How to Clean a Pitco Fryer

Pitco makes fryers used in a wide variety of restaurants and commercial kitchens. These deep fryers  are capable of making everything from fries to wings in a matter of minutes. That's why they need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Below are instructions for how to clean a Pitco fryer on a daily and weekly basis.

These procedures are commonly associated with SG/SE and SGM/SEM models. For larger preventative maintenance tasks, please contact an authorized Pitco technician for assistance.

Pitco Fryer Daily Cleaning Instructions

How to Clean a Pitco SG Fryer Daily

How to Clean a Pitco Solstice Supreme Fryer Daily

By following these cleaning procedures every day, a Pitco fryer can run at peak performance for years to come.

• Step 1. Power down the unit - Turn off the fryer and unplug the power cord. Then, wait for the unit to fully cool down before going on to the next step. 
  • Note. Drain the fryer before proceeding.
• Step 2. Remove accessories from the fryer - Remove everything from the baskets, tank rack and hangers.
• Step 3. Scrub the tank - Use a fryer brush to scrub the tank in order to loosen and remove debris.
• Step 4. Clean oil residue - Scrub away stuck-on oil or carbon by using an abrasive pad.
• Step 5. Rinse the tank - Use a damp cloth to rinse the fryer tank.
• Step 6. Dry the tank - Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe all the tank surfaces dry.
  • Note. Make sure to wipe below the heating tubes.
• Step 7. Clean the exterior - Use water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth to wash the exterior of the fryer.
  • Note. Dry the exterior by using a separate clean cloth.
• Step 8. Clean the cabinet area - Use water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth to wash the cabinet area. 
  • Note. Dry the exterior by using a separate clean cloth.
• Step 9. Clean the accessories - At a sink, use soap, water and a sponge to wash the baskets, tank rack and basket hanger.
• Step 10. Rinse and dry the accessories - Under running water, rinse off the baskets, tank rack and basket hanger. Then, wipe them dry with a clean cloth.
• Step 11. Reinstall accessories - Reinstall the baskets, tank rack and basket hanger.

Pitco Fryer Weekly Preventative Maintenance 

In order to keep the unit running properly, it’s important to do additional maintenance besides cleaning. This maintenance can be done when the oil is being changed. 

• Step 1. Power down the unit - Turn off the fryer and unplug the power cord. Then, wait for the unit to fully cool down.
• Step 2. Disconnect the gas - Disconnect both the gas hose and retention lanyard.
• Step 3. Move the fryer - Pull the fryer away from the hood and other units.
  • Note. Wear protective gloves while touching equipment.
• Step 4. Check the vent hood drip cup - Inspect the vent hood drip cup to ensure it’s empty and not dripping oil into the flue.
  • Note. The drip cup can be cleaned in the dishwasher if needed,
• Step 5. Check the hood baffles - Inspect the hood baffles to ensure they are clean and not dripping oil into the flue.
• Step 6. Clean the fryer sides, back and flue area - Use water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth to clean the fryer. A scrub pad can be used to scrub away any carbon or stuck-on oil.
• Step 7. Clean cords and hoses - Use a dry cloth to wipe down the power cord and gas hose.
• Step 8. Inspect the flue pipe - Use a flashlight to check the flue pipe for debris and remove it as needed.
  • Note. Contact an authorized service technician for major debris build-ups in the flue.
• Step 9. Move the unit - Return the unit to its original spot under the vent hood.
• Step 10. Reconnect the unit - Connect the gas hose and retention lanyard. Then, plug the unit back in.

Pitco Fryer Weekly Boil Out Instructions

Every week, conduct a thorough boilout and cleaning of the fryer. Follow the instructions below:

• Step 1. Drain the fryer – Start by draining the oil from the fryer. Rotate the drain down spout to extend into a container to drain the shortening into. Open the green-handled drain valve to begin draining. The container should be able to hold oil that is 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Step 2. Remove components and debris from the fry tank – Before you add cleaner, remove the tube rack and mesh screens from the fry tank. You also should clear out any large debris and remnants.
• Step 3. Fill the fry tank with cleaner – Once items and debris are removed, close the drain valve and add water and non-caustic detergent to the fry tank. On these SG/SE and SGM/SEM models, use Pitco P6071397 Fryer Cleaner for the best results.
• Step 4. Place a pan under the drain – Put a large pan under the cleaning drain to catch the cleaning water. Make sure the pan is large enough to catch it all.
• Step 5. Start the boilout procedure – Restart the unit. When the temperature gets to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the system will go into "BOIL" mode.
• Step 6. Turn the fryer off – When the water reaches a slow boil, turn the unit off. Let the fryer soak for about 20 minutes so the oil and carbon remnants loosen up.
• Step 7. Scrub down the fryer tank – After the tank soaks, use a fryer brush to remove remnants from the tank's surfaces and side walls as well as the surrounding heating tubes. Do your standard daily cleaning after scrubbing the fryer tank.
• Step 8. Drain the water – Slowly open the green-handled drain valve so the water drains into the pan.
• Step 9. Wipe down the fry tank – Using a clean cloth, wipe down the fry tank dry. Once it's dry, close the drain valve.

Need extra help cleaning or operating a Pitco fryer? Check out our library of Pitco Manuals for more assistance.

Please contact a local authorized service agent who can help with this specific unit and all your commercial kitchen equipment needs.