With a deep fryer, you not only have to change the grease at regular intervals – you should also clean the fryer itself regularly. How best to do this, which points are important, and which cleaning agents are suitable, you can read in this article.
Problem grease film
Deep-frying causes a thin but very stubborn film of grease to form on many surfaces of the deep-fryer. This grease film is often difficult to remove, and it is even more difficult in crevices and recesses.
Therefore, cleaning the fryer is often time-consuming and tedious. But with a few tips, which we present below, you can make your life much easier here.
Before cleaning, of course, you need to remove and dispose of the old fat. But remove oil only when it has cooled down, and grease only just before it sets. Hot fat should always be allowed to cool in the fryer first, then no painful accidents will happen.
Cleaning the fryer – step by step
- Washing-up liquid
- Kitchen paper
- vinegar essence
1. remove grease and roughly clean the fryer
Disconnect the fryer from the mains (pull out the plug).
Pour out the cooled fat and roughly wipe out the fryer with kitchen paper. Pay particular attention to the areas under the rim.
You can then simply throw the used kitchen paper into the trash can. It is best to wear kitchen gloves when cleaning.
2. dissolve greasy dirt inside
Fill the fryer with as much water as you normally use oil (up to the maximum line). Add some dishwashing detergent and let the detergent solution soak in.
If it is very dirty, you can also use hot water (grease dissolves better in it). During the soaking, you can lightly work the walls of the fryer with the rinsing brush, so that the grease dirt dissolves better. Dump out the water afterwards. 3.
3. rinse the fryer
Mix vinegar essence with water in a 1:3 ratio and rinse the inside of the fryer thoroughly. For corners and hard-to-reach places, use the rinsing brush again. After rinsing with the vinegar mixture, rinse again thoroughly with clean water.
4. cleaning the basket and lid
Soak the basket of the fryer in hot water to which you have added some dishwashing liquid. You may well soak the basket for up to half an hour to thoroughly loosen the greasy dirt. It is best to use detergent with high fat dissolving power. Take the rinsing brush to the aid, in order to loosen the grease residues better.
Alternatively, you can also put the basket of the deep fryer in the dishwasher. However, make sure whether the manufacturer of the fryer also allows this. Not all baskets are dishwasher safe.
Do the same with the lid. If you have installed an odor filter in the lid, however, you should be careful that this filter is not immersed in water and, if possible, does not get wet. Otherwise, it will not function properly afterwards. If you can remove the filter, remove it before placing the lid in the water. Do not put it back in until the lid is completely dry.
5. clean the outside of the fryer properly
There is usually a very sticky grease film on the outside of the fryer as well. With ordinary means, the sticky grease is usually difficult and time-consuming to remove from the smooth plastic.
The best thing to do here is to use tried and tested household remedies: vinegar essence, soda or baking powder. All three, mixed with water, remove sticky layers of grease particularly well. Another option is dishwasher tabs that you dissolve in water. Simply dip a soft cloth or the soft dishwashing brush into the mixture and let it work on the outside of the fryer for a bit. Then wipe with a damp cloth. If necessary, repeat until the grease film is completely removed.
Important tips to keep in mind when cleaning
Refrain under all circumstances from using
- aggressive cleaning agents
- scouring pads
- steel wool
This applies to both the inside of the fryer and the housing. These agents can damage the sensitive surfaces.
Heating elements and live parts must never be immersed in water. Also, never rinse the fryer under water. Short circuits and electric shocks could result.
After cleaning, the fryer must dry thoroughly before you allow it to operate again.
When purchasing, the more you can disassemble a fryer, the easier it will be to clean later. Pay attention to this point if you can decide between several models.
Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth Green is a seasoned home chef and culinary expert who has a passion for all things kitchen-related. With her extensive knowledge of the latest kitchen products and appliances, Elizabeth provides insightful reviews and recommendations to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Whether you're looking for a new refrigerator, blender, or cookware set, Elizabeth is your guide to finding the best kitchen products available in the UK.
