When a deep fryer is working well, it’s an essential part of a commercial kitchen. Hot crisp fries, golden brown fish, and delicious donuts all use this important piece of equipment to give them an unmistakable crunch. If both management and employees are aware of the safety precautions they need to take, a commercial deep fryer can work well for years. Review these five safety tips to make sure your kitchen is well-equipped to troubleshoot any issues.
1. Change the fry oil regularly.
Dirty fry oil can get very smoky, imparting a burnt, acrid flavor to food. Very dirty fry oil can even ignite, making it very dangerous. Oil fires are stubbornly difficult to put out, and these fires can cause significant damage in a commercial kitchen. Deep fryers cause a significant amount of kitchen fires, so it’s important to be aware of the age of the oil you’re using. To prevent any major safety issues, fry oil should be changed after about eight uses. When you empty the oil, never put it down the sink. Instead, use a grease disposal service when it’s time to change the oil. Replacing the oil will improve food taste and help prevent the oil from igniting.
2. Keep the oil temperature consistent.
Oil that is heated too quickly may pose a safety hazard. When oil undergoes a quick temperature increase, it can smoke, burn, or bubble over. Nearby workers may be splashed with hot oil, or food items can be burnt beyond recognition. Using a steady increase in heat will allow you to monitor the temperature carefully.
3. Don’t overfill the deep fryer.
Keeping the oil in a deep fryer at the correct level is essential for using the equipment correctly. Filling the fryer with too much oil or trying to deep fry too much food at once can both cause issues. When the oil level is too high, any sputtering or spitting of the oil could injure a worker or cause slick spots to build up on the floor. If you find yourself tempted to overfill the deep fryer to cook more food, it may be time to invest in a second machine. With two fryers, you’ll be able to cook twice as much food without the danger of overcrowding.
4. Have employees wear appropriate, kitchen-safe gear/uniforms.
Close-toed shoes with a grippy sole and flame-resistant uniforms are an important part of deep fryer safety. Keeping toes covered will prevent burns to the feet, while a strong tread will prevent slipping on water, oil, or other spills. While long sleeves can keep arms safe from flames, hot water, or hot oil, excessive sleeve length could get dirty or
could be unsafe for the wearer. When working with the deep fryer, make sure your sleeves aren’t dipping into the hot oil as you’re frying. Three quarter length sleeves can keep arms covered without impeding movement.
5. Have an expert inspect the deep fryer regularly.
The best way to prevent safety issues from occurring with any commercial kitchen equipment is to have it regularly inspected for defects. This is definitely true for a deep fryer, which can be dangerous if maintenance issues are not addressed in a timely manner. As a deep fryer ages, it can accumulate grease that compromises its function. This buildup can also cause safety issues with the equipment. An experienced repair technician will check the thermostat and heating element,
advise on cleaning the equipment, and run several function tests. By having your deep fryer regularly serviced, you can prevent many issues from occurring.
Keep Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment Safe with ATECH
Share On: