Used Fryer Oil: How Long Does It Last?

Used fryer oil can last for a long time, but it depends on what you're frying and how well you clean and filter the oil. For example, oil used for flour-dredged foods may break down after only three to four uses, while oil used for battered foods may last through a dozen or more batches. If the oil has a soapy or chemical smell, it's likely turned rancid and should be thrown away. To make oil last longer, you can store it in the refrigerator, although it may become cloudy and develop a slight odour.

Used fryer oil can last a long time if it's cleaned and filtered well

To make fryer oil last as long as possible, it's important to clean and filter it well, and to heat it up enough without overheating it. Some people store their used fryer oil in the refrigerator, which can make it cloudy, but it will clear up once heated. Others store their used oil in old plastic coffee cans or jugs in the pantry.

It's also important to note that fryer oil has a shelf life, which typically doesn't exceed two years. However, improper use and storage can significantly decrease its lifespan. For example, if the oil has a soapy or chemical smell, it's likely turned rancid due to oxidation from age, heat, or light exposure.

Fryer oil has a shelf life of around two years

To extend the life of your fryer oil, it is important to clean and filter it well after each use. You should also store it in a sealed container in a cool, dark place, such as the refrigerator, to prevent oxidation and rancidity.

Some people choose to reuse their fryer oil multiple times before discarding it. This is generally safe as long as the oil is properly cleaned, filtered, and heated to a high enough temperature without overheating. However, it is important to note that improper use and storage of fryer oil can significantly decrease its lifespan.

If your fryer oil develops a soapy or chemical smell, it has likely turned rancid and should be discarded.

Oil used for flour-dredged foods may break down after three to four uses

Oil can technically be used forever, as long as it is cleaned and filtered well, and heated to the right temperature. However, it does have a shelf life, which is typically around two years. Improper use and storage can decrease its lifespan. For example, oil that is exposed to heat or light for prolonged periods may turn rancid. This is when oil gets oxidised due to age or exposure to heat or light, and it will have a soapy or chemical smell.

Some people choose to store their oil in the refrigerator, which can make it cloudy, but it will clear up once heated. Others store their oil in old plastic coffee cans, which seal tightly.

It is also important to strain the oil before putting it back into the fryer to remove any particles. Fast-food chains will often reuse oil for the same day or over a few days, but they store it properly, rather than leaving it exposed in the fryer.

Oil used for battered foods may last through a dozen or more batches

Technically, you could use the same oil forever as long as you clean and filter it well, and heat it up enough without overheating it. There is a famous burger joint in Pittsburgh that has been cleaning and reusing the same oil for almost 100 years. However, like every other food, fryer oil has a certain shelf life, which typically doesn't exceed two years.

To keep your oil usable for as long as possible, you should store it properly and not leave it sitting exposed in the fryer. You can also store it in the refrigerator, although it may get a little cloudy. It's also important to strain the oil before putting it back into the fryer.

Oil can turn rancid if it gets a soapy or chemical smell

Oil can last a long time, but it can turn rancid if it gets a soapy or chemical smell. This is due to oxidation, which happens when oil is exposed to heat or light for a long time. Rancid oil is expired and should not be used.

To prevent oil from turning rancid, it should be stored in a cool, dark place and not left exposed in the fryer. It should also be cleaned and filtered well, and not overheated. Some people store used oil in the refrigerator, although this can make it cloudy. Oil used for flour-dredged foods may break down after only three to four uses, while oil used for battered foods may last through a dozen or more batches.

One source says that technically, oil could be used forever as long as it is cleaned and filtered well, and heated up enough without being overheated. However, another source says that oil has a shelf life of around two years.

Frequently asked questions