Commercial deep fryers are heavy-duty machines specifically designed to cook a large batch of meals at the same time. In most cases, commercial fryers are used throughout the day, which can take a toll on their health and lifespan. However, one way to ensure that your commercial deep fryer performs effortlessly for years to come is through maintenance by a commercial appliances repair professional. Here’s what you should do to extend the life of your deep fryer.
Clean It Everyday
As mentioned earlier, commercial deep fryers are mostly used throughout the day which eventually turn into weeks and months. Like other commercial appliances that require regular maintenance, your commercial deep fryers needs it as well. Plus, since they are dealing with oil, there is a high chance, that grease, dirt, leftover food items, etc. create problems for the unit.
That said, the first thing you need to ensure when it comes to maintaining a commercial deep fryer is maintaining it every day, especially if you own a restaurant. If your business specializes in selling fried food products, then you need to be extra careful about the deep fryer as even a minor problem could halt the process and cost you customers let alone money.
The best time to clean a commercial deep fryer is when the restaurant has closed. You do not need to deep clean it every day but simply clean the exterior and oil and grease accumulation. For deep cleaning, make sure you hire an expert.
Clean After Changing The Frying Oil
A common mistake made by business owners is not cleaning the commercial deep fryer after changing the oil. The oil inside the deep fryer heats up via the heating elements that are immersed in oil. That said, it is equally important that you clean the heating components as well when there is an oil change.
If ignored, the heating elements will get covered with oil and grime, affecting the heating capability. However, depending on the model, the cleaning process of your commercial deep fryer may vary. Therefore, you will need to consult the user manual.
Furthermore, do not attempt to clean the heating elements right after turning it off because they will be hot. You should wait for the machine to cool down a bit and use the right tools and techniques to clean them.
Deep Clean
It is often that business owners confuse regular cleaning with deep cleaning. In reality, these are two different things. Deep cleaning is thoroughly cleaning the commercial deep fryer from the inside out. How often to deep clean your deep fryer depends on the usage frequency of the commercial deep fryer.
Moreover, when it comes to deep cleaning a commercial deep fryer, the task should always be performed by a professional. You have to keep in mind that commercial deep fryers have several different components. Therefore, if you were to do it on your own, not only will you risk injuring yourself but also damage the expensive components.
While looking for an expert, you will come across many that are willing to offer their services at a price lower than the market average. You might be tempted to hire them but bear that in your mind that you are taking a huge risk. An inexperienced individual will only ruin the machine and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements.
That is why, you should first reach out to the manufacturer. If they can send someone, you should not have to worry. However, if your deep fryer is old and the manufacturer does not offer services for older models, you will need to look around and ask your colleagues or friends for references.
You should also check with the manufacturer of your other appliances like the oven and steamer for service because manufacturers offer high-quality service. But if your appliances are a bit older, you should consult commercial steamer repair Alexandria technicians.
Additional Deep Fryer Cleaning Tips
In addition to deep cleaning your commercial deep fryer, it is important to be aware of other techniques that might affect the performance and lifespan of the unit. For instance, you should be careful about the quality of the oil you use. From the outside, frying oils may look the same but possess different qualities.
To begin with, you should make sure you use the oil recommended by the manufacturer and keep it within the recommended temperature range. Modern commercial deep fryers come with temperature control and you need to be familiar with how it works.
It is often that business owners prefer cooking food items at a higher temperature to speed up the process. That does not hurt if you are in a hurry but if you make it a habit, you will not only waste the oil but also damage the machine.
Additionally, you also need to filter the oil. Although, you will be changing the oil after every few uses, filtering the oil will keep the deep fryer clean and prevent affecting the taste of the food.
How Often Should You Clean Deep Fryer Oil?
If you are using the fryer daily, you will need to change the oil at least twice a week. However, if the deep fryer is used only a few times, then after a few weeks. Additionally, if you do not know to tell if the oil needs changing, you will need to take a closer look.
Try to smell the oil and see if it smells like burning. If it smells bad, you will need an oil change. Secondly, you can also check the condition of the oil via food. If your food smells or tastes burnt, it means the oil needs replacing. Finally, if the color of the food is darker than usual, it is a sure sign the oil needs to be replaced.
Can I Deep Clean The Fryer On My Own?
If for some reason, you are not able to hire an expert, you can deep clean the fryer on your own as well. The first thing to do is ensure the fryer is cool. So, wait until the fryer cools down. To do that, turn off the deep fryer and disconnect its cord from the power source.
Avoid accidents and use a thermometer to ensure the temperature is cool. Then, grab the user manual and use it as a guide to drain the oil. Place a bucket or something similar underneath to prevent spilling. If it is clean oil, you will need to properly cover and store it for a while until it can be used again.
Take out any removable parts like buckets, joiner strips, etc., and soak them in soap and hot water. The hot water will help oil and grease break down. Once that is done, use a soft cleaning brush and remove any leftover fried debris. For tougher spots, you will need to use special tools or simply your hand.
You can use off-the-shelf products to clean both the inside and outside of the fryer. Finally, rinse the areas using tap water and dry them with a soft cloth. Make sure you do not use abrasive chemicals or rough cleaning techniques that might damage the fryer.
Conclusion
You can increase the lifespan of your commercial deep fryer maintenance if you follow the tips mentioned above. The best way to ensure this is by developing a maintenance schedule and hiring a deep fryer repair Springfield expert for deep cleaning sessions and repairs. If not, you can always do it on your own provided you have the skills and tools.