When you realize that you can cook more than just French fries in a deep fryer, you will want to purchase this device for use in your own kitchen. The popularity of this multifunctional device is increasing every year. And having mastered a fairly large number of unique recipes in the deep fryer: from pasties and donuts, to cutlets and chicken wings, periodically, the need to clean it arises. Therefore, basic knowledge of how to properly clean a deep fryer from oil is necessary for every owner.
Any household appliance requires timely maintenance. It doesn't matter if it's a coffee machine or a deep fryer. And most importantly, you should remember that during cleaning, care of the device must be of high quality.
Important points
Before starting the cleaning procedure, it is necessary to clarify some points related to contraindications:
- First, you should stop using extremely hard brushes and metal sponges. Equally, these dishwashing items are contraindicated not only for deep fryers, but also for other cooking utensils that have a non-stick coating. While hard cleaning devices are quite suitable for cleaning a cast-iron frying pan or cauldron, they are not suitable for more delicate kitchen appliances. As a result of their use, the formation of scratches and cracks is inevitable, which will lead to their filling with oil and regular burning.
- The folk wisdom of cleaning “everything and everything” with soda or powder with abrasive particles is not relevant in this case and is even harmful. Such methods of treating a contaminated surface will most likely lead to damage and damage to the bowl.
- Scrapers, sandpaper and other means of rough cleaning of the deep fryer are not permitted.
When it is clear and understandable what products should never be used when cleaning the deep fryer, you can begin to describe the process itself.
Since deep fryers differ in their design features - removable or non-removable bowl - the methods for cleaning them are somewhat different from each other.
How to clean a deep fryer
A deep fryer is a multifunctional household appliance. Its main purpose is to prepare fried potatoes. These household appliances can be used both at home and in fast food or restaurant establishments.
Buyers increasingly prefer modern models of deep fryers, for example: electric fryer Panda-EURO-1*1/3, electric fryer Panda-EURO-1*1/1, electric fryer EFK-80/2N. Each model has its own advantages and features. Some fryers are small and tabletop, while others are larger and floor-mounted.
No matter where the deep fryer is used, and how much food is cooked in it, after each cooking, a certain amount of fat forms on its walls. Old oil must be constantly removed, as it can spoil the quality and taste of dishes the next time you cook.
How to clean a deep fryer? A question that all users of this household appliance ask. After all, this process is much more complicated than regular dishwashing. But, in fact, everything is not so difficult if you know some features.
How to Clean a Deep Fryer with a Removable Bowl
If your deep fryer is designed with a removable bowl (and sometimes a removable lid), then bringing it into proper shape will not be difficult. To do this, you will need to perform actions in the following order:
- Make sure the appliance is unplugged and completely cooled down.
- The oil in the reservoir needs to be drained. It is necessary to treat the drained oil responsibly and not pour it into the general sewer system, as this is fraught with serious blockages. Used oil should be poured into a pre-prepared container and thrown into the trash can.
- The container must be removed and washed to remove any small pieces of food. This should be done using regular detergent and a simple sponge.
- When it is not possible to easily wash away food debris, you need to fill the container with warm water and give the dirt time to soak. After a few hours, they can be easily removed from the sides of the bowl with a washcloth.
- The outer side of the bowl and the fryer body should also be washed from any remaining oil and fat, if any. This procedure involves using a paper towel or soft sponge.
- After finishing cleaning, the container needs to be rinsed and wiped dry.
How to clean oil from a deep fryer - simple tips
Modern deep fryers use removable Teflon-coated bowls. Along with these, many housewives also have old deep fryers - the bowl in them cannot be removed, and it is not so easy to wash it. Let's look at both options. After using the deep fryer, hot oil and grease accumulate on the walls, which requires cleaning. This process is quite labor-intensive, since cleaning a fryer from old oil at home is a tedious and dirty job. Cleaning should be done as needed.
If the deep fryer is used at home only occasionally, then it will not be difficult to wash it of old oil if you clean it after each use.
If you use this equipment frequently, it is enough to change the oil regularly and clean it thoroughly after a few days. Otherwise, the fat on the inside surface of the fryer turns into a dark coating that is difficult to remove.
How to clean a deep fryer with a fixed bowl
The main problem in the prevention of devices with a built-in bowl is the likelihood of water penetrating into the structure. The result of such moisture penetration can be a short circuit and, ultimately, equipment failure.
Here is the sequence of operations performed:
- Turn off the power to the fryer and cool completely.
- Remove the used oil and dry the bowl thoroughly with a towel.
- Fill the container 2/3 full with warm water and add 50-70 mg of detergent to it. To enhance the effect, you can add 2-3 tbsp. spoons of 9% vinegar or citric acid.
- Wipe dry with a paper towel and connect to the mains.
- Turn on the power and wait for it to boil.
- Drain the water and rinse thoroughly, wipe and dry the fryer.
How to clean industrial fryers
Kitchen brushes with special bristles are the most important thing for cleaning any deep fryer. Their long handles allow you to easily reach the dirtiest places, cleaning them with ease and speed.
In industrial production, oil is filtered no more than twice a day. This is done only when an unpleasant odor begins to be felt during cooking. In this case, all the oil is replaced immediately. The insides of the deep fryer are thoroughly cleaned, which increases the service life of the equipment, its appearance and the taste of food. Additional cleaning products are applied to the surface of the device for ten minutes and then removed with a paper towel.
Every six months, deep fryers in restaurants undergo a cleaning procedure with boiling water (some manufacturers also add detergent). To do this, the deep fryer is filled with water and then heated for about twenty minutes. This allows you to achieve maximum cleanliness in a short time.
Of course, the washing method may vary depending on the model of the appliance, but remember: always look at the instructions that come with the appliance. This way you can avoid equipment breakdown.
Cleaning the metal bowl
Most often, deep fryers are made with metal bowls. When cleaning them from dirt and thickened fat, you should remember the following precautions:
- The metal bowl should not be placed in the dishwasher. It is forbidden to rinse or clean the container while the equipment is turned on, as short circuits and damage may occur.
- If the deep fryer is heated to operating temperature, under no circumstances should water be poured into it.
- Used oil must not be poured down the drain. This can lead to clogging and costly plumbing work.
It is allowed to clean metal containers using a solution containing soda. In the case of hardened old grease stains, it is also possible to use a water-based soda paste.
Cleaning filters
Preventative work to clean the deep fryer from oil, grease and accumulated dust involves cleaning or replacing the filter. As a rule, they are installed on the lid of the device. The exact composition of the filter can be found in the operating instructions for the device. But most often in their production they use paper, foam rubber and coal used in the food industry. Rules for safe and proper use and cleaning can also be described in the instructions.
Cleaning foam filters is considered the easiest. It is fairly easy to clean using standard detergents. The final phase is drying.
Paper filters must be handled more carefully, as they are very sensitive to external damage. But they allow you to slightly reduce the cost of the fryer itself.
The most reliable and high-quality carbon filters. They help remove unpleasant odors as much as possible. If they become dirty, they must be replaced, as they are not intended for cleaning.
In the case when you need to clean the filter located in the lid, you need to stock up on time, detergent and a soft cloth.
- First, wipe the filter with a damp cloth.
- Then the filter is treated with a rag soaked in detergent.
- And the process is completed by washing off the applied layer of chemical and drying.
Cleaning by type of contamination
There are different degrees of contamination, which require different cleaning approaches. There are three levels of contamination: light, medium and old grease.
Lung
Light contamination will form if the oil has been left in the bowl for a day or more. Standard dish soap can handle this level of contamination.
To remove grease, fill the bowl with hot water and add a small amount of detergent. We do this two or three times, usually this amount is enough to thoroughly clean the container. After this, three containers until clean.
Average
Another effective way to wash the bowl is to use the most common laundry soap.
Old fat
Old grease appears if you do not wash the fryer for a long time. Fat is no longer so easy to clean and you will have to use a special cleaning tool, such as sponges or brushes (designed for non-stick surfaces). After using the methods described above, carefully clean the equipment with special brushes.
Cleaning the fryer depending on contamination
According to the degree of contamination of the deep fryer, three types can be distinguished: light, medium and heavy (with congealed fat). Each type requires an individual cleaning method.
Lung
For short-term contamination (1-2 days), no special effort will be required. Regular dishwashing detergent can handle this kind of contamination. Hot water is poured into the container and detergent is simply added. When the water cools down, it must be drained and new water poured in. The bowl will be cleared after two or three repetitions.
Average
When the oil has thickened, it will take a little more effort to clean. If it is impossible to remove grease with classic detergents, it is necessary to improve control methods. Water heated to 80 degrees is poured into the bowl. Add 3-5 tablespoons of vinegar or citric acid there. If the fat is not washed off when the water cools, repeat the operation several times. After cleaning the bowl, you need to rinse it with water and dry it with a towel.
Cleaning Industrial Fryers
Industrial appliances can be washed using special kitchen brushes with soft bristles and a long handle. If deep fryers are used frequently in restaurants, the oil should be filtered 1 or 2 times a day. As soon as the oil develops an unpleasant bitter odor when heated, it should be replaced completely.
After draining the oil, the internal surfaces must be cleaned of food residues. Cleaning the outside and edges of the deep fryer not only improves its appearance, but also increases its service life. Apply detergent to such surfaces for a few minutes before washing, and then wipe off with a damp cloth after 10 minutes.
Once every six months, a deep fryer used for industrial purposes is cleaned by boiling. Boil the water collected in the frying container for at least 20 minutes with the addition of a special detergent. After washing and rinsing, you need to pour water and vinegar into the oil container, which will help completely remove soap residue.
Depending on the model of fryer you use, cleaning methods may vary. Therefore, before cleaning the deep fryer, you should read the instructions supplied with the appliance.
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