Cleaning Deep Fryer Pan: Grease Removal Techniques

Deep fryers are a great way to enjoy crispy, restaurant-quality food at home, but they can get messy. To keep your deep fryer in good working condition, it's important to clean it regularly. This includes draining and filtering the oil, cleaning the fryer itself, and properly disposing of the waste oil. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you clean your deep fryer effectively.

How to drain the oil

Before you can start deep cleaning a deep fryer, you must remove the oil. Adding water to the oil could cause an accident. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to drain the oil:

• Unplug your deep fryer and let it cool down completely. Never clean your fryer while it is still plugged in to avoid burns.
• Carefully lift the oil reservoir and pour the oil into a sealable plastic container or bowl.
• If you plan to reuse the oil, pour it through a strainer to remove any leftover bits of food. Store it in a cool place.
• If the oil is cloudy, very dark, has foam on top, or smells rancid, do not reuse it. Dispose of it safely in the trash.
• Do not pour oil down your sink drain as this can cause plumbing issues.

How to clean a fryer basket

To clean a fryer basket, start by unplugging the fryer and letting it cool down completely. Once the fryer is at room temperature, remove the frying basket and set it aside.

Next, wipe down the basket with a paper towel or a cloth dipped in vinegar to remove any excess oil and food particles. If the fryer basket is extremely greasy, you can soak it in a solution of vinegar and warm water for about a minute or two. For deep fryer baskets, it is recommended to soak the basket for 15 minutes in a solution of equal parts vinegar and hot water.

After soaking, scrub the basket with a sponge or soft-bristle brush and some dish soap. If the grease is stubborn, make a degreaser by mixing baking soda and water until it reaches a toothpaste-like consistency. Apply this mixture to the basket and let it sit before wiping it off and giving the basket a good scrub.

Finally, rinse the basket with clean water and dry it thoroughly before putting it back into the fryer.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove grease buildup and food particles from your fryer basket, ensuring that it is clean and ready for your next cooking adventure.

How to remove debris and excess oil

Before you begin cleaning your deep fryer, make sure it is unplugged and allow it to cool down completely. This is an essential safety measure. Once the fryer is cool, you can start the cleaning process.

Start by draining the oil into a sealable container. If you plan to reuse the oil, use a strainer to remove any leftover food particles. If the oil is cloudy, very dark, or smells bad, dispose of it safely. Never pour oil down the sink, as it can cause plumbing issues.

Next, use paper towels or a sponge to blot up any excess oil remaining in the fryer. You can also use paper towels to wipe down the interior of the fryer, removing any sticky oil and grease. If there is caked-on oil or residue, you may need to use a pan scraper or spatula to gently scrape it off, being careful not to damage the finish.

For a more thorough cleaning, fill the fryer with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub the interior, creating a lather to break down grease. Let the hot water and soap solution sit for about 30 minutes to loosen any stubborn grime. Then, scrub the interior again and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

If there is still some caked-on residue or a sticky layer of oil, you can use a baking soda paste to remove it. Mix baking soda with warm water to form a thick paste, and use a sponge to scrub the affected areas in a circular motion until the residue is removed. Finally, rinse the fryer again to remove any remaining soap or baking soda solution.

How to clean a deep fat fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Fryer for Cleaning

Before you start, make sure you have the right supplies. You will need a container for the oil, a pan scraper or spatula, and kitchen paper or paper towels.

Turn off and unplug the fryer. Make sure the oil is completely cool before you start. Wrap power cables in paper towels to protect against spills.

Step 2: Drain the Oil

Drain the oil into a sealable container. If you plan to reuse the oil, check that it isn't rancid or discoloured. Keep it in a cool place. If you're disposing of the oil, do so safely.

Step 3: Clean the Fryer Basket

Remove the basket from the fryer and use hot water and detergent to clean it. Scrub with a sponge or brush to remove debris, then rinse and leave to dry on a rack.

Step 4: Remove Debris and Excess Oil

Blot up any leftover oil in the fryer with paper towels. Use plastic spatulas or pan scrapers to remove debris, being careful not to scratch the fryer.

Step 5: Clean the Fryer

Fill a bowl with warm soapy water and place it next to the fryer. Use a sponge and a circular motion to clean the interior. Then, fill the fryer with hot water and leave for 30 minutes to loosen stubborn grime.

Step 6: Clean the Filters

If the filters are removable, soak them in hot soapy water and wipe with an absorbent paper towel. If they're not removable, use a little detergent and a paper towel to remove excess oil and grime.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Empty and rinse the fryer, then let the interior air dry. Wipe down the exterior and give it a polish with kitchen paper.

Safety Tips:

• Never clean the fryer while it's plugged in.
• Never immerse the fryer in water.
• Avoid getting water on electric cables.
• Always ensure the oil is cool before draining.

Maintenance Tips:

• Wipe up oil splashes from the exterior with paper towels during cooking.
• Regularly change the oil if the fryer is in frequent use.
• Brush the heating coils when the oil is drained.
• Always follow the fryer's manual.

How often you clean your fryer depends on how often you use it. Aim to clean it every week if you're a frequent user. If you use it less often, once every two weeks is acceptable. Change the oil after eight to ten uses, and always store it in a cool, dark place when not in use.

How to clean the filters

To clean the filters of your deep fryer, you must first determine if they are removable. Some filters are not removable, in which case you should wipe them with a damp cloth and a small amount of detergent, followed by a plain damp cloth to remove the detergent and oil. If your filters are removable, you should check your manufacturer's instructions to see if they can be cleaned. Foam grease filters can be washed in hot, soapy water and left to dry, while charcoal odour filters cannot be washed and must be replaced when they become clogged and grimy.

If you are cleaning a commercial deep fryer, you should use a long-handled brush with soft bristles to scrub the pot instead of a sponge. You should also filter and replace the oil frequently, especially if you are frying foods like fish and meat. For heavy restaurant use, oil often needs to be filtered once or twice a day. While you can filter the oil for reuse by putting it through a coffee filter or cheesecloth, a restaurant may benefit from a specialised machine that filters quickly at higher temperatures. Whenever the oil becomes darker in colour, smokes at lower temperatures, or gives off a strong smell, it needs to be replaced.

Frequently asked questions