Thankgiving Deep Frying Dangers

11/25/2021 (Permalink)

Dangers of Deep Frying
With Thanksgiving right around the corner make sure you are staying safe if you choose to deep fry your bird! Deep frying oil can reach temperatures of over 400 °F. When cooking at this temperature, extreme safety measures must be taken to prevent burning oneself or starting a fire. Like other oils, cooking oil is a highly flammable liquid. To prevent flare-ups and house fires, avoid letting oil contact direct flames. Because of this hazard, it is highly recommended to have a kitchen fire extinguisher available when deep-frying.

Water is a very dangerous liquid when deep frying. When water encounters very hot oil (about 350 °F) water vaporizes instantaneously turning into super-heated steam. It expands quickly, which can cause oil to splatter and risk bodily injury. Do not let water get into the hot fat or use water to cool, or clean the appliance while food is deep-frying.

In the event of a grease fire, never use water to put out the fire. 

Using water can cause flaming oil to splatter and spread. A kitchen fire extinguisher or covering the fryer with a metal lid is the best way to put out a grease fire. Call 911 immediately if a grease fire occurs.

Preparing the Fryer

• If you do not own a fryer, use a deep, heavy skillet to fry. However, avoid using cast iron as it breaks down oil faster than other metals. If you have a deep fryer, read the directions in the owner's manual before using the appliance.
• Purchase and prepare all the ingredients you plan to deep fry.
• Have a grease fire rated extinguisher nearby.
• Before filling the deep fat fryer with oil, make sure the fryer is turned off, away from water sources and wiped dry.