Commercial deep fryers are designed to deep fry and prepare multiple types and batches of food items while maintaining consistent quality. These deep fryers are usually employed in commercial settings such as restaurants, hospitals, and other busy places. To keep them running like new, it is important that deep fryers receive proper maintenance. Unfortunately, not many people are aware of the details that make a huge difference in the longevity and smooth running of the machine and some don’t hire commercial kitchen appliance repair experts who can help extend the lifespan of their fryers. Here ‘s how to maintain a commercial deep fryer to ensure smooth running.
Daily Maintenance Tips For A Commercial Fryer
As mentioned earlier, commercial deep fryers are mostly found in commercial settings. This means these machines are bound to work throughout the day nonstop and will experience some wear and tear along the way as well. This makes it even more important for the staff to maintain the fryer at the end of each working day.
The first thing that needs to be done is to filter or drain the oil. You cannot expect the same oil to be used for the next day, no matter how little or less was used. Oils are heated up to extreme temperatures, and using the same oil can lead to differences in taste and quality.
Draining the oil allows you to remove crumbs, food particles, and carbon residue. Modern commercial deep fryers come with a built-in filtration system, but you will have to do it manually if your deep fryer is older. Filtering the oil ensures better oil quality and extends its lifespan as well.
Furthermore, it is equally important to wipe down the exterior of the fryer as well, including the handles, knobs, control panels, etc. Not only does it appear dirty and unhygienic, but it can also lead to fire and pest attacks.
While you are wiping down the exterior, you should check for any cracks or leakages as well. Sometimes, leakages can take place that could be hard to observe. If you come across any unusual signs, you should immediately consult a professional.
Weekly & Monthly Maintenance Tasks
While daily maintenance helps keep the machine running without any complications, the weekly and monthly tasks go deeper. This type of maintenance helps catch any potential mechanical failures before they affect the operations.
The first thing you need to do is remove the baskets and soak them in hot water to remove any buildup. Then, using a cleaning agent, scrub the baskets thoroughly and let them dry. Next, you should check the filters and clean or replace them.
Although filters are located in more or less the same area, and maybe more than one, depending on the make, model, and variant of the fryer. You will need to consult the user manual to access and thoroughly clean the filters. If the deep fryer happens to be old, you might need to replace the filters.
In addition to that, check the burners and cleaning elements. These areas accumulate layers of dirt, dust, oil, and grease, making heat distribution a bit difficult. So, cleaning them on a weekly and monthly basis prevents layer buildup and keeps things running smoothly.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
The monthly tasks are related to the removal of internal carbon deposits and hard grease buildup. You will need to purchase a cleaning agent and make a solution or use a vinegar and water mixture to get rid of stubborn deposits. This mixture also removes bacteria that could affect the food quality.
Furthermore, you should also inspect and clean the exhaust hood. This is the component through which the gases tend to exit, and if neglected, can accumulate in the hood filters and ductwork. This could pose a huge fire risk and needs to be cleaned on a monthly basis or earlier, depending on the usage.
More importantly, you should also check the gas lines or power supply. With time, the gas lines also tend to crack or become damaged. The wires are prone to cracking as well, leading to power disruption. By inspecting these minor components, you can catch problems quite early. Some of these maintenance tasks like checking the gas line is essential for gas oven as well. But for repairs, you should let commercial gas oven repair experts handle the task.
Fryer Boil-Out
Fryer boil-out is a popular concept in the world of commercial deep fryers. Even if you clean the oil filters and wipe down the fryer every day, there is still a chance of residue buildup in complicated areas over time. The fryer boil-out process takes place in multiple stages.
In the beginning, you will need to drain the oil and remove food debris. If the fryer was recently used, you will need to let the oil cool down a bit. Using a skimmer or scraper, you will need to remove any crumbs or solids left behind.
Then, use hot water to rinse the remaining residue inside, making sure not to use high-pressure water or submerge the electrical components inside the water. Then again, you will need to use a chemical degreaser, but consult the user manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Follow the instructions mentioned on the back of the product and let it sit for a while to break down the accumulations.
Then, turn the fryer onto low or medium heat. Simmer for 20-30 minutes for the solution to break down the grease. During the simmering process, use a long-handled brush to access, clean hard-to-reach corners, and seams.
Once the deep fryer is thoroughly cleaned, turn on the fan and let it dry thoroughly. At the same time, wipe down the interior and only add fresh oil when the fryer is completely dry.
Signs Your Commercial Deep Fryer Needs Maintenance
Commercial deep fryers, like other commercial kitchen appliances, need regular maintenance. It is often the case that the team or business owners tend to miss out on these signs as they consider them temporary or normal. If you come across any unusual signs, you should immediately get it fixed instead of expecting it to go away on its own.
Some signs, such as burning oil smell at normal temperatures and uneven cooking, are telltale signs that something is wrong. It could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat, buildup on elements, or other electrical issues. With time, it will affect the quality of the food as well as the lifespan of the fryer.
Keep in mind that you will also need to consult a professional for expert maintenance. Professional maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer and is not just limited to cleaning. It helps the expert go deep inside the machine, check for potential issues, and fix them on the spot. This is a type of investment rather than an expense to keep future troubles at bay.
Conclusion
Commercial deep fryers are not that difficult to maintain if you keep the tips mentioned above in mind. It might be difficult the first time, but once you get used to it, it is an easy task on a daily basis. Such standards and practices will help keep the quality consistent and make your fryer run for decades, making your money worth it. For professional maintenance and repairs, don’t delay calling in a deep fryer repair technician.
