Deep Fryer Cleaning: Water Safe?

Deep fryers are a great way to enjoy crispy, restaurant-quality food at home, but they can be a hassle to clean. The process is lengthier than washing dishes and involves many steps, but it's important to do it regularly to prevent a serious buildup of grime. It's also crucial to never submerge your deep fryer in water, as this can cause an electrical short and damage the appliance. So, can you clean a deep fryer with water? The answer is yes, but it's important to follow the correct steps to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Let the deep fryer cool down before cleaning

Allowing your deep fryer to cool down before cleaning is an essential step in the cleaning process. Not only is it unsafe to clean a deep fryer while it is still hot, but you also risk getting burned. Therefore, it is recommended to let the deep fryer cool down completely before attempting to clean it. This can take several hours, so it is important to plan accordingly.

Once the deep fryer has cooled, the next step is to remove the oil. Adding water to hot oil can be dangerous and may cause an accident. Therefore, it is important to let the oil cool completely before attempting to remove it. After the oil has been removed, it can be stored or disposed of safely. If you plan to reuse the oil, it is important to strain it first to remove any leftover food particles. If the oil is cloudy, dark, or has an off odor, it should be discarded.

While the deep fryer is cooling, you can begin cleaning the frying basket. Place it in the sink and wash it with dish soap and hot water. A cleaning brush or toothbrush can be useful for removing small bits of food that may be stuck to the basket. Once the basket is clean, you can move on to the next step.

After the deep fryer has cooled and the oil has been removed, it is time to start cleaning the interior. Use an abrasive sponge or a straight plastic edge to scrape away any buildup on the sides or bottom of the fryer. Be sure to get into all the corners and pay extra attention to any stubborn, caked-on bits. If needed, you can use a pan scraper or spatula to gently remove buildup without damaging the finish.

Once the interior has been scraped clean, add a squirt of liquid dish soap and fill the fryer with hot water. Be careful not to get any water on the electrical components, as this can damage the fryer. Plug the fryer back in and turn it on, bringing the soapy water to a boil. This process, known as "boiling out," helps to break down any remaining grease inside the unit. Let the water boil for 5-10 minutes, depending on how dirty the fryer is.

After the water has boiled, turn off the fryer, unplug it, and allow it to cool completely. Once it has cooled, dump out the soapy water and rinse the interior thoroughly to remove any remaining soap. If necessary, use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the fryer, removing any remaining sticky oil or grease. Repeat this process until the fryer is completely clean.

Drain the oil

Before you can start deep cleaning a deep fryer, you need to remove the oil. Adding water to the oil could cause an accident. It is important to never pour oil down your sink drain as this can cause plumbing issues. If you plan to use the oil again, drain it into a food-safe container with a sealed lid and store it in a cool place. Otherwise, find out how you can use cooking oil for other purposes or simply throw it away in a sealed container.

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

Tips

• Do not pour oil down your sink. It can clog your drain.
• Place an oil pan drum under the drain and drain the cooled oil; remove any large debris from inside, including anything blocking the drain valve.
• If you can see any stubborn caked-on bits, use a silicone spatula to scrape them off without damaging the finish.

Use a brush to scrub the fryer

Once you've unplugged your deep fryer and allowed it to cool, it's time to scrub. Using a brush, start by removing any remaining oil from the pot and lid. Use damp paper towels or a sponge to wipe away oil residue and bits of food from the inside of the deep fryer. If the oil is caked on, use a pan scraper or spatula to carefully scrape it off without damaging the finish.

Next, you can add some liquid dish soap to the base of the fryer—about four drops should be enough. Then, take a soft-bristled brush and scrub in a circular motion, working your way up from the bottom of the fryer. If your fryer has a heating element with metal rods, be careful not to bend or damage any parts while wiping.

For a commercial deep fryer, you can use a long-handled brush with soft bristles to scrub the pot. Alternatively, if your fryer has a metal reservoir, you can use a steel wool sponge to scour dirty areas.

If there are any stubborn areas with caked-on residue or a sticky layer of oil, you can try using a baking soda paste. Mix a spoonful of baking soda with hot water to create a thick paste, then apply it to a sponge and scrub the affected areas in a circular motion until the residue is removed.

Finally, rinse the deep fryer with clean water, ensuring that all the soap is removed. You can also add vinegar to the rinse water to help eliminate any remaining grease film.

Boil water and soap in the fryer

Boil-Out Method: The Best Way to Clean a Deep Fryer

The boil-out method is a popular way to clean a deep fryer, and it's commonly used in commercial kitchens. It's effective at removing grease and cutting down on the amount of scrubbing required. Here's a step-by-step guide to using the boil-out method to clean your deep fryer:

Step 1: Allow the Fryer to Cool Down

Unplug the deep fryer and let it cool down completely before you start cleaning. It's important to never clean a fryer with hot oil in it, as this can be dangerous.

Step 2: Remove the Frying Basket and Oil

Take out the frying basket and put it aside. You can wash it separately in the sink with dish soap and hot water. Use a cleaning brush or toothbrush to remove any small bits of food stuck to the basket.

Next, remove the oil from the fryer. Be careful not to pour oil down the sink drain, as this can cause plumbing issues. Instead, pour the oil into a plastic container or bowl for disposal or reuse.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Fryer

Use paper towels or a damp sponge to wipe down the inside of the fryer basin. If there are any stubborn, caked-on bits, use a silicone spatula or a non-stick pan scraper to scrape them off without damaging the finish.

Step 4: Fill the Fryer with Water and Soap

Fill the fryer basin with water up to the maximum oil line. Then, add a few drops of dish soap. You can also use a specialised deep-fat fryer cleaner; follow the instructions on the bottle for the correct amount.

Step 5: Boil the Water and Soap

Plug the fryer back in and turn it on. Bring the soapy water to a boil and let it boil for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how dirty the fryer is. The boiling water and soap will help loosen and dissolve any grease and grime.

Step 6: Turn Off the Fryer and Let it Cool

Once the water has boiled for the recommended time, turn off the fryer, unplug it, and let it cool down.

Step 7: Dump the Soapy Water and Rinse

After the fryer has cooled, dump out the soapy water. Rinse the basin with warm water to ensure all the soap residue is removed.

Step 8: Wash and Clean the Frying Basket

While the fryer is cooling, wash and clean the frying basket separately. You can soak it in hot water and dish soap or use a specialised fryer cleaner. Rinse and dry the basket before placing it back into the fryer.

Additional Tips:

• Always exercise caution when handling hot oil and water.
• Avoid submerging your deep fryer in water, as this can damage the electrical components.
• For tough grease, you can use baking soda paste as a powerful cleaning agent.

Wipe down the fryer

Once you have unplugged your deep fryer and allowed it to cool down completely, it's time to wipe down the fryer.

Use damp, but not dripping, paper towels or a sponge to wipe away oil residue and bits of food from inside the deep fryer pot. If the oil has caked on, use a pan scraper, spatula, or an abrasive sponge to gently scrape it off, being careful not to damage the finish. Some lids are removable for easy cleaning.

Most deep fryers have a heating element composed of a pair of metal rods. If these are covered in oily residue, wipe them down with paper towels, being careful not to bend or damage any parts, especially if there are thin wires. Some models have removable heating elements or elements that are attached to a hinge that can be pulled up nearer to the fryer's surface, so check your model's manual to see if yours has this feature.

If there is caked-on residue or a sticky layer of oil that won't come off, try mixing a little bit of baking soda with warm water to create a thick paste. Put this on a sponge and use it to scrub off the stubborn areas with a circular motion until it is removed.

After you have wiped down the fryer, fill it with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. Turn the fryer on and allow the water to come to a boil, which is also known as "boiling out" your deep fryer. Let the water boil for several minutes, then turn off the fryer, unplug it, and allow the water to cool before draining it.

Frequently asked questions