavy carbon deposits, you may need to boil for longer. Be careful not to let the water boil too high, as it may splash out and cause burns.

Step 4: Cool and Drain

After boiling, turn off the fryer and let the water cool completely. Place a pan or container under the drain valve and slowly drain the water. While the water is draining, scrub the interior walls with a long-handled brush to remove any remaining soils.

Step 5: Rinse and Wipe Down

Flush the fryer thoroughly with water to remove all traces of the cleaning solution, then wipe the interior dry with paper towels or clean cloths. Make sure all parts are completely dry before putting the fryer back together.

Step 6: Refill and Reassemble

Once the fryer is dry, close the drain valve and fill the fryer with fresh oil. Reinsert the fryer baskets, which should also be clean and completely dry.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to perform a deep fryer boil-out cleaning approximately once a month. High-use fryers may need to be cleaned weekly.
• Regularly cleaning your commercial deep fryer will save energy, time, and money. Carbonization on fryer walls and coils makes the machine work harder to heat up, so keeping them clean will help extend the life of your equipment.
• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning a commercial deep fryer, including heat-proof gloves, protective eyewear, and an apron.
• Never submerge your deep fryer in water or put it in the dishwasher.
• To clean the exterior of your deep fryer, use a sprayable gel cleaner and degreaser to remove baked-on grime and carbonized food.
• Soak the fryer basket in warm, soapy water, adding a few tablespoons of vinegar to help break down grease.
• If you are not using a commercial degreasing solution, you can add a few drops of dish soap to the water during the boil-out process.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your commercial deep fryer is properly cleaned and maintained, resulting in tasty food and a safe dining experience for your customers.

How often to clean a deep fryer

The frequency with which you should clean your deep fryer depends on several factors, including the type of food being fried, the oil used, and the frequency of use. Here are some guidelines to help you determine how often to clean your deep fryer:

Frequency of Use

• Daily Use: If you use your deep fryer every day or every other day, you can get away with a thorough wipe-down between uses. A more comprehensive deep clean is recommended once a week.
• Weekly Use: If you use your deep fryer at least once a week, it is suggested to perform a deep clean every three months.
• Occasional Use: If you only use your deep fryer occasionally, it is advised to follow a thorough cleaning procedure each time after using it.

Type of Food

• French Fries, Non-Breaded Items, and Vegetables: Change the oil after 6-8 uses.
• Breaded, Meat, Poultry, and Crumbly Foods: Replace the oil after 3-4 uses.
• Fish (Breaded): Change the oil after 2-3 uses.

Oil Condition

It is crucial to monitor the condition of the oil and look for signs of rancidity, such as a foul odour, excessive smoke, or a darker appearance. If you notice any of these indicators, it is time to change the oil.

Maintenance Tips

• Daily Maintenance: Clean the interior surface of the deep fryer daily.
• Oil Change: After changing the oil, clean the deep fryer to remove any residual oil and food particles.
• Deep Cleaning: Perform a thorough deep cleaning of the deep fryer every three to six months to prevent damage to the appliance and maintain oil quality.

Commercial Deep Fryers

For commercial deep fryers in restaurants or food service operations, regular "boil-out" cleanings are recommended for optimal performance and food quality. This involves removing the old oil, adding water and a commercial deep fryer cleaning solution, and boiling it inside the fryer to remove grime and stuck-on food. The frequency of boil-out cleanings can range from once a week for high-use fryers to once a month for standard use.

Alternative methods to clean a deep fryer

While some sources suggest using oven cleaner on the exterior of a deep fryer, there are alternative methods to clean both the interior and exterior of a deep fryer.

Allow the fryer to cool completely before you begin cleaning it. Unplug the appliance and let it sit for several hours if necessary.

Once the fryer is cool, remove the frying basket and put it in the sink. Wash it with hot water and dish soap. You can use a cleaning brush or toothbrush to help loosen small bits of food stuck to the basket.

Next, remove the oil. Do not pour oil down your sink drain as this can cause plumbing issues. Instead, carefully lift the oil reservoir and pour the oil into a plastic bowl or container. If the oil is still relatively clean, you can save it to use again. If it looks cloudy, very dark, or smells bad, dispose of it in the trash.

Use an abrasive sponge or a straight plastic edge to scrape away any build-up on the sides or bottom of the fryer. Work your way around the inside of the fryer, cleaning the sides and corners.

Add a squirt of liquid dish soap and hot water to the inside of the fryer. Do not submerge your deep fryer in water or put it in the dishwasher, as this can damage the electrical parts.

Plug the fryer back in and turn it on to bring the soapy water to a boil. This process, known as "boil-out," is a common method for cleaning deep fryers and is effective at removing grease. Let the water boil for 5-10 minutes, depending on how dirty the fryer is.

Once the water has boiled, turn off the fryer, unplug it, and let the water cool completely. After it has cooled, dump out the soapy water and rinse the inside of the fryer to remove any remaining soap.

Use a cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the fryer, removing any remaining oil and grease. If necessary, use a small bowl of liquid dish soap and hot water to form suds, and dip the cloth in the mixture as you scrub.

If there is still oil residue, make a paste with baking soda and water and scrub the affected areas with a brush. If your fryer has a metal reservoir, you can use a steel wool sponge.

Finally, let the fryer dry completely before using it again.

Frequently asked questions