Deep fryer problems are especially damaging for restaurant businesses and it’s also harder to fix a commercial deep fryer. But you are not alone! Plenty of people face problems with deep fryers and many of the issues can be fixed alone with simple replacements.
Why does my deep fryer keep shutting off?
Deep fryers can keep shutting off for numerous reasons. The most common reasons are loose power cord connections, faulty parts, or overheating. Many of these problems can be easily fixed but if the damage is too much, you might have to replace your deep fryer completely.
Other reasons include a broken thermostat and even poor maintenance. If your deep fryer is repeatedly shutting off, you might have to take it for a repair. And the problem might not be with the deep fryer itself. Let’s learn more about it in detail!
Poor power cord connection:
For most models, the power cords connect to the appliance magnetically.
Once you move the deep fryer or accidentally push it, it can become disconnected. If that is not the case, you could be dealing with a faulty power cord.
Control Assembly issue:
The control assembly is the main part of your deep fryer because it includes the control board, heating element, and thermostats too. If any of them is faulty then it will affect your entire appliance and won’t work.
Faulty parts:
Sometimes there could be manufacturing defects as well. It’s best if you can notice this right off the bat. Faulty parts could be a result of poor construction.
If your deep fryer is fairly new, they might replace the faulty parts for free. However, most of the time the parts don’t start acting up until later.
Poor maintenance:
Cleaning is an essential part of owning a deep fryer even if you don’t use it frequently. All parts have to be properly cleaned and the most important thing is changing the oil regularly.
Bad oil can ruin the components inside. Remember to wash the interior as well. You don’t need to give it a deep clean every day but deep clean it at least once every 4 months. The dirt can build up to damaging parts one by one.
High-temperature limit switch:
Many deep fryers come with a high-temperature limit switch. Its job is to turn off the deep fryer when the oil in the cooking pot reaches high temperatures that are unsafe.
Overheating is very common and can be the sole reason for your problem. To fix this, you need to reset your deep fryer.
Do all deep fryers keep shutting off?
Not all deep fryers keep shutting off. The root of the problem can be the power cord or power socket. Deep fryers don’t work unless plugged in a power cord of appropriate voltage.
If your Pitco or Loco deep fryer keeps shutting down, then there could be a problem with the thermostat. The gas valve could be faulty.
The pilot might go off now and then but it’s completely normal. There are steps to relighting it. Check if there is a leak in the lines going from the gas valve to the thermostat.
If your Butterball deep fryer keeps shutting off, your unit could be overheating. This is one of the most common reasons why deep fryers keep shutting off. This is either because of the temperature sensor or the overheating sensor.
Other brand deep fryers, for example, Ninja, Oster, and Propane, also have similar issues. Check the thermostat first. Overheating can lead the hi-limit to trip which shuts the deep fryers off.
How do I fix a deep fryer?
Secure connection with the power cord or replace it:
If connected loosely, secure the connection with the deep fryer. If the power cord is faulty, all you have to do is purchase a new power cord according to your deep fryer model.
Replace control assembly:
To check if this is causing the issue, disassemble the control assembly. After that, use a multimeter to test the components for continuity. If any of them is faulty, you will have to replace the entire control assembly.
Reset the appliance:
If the issue is not with the power cord, then your reset button might have been tripped. After resetting the unit, try to turn it on again.
If the button keeps on tripping, the issue could be with the thermostat. Before resetting, remember to drain the oil.
Test and replace heating element:
Test if your heating element works properly using a multimeter.
To do this, you have to remove the heating element from the unit. If the multimeter does not beep after touching the leads of the terminals, the heating element is faulty.
Hire a professional:
After you’ve tried everything on this list, it’s time to call the experts. In the case of too much damages, you might have to replace your deep fryer completely.
How do I reset my deep fryer?
Resetting can help fix plenty of deep fryer issues such as overheating. For safety reasons, you might have to reset your deep fryer manually. Before resetting, you should always turn off and unplug the deep fryer from the wall outlet and fryer socket.
Wait for the oil to cool as well as the deep fryer. Locate the reset button of your appliance. It is typically located at the back of the control assembly.
If you still can’t find it, check the deep fryer manual. You’ll find a small button. Press this button using a needle, pencil, pen, or screwdriver. Your deep fryer should be reset now. In some appliances, you’ll find that there are two reset buttons.
How often should you clean a deep fryer?
This depends on how often you use your deep fryer and what kind of deep fryer you have. The interior of the deep fryer should at least be tidied up regularly. This is especially necessary if you use your deep fryer often. Changing the oil is essential to avoid the buildup of grime.
Once it builds up, it can be stubborn to come off. Besides that, you should clean your deep fryer every time you change the oil. It will wipe the previous oil and residue of food away. If you don’t use your deep fryer as frequently, such as every few weeks, clean it after use only.
There is no need to deep wash your deep fryer regularly. Every 3 to 6 months should be just fine to maintain your deep fryer.
If you don’t deep wash, it can be harmful to your fryer and the oil too. Do not try to clean your deep fryer in the sink or dishwasher. The water might damage the fryer permanently.
How to clean a deep fryer?
The basics of cleaning a deep fryer are simple but time-consuming. The first thing you should do is unplug the deep fryer. Allow the oil to cool. Do not add water into the hot oil. After that drain the oil from the fryer and store it in a sealed food-safe container.
You can start by cleaning the frying basket first. Take it out and wash it in the sink using detergent. Remove any remaining oil from the fryer using a sponge or cloth.
Use dish soap to scrub using a soft brush or cloth. Make sure to clean both the base and sides. The next step is critical. You can either pour hot water into the fryer or plug in the fryer and let the water heat up or you can pour some hot water.
Pour in the same amount of water as you usually pour oil. Clean the fryer thoroughly including dirty filters and the cooking pot.
Can a deep fryer be left on overnight?
Absolutely not. This can result in the entire building being burnt down. The fryer should not be left out of sight.
The oil will heat up to combustion and is a fire risk. The deep fryer components such as the cooking pot, lid, pot handles will become very hot which can lead to severe burns.
Once the oil becomes too hot, there comes a smoking point where fumes and black smoke are released. If left on, the same oil will burst into flames. This is when your deep fryer has the possibility of exploding.
Even if you do not have oil or anything on the fryer, the bottom of your fryer will still be harmed. Many accidents can happen due to this. Always remember to turn it off before you leave.
How do you test a deep fryer?
There are many ways to test if the oil in your deep fryer is ready for frying. The best way to test your deep fryer oil temperature is by using a frying thermometer.
This way, you can measure the temperature accurately. But there are other methods too in case you don’t own a frying thermometer.
The first method is done by wood, either a wooden spoon. Dip the tip of the wood item into the heating oil.
If you notice the oil bubbling once you put the wooden spoon, then you are ready to fry. If it’s bubbling too much then you should allow it to cool before frying. The oil is not hot enough for frying if no bubbles appear.
The second method is quite popular and has been used for ages. To do this, you need a piece of bread. Cut it into a 1-inch square. Drop it into the heating oil. Start the timer and see how long it takes to brown. If it takes 1 minute, then the temperature of the oil is at 365°F.
Final Thoughts:
A single faulty part can cause problems for the entire deep fryer. Always check the manual before disassembling any parts of your deep fryer to fix it. They can often come with easy solutions. If you can’t fix it by yourself, then you might have to take it for a repair.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Many Amps and Watts Does a Deep Fryer Use?
Why Does Fish & Other Food Stick to Deep Fryer Baskets?