How to Clean a Deep Fryer and Say Goodbye to Grease

Deep frying adds a unique flavor and texture to food that is impossible to replicate with other cooking methods. This is a core reason that restaurant food is so appealing. You can achieve similar results at home with an electric or stovetop deep fryer, but it's important to clean the deep fryer regularly to prevent rancid oil or appliance malfunction.

Read on to learn how to clean a deep fryer properly and see other deep fryer recommendations from Mr. Appliance experts.

The Best Way to Clean a Deep Fryer

• Keep the oil at a safe temperature and never leave your deep fryer unattended.
• Place a box of baking soda nearby to extinguish a fire in the event of an emergency.
• Don't overcrowd the fryer, which can lower the temperature of the oil and cause food to be overly greasy.
• Choose an oil with a high smoke point such as peanut, canola, or safflower.
• Keep track of how many times you reuse the oil and change it as needed.
• Make sure your food is dry before placing it in the fryer; any water that is present can cause the oil to splatter.

Supplies Needed to Clean a Deep Fryer

You will need these items to clean your deep fryer:

• Dish soap
• Non-stick pan scraper (or a plastic putty knife)
• Paper towels
• Strainer
• Soft-bristled brush
• Sponge Container for the frying oil
• Clean towels
• White vinegar
• Baking soda (optional)

Steps: How to Clean a Deep Fryer Correctly

1. Unplug the deep fryer, and allow it to cool down completely.
2. Strain the frying oil into a container, throwing away any bits of food or debris. If the oil is cloudy, smells rancid, is very dark, or has foam on top, dispose of it safely; otherwise, consider saving it to reuse.
3. Soak the wire basket in warm, soapy water, adding a few tablespoons of vinegar to help break down the grease.
4. Use the brush and scraper to remove as much buildup as you can from the interior of the deep fryer, including the corners.
5. Use paper towels to soak up excess oil and wipe away debris.
6. Fill the deep fryer with water to the maximum oil line, and mix in a few drops of dish soap.
7. Turn the deep fryer on, and allow the water to come to a boil. Heat is the secret to the best way to clean a deep fryer!
8. Let the water boil for several minutes, unplug the unit, and allow the water to cool.
9. Drain the water through the strainer to catch any chunks of food or oil, and wipe down the interior of the deep fryer thoroughly with a sponge or cloth.
10. Dip a sponge or soft-bristled brush in warm, soapy water, and use it to scrub remaining oil. If any areas won’t come clean, apply a paste made from baking soda and water, and scrub again.
11. Rinse the deep fryer thoroughly with clean water, and wipe it dry with paper towels or cloth towels.
12. Rinse the frying basket, and reinsert it into the appliance.

There you have it—the best way to clean a deep fryer at home.

How Often Should You Clean a Deep Fryer?

If you only use your residential deep fryer occasionally, follow the above cleaning steps every time you use the deep fryer so you can put it away safely. If you use it frequently—such as every day or every other day—you can likely get away with a thorough wipe-down in between uses, with a weekly deep-clean using the steps above. Just make sure you check for signs of rancid oil, such as a foul odor.

In a typical commercial setting, a busy establishment may do light fryer cleaning daily, with a deep-clean twice a week. Whether the appliance is in a home or a business, appliance cleaning is a very important part of effective appliance care.

Deep Frying at Home: Tips and Tricks

Mr. Appliance experts have opinions about deep frying! We recommend focusing on the right ingredients, equipment, and safe cooking methods:

• Keep the oil at a safe temperature, and never leave your deep fryer unattended.
• Place a box of baking soda nearby to extinguish a fire in the event of an emergency. Ideally, you should have an ABC fire extinguisher near your kitchen.
• Don't overcrowd the fryer, which can lower the temperature of the oil and cause food to be overly greasy.
• Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, or safflower oil.
• Keep track of how many times you reuse the oil, and change it as needed.
• Make sure your food is dry before placing it in the fryer. Residual water can cause the oil to splatter, which can burn you or stain your clothing.

Help from the Experts at Mr. Appliance

When it comes to your kitchen appliances, you can trust the experienced professionals at Mr. Appliance to provide reliable repair and maintenance services. Schedule an appointment with us online, or find your local Mr. Appliance team.