Blog Post

Tech Tips

January 9, 2025

Safe Fryer Use

Protect Your Kitchen from Fire Hazards

At MCFT we take kitchen safety seriously, especially when it comes to high-risk equipment like deep fat fryers. Unfortunately, we’ve seen firsthand the consequences of fryer-related fires, with a recent series of incidents at some of our customers' sites. These fires were preventable, and in many cases, resulted from common mistakes in fryer maintenance and use. To help prevent further accidents, we’re sharing these important safety tips on how to reduce the risk of fryer fires. By understanding the dangers and taking steps to maintain your fryer, you can protect your kitchen, staff, and business from disaster.   Deep fat fryers are essential to many kitchens, but they also pose serious risks if not properly maintained. Poor cleaning habits, oil mishandling, and simple mistakes can quickly lead to dangerous fires. Here’s what you need to know to keep your kitchen safe.

1. The Fire Hazard of Poor Cleaning Practices

One of the most common causes of fryer fires is the build-up of grease and oil residue on and around the fryer’s burners. Over time, food particles, crumbs, and oil residue collect inside the fryer and in hard-to-reach areas, especially on heating elements or burners.
Without a strict cleaning routine, these deposits can become highly flammable. Even a small spark or heat from the burner can ignite this grease, causing a fire to spread rapidly. 
How to prevent this:
  • Regularly clean and maintain all parts of the fryer, especially burners and heating elements.
  • Schedule deep cleans at least weekly, with daily surface-level cleaning to remove food debris and grease build-up.

2. Oil Spillage on Burners 

Another overlooked hazard is oil spillage—when oil residue or small leaks pool onto the burners or heating elements. This can happen when oil is not properly drained or when fryer components are not correctly sealed. When oil spillage is exposed to heat, it can quickly ignite, turning into a fire that spreads beyond the fryer itself.
How to prevent this:
  • Ensure the fryer is regularly inspected for leaks, particularly around the drain and burner areas.
  • When draining oil, be cautious and ensure it’s done carefully without spilling onto hot surfaces.
  • Invest in high-quality gaskets and seals to reduce leaks.

3. Water in Hot Oil: A Dangerous Combination

Water and oil don’t mix, and this becomes especially dangerous when hot oil comes into contact with water. Even a small amount of water spilled into hot oil can cause the oil to splatter violently, increasing the risk of burns and fires. In extreme cases, large amounts of water can cause the oil to boil over, creating a flash fire in the kitchen.
How to prevent this:
  • Never pour water into the fryer or attempt to clean the fryer while oil is still hot.
  • Ensure all utensils, baskets, and surfaces are dry before placing them in the oil.
  • Be mindful of wet foods being fried—remove excess water or ice before placing in the fryer.

4. Overfilled Fryers: A Recipe for Disaster

Filling the fryer beyond its recommended oil level can result in hot oil overflowing when food is added. Not only is this a waste of oil, but the overflow can drip into heating elements or other hot surfaces, increasing the risk of fire.
How to prevent this:
  • Always fill the fryer with oil to the recommended level as indicated by the manufacturer.
  • Be cautious when adding food to avoid displacement that causes overflow.

5. Inadequate Ventilation and Airflow

Fryers generate a lot of heat, smoke, and fumes. Without proper ventilation, these fumes can accumulate and mix with grease-laden vapours, which is a recipe for a fire.
How to prevent this:
  • Ensure that your kitchen has proper ventilation systems in place.
  • Regularly clean ventilation hoods and ducts to remove grease build-up.

6. Lack of Proper Servicing

Your fryer is a complex piece of equipment that requires regular maintenance to function safely. Skipping or delaying servicing can lead to malfunctioning parts, poor performance, and a higher risk of fire hazards.
How to prevent this:
  • Schedule regular professional servicing to ensure all components are in proper working order.
  • Follow manufacturer-recommended servicing schedules for deep cleanings and inspections.

Final Thoughts: Safety First!

Taking proper care of your deep fat fryer can prevent a potentially devastating fire in your kitchen. By following these safety tips and maintaining a consistent cleaning and maintenance schedule, you can reduce risks and keep your staff and customers safe.
If you need any further advice or help with servicing your catering equipment, our team is always here to help! Stay safe, and keep frying responsibly!

If you're interested in finding out more about oil filtration, and how your business can benefit from cost-savings on oil? Reach out to our equipment sales’ team today.

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