Fryers

Typically, operators use fryers to heat a large volume of oil to deep fry menu items like chicken or fries.

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Cleaning and Maintenance Considerations for Fryers

Unlike other cooking equipment types, fryers require minimal maintenance. Self-cleaning fryers include stainless-steel nozzles attached to the basket hanger and connected to the plumbing system for easier cleaning. They employ daily maintenance to keep running at optimum efficiency. 

In terms of cleaning, operators should never hose down a fryer with water because it doesn’t mix well with oil. This is why the vat’s interior should be thoroughly wiped dry after using hot, soapy water or a grease cutter solution. After cleaning, and on a regular basis, the fryer’s exterior should be wiped with a stainless-steel polish and a clean cloth. High-efficiency fryers with blowers have louvers and vents that operators should clean frequently. For more extensive cleaning, a boil-out cleaner added after water reaches a rolling boil is recommended. 

Fryers show some signs when they are failing. If it takes longer for the unit to heat to a ready temperature or if it has difficulty maintaining required temperatures during normal use, it is time to call for service.

To adhere to fire safety regulations, high-limit thermostat testing can only be done by an authorized service agent. When utilizing a digital thermometer for testing the operating thermostat, the vat should be emptied and then brought to the set temperature and cycled a few times. Then, compare the digital thermometer with the set point on the thermostat; if these temperatures are not within 10 degrees F to 15 degrees F of each other, the thermostat will require adjusting. If temperatures are off by 25 degrees F or more, the thermostat may need replacing. 

The most obvious sign a fryer needs replacement is a leaking tank or well, typically caused by carbon buildup. This is signified by hardened oil under the fryer and behind the
unit’s door. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it also impacts the fryer’s output. 

While most fryer components, including thermostats, are not costly to replace, vats or tanks are cost-prohibitive to reinstall. If the fryer does not hold proper oil temperature, resulting in greasy, dark and/or burned food, it is time for a new unit.

Cooking at too-high temperatures can compromise the unit. The fryer should be replaced if weekly oil usage and/or food fry times increase significantly.

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