How to Clean Oil in Your Deep Fryer

The oil in your deep fryer needs properly cleaned to preserve the taste of your deep fried foods.

Proper maintenance of a deep fryer will lengthen its life. Once you use the oil in your fryer a few times, you need to clean the oil. Food and debris often fall into the oil and can make the oil smell and taste rancid when the food begins to break down. Instead of buying new oil to replace it, you can simply clean the oil in the deep dryer and reuse it many times.

Things You'll Need

• Butter knife
• Protective gloves
• Mesh strainer or sieve
• Large container
• Colander
• Cheesecloth

Instructions

1. Unplug the deep fryer. Allow the oil to cool down to at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Use a butter knife to scrape off any food and oil from the sides of the deep fryer. Wear protective gloves to protect them from potentially hot oil.

3. Place a mesh strainer or sieve over a large container. Make sure that the strainer fits well over the large container because you will not be able to hold the strainer while you pour the oil from the deep fryer. You can also cover a colander with a large piece of cheesecloth.

4. Pour the oil into the strainer slowly. Allow all the solid particles to filter from the oil.

5. Dispose of the solids that you strained from the oil. Transfer the oil back into the deep fryer. Add more fresh oil to keep the deep fryer oil at the appropriate level.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the oil from your deep fryer every two to three uses to keep it fresh.

• Keep the lid on the deep fryer when you are not using it to keep light and air from penetrating the oil.

• Dispose of the oil completely when it appears dark in color and has a rancid odor. The oil may also appear thick and viscous. Store old oil in a container. Once the container becomes full, throw it away in the trash.

• You can also add oil to a compost pile, or recycle it by taking it to a restaurant that has used grease bins.

• Always unplug your deep fryer when you are not using it.

• Do not pour oil down your drain.

• Be careful when working with hot oil. Wear gloves to protect your hands, and consider wearing goggles to prevent hot oil from burning your eyes. If burn yourself with the hot oil, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

References

• A City Discount: Cleaning & Care for Your Electric Deep Fryer
• Discovery: Planet Green: Kitchen Grease: How to Reuse and Safely Dispose Oil

Resources

• Consumer Search: Important Deep Fryer Features: What to Look For