Whether used for French fries and onion rings or fried chicken or donuts, a fryer may be one of the most important parts of your restaurant's kitchen. Because it does see so much use over time, your deep fryer will experience stress at some point. This stress not only affects your fryer's ability to function properly, but it can also affect the safety of your employees, the taste of your food, and the overall odor and reputation of your restaurant. With this guide, you will learn a few common issues that affect commercial deep fryers and how to repair them.

Improper Temperature Levels

The temperature of your oil is one of the most important factors to consider if you want your food to be cooked safely and properly. Unfortunately, maintaining even oil temperatures or even having the ability to reach certain temperatures is difficult if your deep fryer is not working properly.

Oil in deep fryers can reach temperatures of over 400 degrees, but that does not mean all of the oil is measuring at the same temperature. Therefore, cooking food in cooler areas of the oil could lead to unsafe food conditions that make you and your guests sick. Before preparing food, make sure to check multiple spots of oil to ensure all of the oil is at the same temperature.

Check the thermostat of your deep fryer to determine if it is measuring properly, too. In many cases, the fryer's own thermostat will need to be recalibrated.

If your oil is not heating up at all, a more involved problem is affecting your deep fryer. Professionals should inspect your high-temperature limit switch, which is the key component that notifies the thermostat and heating element to turn off or on based on the current temperature. Replacing the high-temperature limit switch may be necessary if your oil is not heating up to your set temperature.

Blocked, Damaged Burners

Another common problem that seems to affect commercial deep fryers is blocked or damaged burners. Without burners that are working properly, the oil will not heat up, reducing the fryer's ability to function properly. Fortunately, you can easily prevent and repair issues with the burners.

Remember that grease, grime, and food residue can quickly build up on your fryer's burners. This buildup will clog the burners, preventing them from lighting up and heating the oil. Regular cleaning and maintenance can reduce the risk of clogged burners, so make sure to have the burners cleaned with a stiff wire brush. This will usually be effective for removing heavy grime. If your burners are older, consider having them replaced.

Pilot Light Not Lighting/Staying Lit

Without a pilot light that not only lights in the first place, but also remains lit while you are using your fryer, you will not be able to reach or maintain proper oil temperatures. If you are noticing your pilot light is struggling to light or to stay lit, have the entire system, including your gas lines, inspected by professionals.

If you hear a hissing sound, coming from the lines of your fryer, you may have a gas leak that should be addressed right away. In most cases, though, issues with the pilot line stem from a failing thermopile. This device may be small, but it performs a big job, helping ignite the pilot light to start heating up the oil. Basically, the thermopile is the fryer's heating element, and without it, your fryer will not fry.

Help is available if your deep fryer is not working as it needs to. This guide and the help of professionals will ensure your fryer is heating in the most effective and safest manner possible.

For more information, contact a company that offers services like Frymaster repairs.