Deep frying is one of the most delicious ways to cook food. Just about anything can be made more delicious with a deep fryer, from staples like potatoes and chicken to Twinkies and Snickers bars. But just like any other piece of kitchen equipment, deep fryers need to be properly cared for in order to do their job right.
For those deep-fried goodies to be as tasty as possible, you must maintain your restaurant’s deep fryer. Once you get in the habit of it, these things won’t be too much of a hassle as long as you keep up on them. Here are some restaurant fryer maintenance tips.
Clean it daily
Just like any other piece of cookware, a deep fryer needs to be cleaned after it’s been used. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be done after each use, but it still needs to get done each day. It’s best to do this at the end of the day so you start each new day with a clean fryer.
To do this, you can run the fryer basket through a dishwasher cycle and blot it dry. It’s also important to clean the exterior of the machine each day, at minimum.
Deep cleaning
In addition to daily cleaning, an important part of maintaining a restaurant deep fryer is to give it regular deep cleanings. These should take place at least once every three to six months. To deep clean the fryer, first drain the oil from the machine, then load the vat with water and the appropriate amount of cleaning solution. Next, turn on the fryer so the water starts to simmer, but don’t let it come to a boil. Once the water has heated, scrub the inside with a soft brush until clean. Finally, drain the fryer and let it dry.
Change the oil regularly
You probably know that it’s important to regularly change the oil in your deep fryer, but exactly how often should it be changed? For commercial restaurant fryers being used on a regular basis, you should change the oil at least twice a week. You can tell if it needs to be changed if you smell burning while the oil is hot, or if the food you cook in it looks darker than normal.
Use the right oil and filter
Not all cooking oils are meant for commercial deep fryers, and some oils will perform better for cooking different foods. For example, some oils will burn at higher temperatures, while some have a higher smoke point made for hotter frying. You should also make sure to use a commercial oil filter for the fryer to improve the quality of the oil and the taste of your food. By using an external oil filtration system, you can greatly increase the life of your oil.
Get annual inspections
Another restaurant fryer maintenance tip is to get a professional inspection once a year. This will ensure your fryer stays in top condition and your food will keep tasting great. For fryer inspections or any other restaurant maintenance needs, contact Commercial Equipment Service Inc. today.