10 tips to safely clean a deep fat fryer 

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You’ve pulled out the deep fat fryer for another fake-away night of bliss. And, of course, there’s a mysterious chef who used the fryer last time and put it away without a proper deep clean. You didn't want a sparkling clean deep fat fryer anyway – you'll enjoy your crunchy tempura much more with the added flavour of last week’s crispy chicken, and the last person to use it was just thinking of you! 

So, don’t let grime get in the way – here’s how to clean a deep fat fryer properly. It takes a bit of time to learn the best way to clean deep fat fryer parts, but when you’ve learnt how to clean a fryer using our advice, you’ll be able to give your fake-away a five-star rating. 

The best way to clean a deep fat fryer

Follow our 10 tips to really get your deep fat fryer back to its original state with ease.

1. Get your cleaning kit together

You’re staring at the messy, well-loved, deep fat fryer before you and all you have is one question in your mind: how do I clean a deep fat fryer without having to give up my whole day? Well, never fear, let’s look at the kit you’ll need for the quick and easy job: 

• Detergent
• Container for the oil
• Scouring sponge
• Pan scraper or spatula
• Soft brush
• Plenty kitchen paper

2. Start safely 

When it comes to deep fryer cleaning tips, safety comes first. No one wants an accident mid-clean—there’s nothing cool about that. Follow these essential steps to keep the process safe from start to finish: 

• Turn off and unplug your fryer.
• Make sure oil is completely cool.
• Wrap power cables in paper towels to protect against spills.

 3. How to drain the oil

Once the oil has cooled, drain it into a sealable container. When learning how to clean a deep fat fryer at home, consider reusing the oil—just check it’s not rancid or discoloured and store it in a cool place. Otherwise, dispose of the old oil safely – through this guide you can find out what can be composted and what should go in the general waste instead.

4. How to clean a fryer basket

Remove the basket from the fryer and use hot water and detergent to clean. Now it’s time for a workout! Use a vigorous scrubbing motion with your scouring sponge or brush to remove debris, and then rinse and leave on a dish rack to dry.

5. How to remove debris and excess oil from the fryer 

Start off by blotting up any leftover oil in your fryer – super-absorbent and strong Plenty paper towel does the job perfectly – before moving onto getting rid of the debris. Grab your spatulas and pan scrapers—plastic only—so you can scrub without leaving a single scratch!

6. How to clean a deep fat fryer

Fill a bowl with warm soapy water and place it next to your fryer. Take your sponge and, using a circular motion, get cleaning. Finally, fill your fryer with hot water and leave for around 30 minutes to loosen any stubborn grime.

7. How to clean the filters

If they’re removable there’s an easy way to clean deep fryer filters – simply take them out and soak in hot soapy water before wiping with an absorbent paper towel. If not, take a little detergent and use a paper towel to remove any excess oil, grime, or tempura batter.

8. Finishing touches

You’re nearly there now! Just empty the hot water from your fryer and rinse out. Finally, let the interior of the fryer air dry (got to love the easy bits) while you wipe down the exterior and give it a little polish with your Plenty paper towel.

9. Safety dos and don’ts

• Never clean while the fryer is plugged in.
• Never immerse the fryer in water.
• Avoid water getting on electric cables.
• Always make sure the oil is cool before draining.

10. On-going maintenance

In terms of overall maintenance there are a few points that will help make the task easier:

• When cooking, wipe up oil splashes from the exterior with paper towel.
• Regularly change the oil if your fryer is in frequent use.
• Brush heating coils when the oil is drained.
• Always follow the fryer’s manual. 

How often should you clean a deep fryer?

How often you clean a deep fat fryer depends on how often you use it. You should aim to clean it every week if you’re a frequent user. Otherwise, if you’re an occasional fryer, once every two weeks is totally acceptable. You should change the oil after eight to ten uses, and you should always take it out of the fryer after each use and store it in a cool, dark place until the next time.  

Now that we’ve explained how to clean a deep fryer you can get cracking. Once your household knows the best way to clean a deep fat fryer safely there’s no reason why everyone can’t take their turn at hosting their own fake-away night dinner. 

And now that you’ve seen just how easy it is to clean a deep fat fryer, you might want to also read our guide on how to give your whole kitchen a spring clean. Happy frying (and cleaning!)