How to Light a Deep Fryer

Leave the pilot light burning for instant ignition in the future.

You can light a deep fryer safely in just a few minutes by taking a few basic precautions to ensure your safety. Basic outdoor deep fryer models have exposed burners that must be individually lit manually. Commercial deep fryers use a pilot light that may be manually or electronically ignited. Light a deep fryer so the gas-fueled burners heat the oil hot enough to turn out a variety of crispy, golden-brown fried foods.

Things You'll Need

• Long butane candle lighter
• Owner's manual

Instructions

Outdoor Deep Fryer

1. Fill the oil reservoir of the outdoor deep fryer to the appropriate level for that deep fryer model. Most deep fryers have a fill line on the inner wall of the oil reservoir for easy reference. Adding the oil before lighting reduces the chance of pouring oil onto an open flame.

2. Switch the gas valve and temperature gauge on the deep fryer to the "Off" position and connect the gas hose to the deep fryer. An adjustable crescent wrench is all that is needed to tighten the retainer bolt on both ends of the hose.

3. Turn the gas on at the source tank and set the burner control to high heat or light position if the deep fryer has one. The gas tank should be at least 3 feet away from the burner at all times.

4. Light the burner by sparking the flame of a long butane candle lighter and moving it toward the edge of the burner until it ignites. Quickly move your hand and the lighter back when you see the flames ignite to avoid burns.

5. Adjust the burner control to the desired level to begin heating the oil. A large vat of oil can take as long as 30 minutes to reach temperatures above 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Indoor/ Commercial Fryer Pilot

1. Fill the oil reservoir of the deep fryer to the appropriate level for that deep fryer model. Most deep fryers have a fill line on the inner wall of the oil reservoir for easy reference. Adding the oil before lighting the pilot reduces the chance of pouring oil onto an open flame.

2. Review the owner's manual for the specific model of deep fryer you are lighting. Some models have very specific instructions regarding safety and operational sequence.

3. Switch the gas valve and temperature gauge on the deep fryer to the "off" position and connect the gas hose to the deep fryer. An adjustable crescent wrench is all that is needed to tighten the retainer bolt on both ends of the hose.

4. Turn the gas valve to the "Pilot" position and hold the control knob in or press the electronic ignition according to the manufacturer's directions. Deep fryers with manually lit pilots will require that you stick the tip of a long candle lighter into a hole near the base of the machine to extend a flame to the pilot light valve. Refer to the owner's manual for the exact location of the pilot light on the model you are using.

5. Allow the pilot light to burn for at least two minutes before increasing the temperature on the deep fryer to around 200 degrees F. This will allow gas to flow to the burner below the oil reservoir. The burning pilot light will light the burner.

6. Increase the temperature to the desired level after you hear the burners ignite to heat the oil for frying. The pilot light will remain lit between uses to instantly light the burners when the deep fryer is turned on.

Tips & Warnings

• Block wind with large pieces of cardboard if the flame on an outdoor fryer is repeatedly blown out. Keep the cardboard at least 18 inches from the flames to reduce the chances of combustion.

• Keep a working fire extinguisher within reach anytime you are boiling large amounts of oil over an open flame. Spills and flareups can be very dangerous and cause serious injury.

References

• Event Source: Instructions: 4 Gallon Deep Fryer