The Best Way To Clean Your Outdoor Deep Fryer

Many of our most loved foods are deep-fried, and cooking them outside can be a great way to enjoy your favorite meals with friends and family. But when you're done, Frymax warns that proper cleaning and maintenance are essential if you want to continue enjoying delicious fried food again and again.

When it comes to the different types of fryers, Kitchen Arena explains that the outdoor type is fuelled by propane, as opposed to indoor fryers, which are usually powered by electricity. Outdoor propane fryers heat up faster, give a super crispy finish, and help to keep that greasy smell out of your house. Cleaning an outdoor deep fryer requires patience and care — but it doesn't need to be overly complicated.

According to Fire and Building Control, a build-up of grease and oil can create a fire hazard. In addition to safety, cleaning your deep fryer will also help to keep it working efficiently, which can save you time and money in the long run. Another tip, according to Go! Foodservice, is to keep on top of cleaning the heating element to be sure of even cooking temperatures. Proper maintenance will ensure that you continue getting great results every time, and one important part of keeping your fryer in top condition is by changing your oil regularly.

Changing the oil in a deep fryer is an important part of maintaining the appliance and should be done routinely. Hiro Asian Kitchen suggests changing the oil after 6-8 uses for vegetarian foods, and if frying meat, this should be increased to every 2-4 uses.

Go! Foodservice says first to make sure the appliance has cooled completely. To drain the old oil, place a bucket or bowl underneath the fryer, then carefully open the drain valve, located on the bottom — depending on the size of the fryer and the amount of oil, this could take up to 30 minutes. Decant the oil into an old container with a lid, suggests Taste of Home, then dispose of it with your usual household waste. 

Once the fryer is empty, use a spoon to remove any crumbs and loosen any stuck-on bits of food, then clean the inside of the fryer and remove any residual oil and sediment with paper towels. To refill it with the new oil, pour the oil slowly into the fryer, being careful to not overfill it. 

Wasserstrom Blog states that regular cleaning of your deep fat fryer is essential to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. By following these steps, you can keep your appliance in top condition and ensure that your fried foods are always cooked to perfection.

While changing your oil, you could use this opportunity to fully clean the whole deep fryer. To clean the exterior, use a damp cloth and mild detergent — avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads as they may scratch the surface. According to Nyco, the best way to clean the interior is to do a boil-out to keep your fryer in top condition. A boil-out is when you fill the fryer up with hot water and a deep fryer cleaning solution. Turn on the appliance and boil the solution for around 20-30 minutes. Drain the water away once it has cooled and flush the whole fryer with clean water, then use a paper towel to dry all parts thoroughly and allow it to air dry before refilling it with oil.