How to Keep a Deep Fryer Element From Clogging Up

The heating element of deep fryers tends to clog up if you don't clean it regularly.

Deep fryers cook food without any mess. Cooking oil is contained within the fryer, which typically fries food evenly and thoroughly. The heating element in these fryers tends to clog up with use and it's important to regularly clean your fryer to prevent this from happening. Always allow the fryer to cool down and unplug it before you attempt to clean the fryer or its element.

Things You'll Need

• Empty sealable plastic container
• Clean and dry work surface
• Plastic utensil such as a plastic serrated knife
• Plastic scrubbing pad
• Disposable cloth (optional)
• Paper towel (optional)
• Thin pair of rubber gloves
• Tablespoon
• Flour

Instructions

1. Let the deep fryer cool down completely. Hot oil will cause serious burns if it splashes or spills on your hands or any other part of your body.

2. Remove the inside container with the cooking oil. Discard the oil by pouring it into an empty sealable plastic container. Never discard used cooking oil by pouring it down a kitchen drain or into a plastic or paper bag.

3. Refer to your deep fryer’s instruction manual to see whether your model can be submersed in water for cleaning. If your manual specifically states that it is safe to do so, submerge the deep fryer in hot, soapy water and let it soak a bit before washing the fryer to remove the residue. If your specific model is not designed to be submerged in water, you may damage its heating element and electric wiring.

4. Unplug the fryer from its power source and place the fryer on a dry and clean working surface in the kitchen, if you cannot submerge the fryer in hot soapy water.

5. Remove the heating element for cleaning if your deep fryer model allows for this.

6. Scrape off any residue that is coating the element with a plastic utensil, such as a plastic serrated knife. Wipe off the remaining residue with a plastic scrubbing pad, piece of disposable cloth or paper towel.

7. Put on a thin pair of rubber gloves.

8. Sprinkle a tablespoon of plain flour on the heating element and rub it over the element with your finger. Flour will remove the last layers of residue on the element without damaging it. Wipe off the flour and the remaining residue with a piece of paper towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Never scrape the element with a metal utensil, as this will potentially damage it.

References

• Deepfat Fryer Reviews: Presto 05464 Dual Basket ProFry Immersion Element Deep Fryer
• Waring Products: Professional Deep Fryer

Resources

• Oster: Frequently Asked Questions