Any hospitality establishment is incomplete without a commercial deep fryer. It is a major asset and is vital for adding flavour and texture to favourite foods. However, daily usage of the fryer can make it messy and dirty. Be it your gas fryer, benchtop fryer or deep fryer, you can keep these units running in good condition by performing some routine cleaning throughout the week.
So what is the method of cleaning? Below are some useful instructions on how to clean a deep fryer:
Things you need to clean a deep fryer:
- PPE or Personal Protective Equipment like an apron, heat-proof gloves, and protective eyeglasses.
- Fryer Cleaner like liquid or detergent packets (to clean interior surfaces)
- Oven & Grill Cleaner (to clean exterior surfaces)
- Synthetic scrub pad
- Long-handled brush compatible with high temperatures
- Freshwater or water hose for rinsing
- Paper towels/clean cloths
- Fryer clean out rod
- Oil pan drum
Commercial fryers require regular the classic “boil-out” cleaning for best performance. This means that you’ll have to throw away the old oil, add water along with special commercial deep fryer cleaning solution, and boil the mixture inside the fryer to get rid of thedirt and food residue. You should conduct this boil-out method at least once every month to maintain the hygiene. However, if your establishment uses high-use fryers, then it is recommended to conduct the boil-out method at least once a week.
Internal Cleaning
- Turn off the fryer, and wait till the oil inside cools down.
- Once the oil cools down, transfer it from the machine into a container for future use.
- Using a cleaning brush or scraper, get rid of the buildup from the walls and base of the fryer.
- After scrapping down, fill the fryer with water up to the level line. Add an appropriate grease-cleaning liquid or detergent to the water.
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Turn on the fryer and boil the water along with added detergent or solution for 5-10 minutes. This will help you get rid of the excess grease remaining in the machine.
- Once boiled, turn the fryer off and allow the water to cool down significantly. Remove the water once cool enough.
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Take a sponge or paper towel and wipe off the bottom and sidewalls. Take warm water and cleaner and mix them in a bowl or bucket, take a soft bristle brush, and scrub down areas of the interior to get rid of any residue.
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Rinse it with water to remove the soapy mixture and oil remnants. Repeat the previous step if you still see any deposit or residue. Rinse again when complete.

Exterior Cleaning
Clean the exterior of commercial fryer using warm water and a degreasing liquid or detergent. Add the cleaning liquid in a spray bottle to make the application easy for cleaning. Wipe it clean using a soft washcloth or non-abrasive sponge.
Summing Up
Regular cleaning of your commercial deep fryers saves you energy, time and money. This helps in extending the life of your appliance for future use, along with maintaining good hygiene.