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How to Clean an Ultrafryer Fryer

Many restaurants and commercial kitchens turn to Ultrafryer. Their commercial deep fryers are capable of making crispy French fries, wings and other breaded goodies in just minutes. To keep your unit running at peak performance, proper maintenance and cleaning is a must. Below are instructions for how to clean an Ulftrafryer fryer properly.

Daily Cleaning Procedures

There are several steps you must take on a daily basis to keep your fryer clean. Below are the proper procedures to follow.

Filtering the Fryer Vat

Start the cleaning procedure by filtering the fryer vat using the steps below:

  • Step 1. Turn off the fryer – Turn the ON/OFF switch on the fryer vat to OFF.
  • Step 2. Install the filter pump – Place the filter pump into pump assembly before plugging it in. Then, connect the suction-line hose nozzle to standpipe fitting on the filter tub. Connect the other connection of the hose to the filter pump fitting.
  • Step 2. Add filter agent – Pour your OEM filter agent in the fryer vat following the recommended amount on the label or in the owner's manual. Stir the agent into the shortening with a skimmer. Remove crumbs from the shortening using the same skimmer.
  • Step 3. Drain the oil – Turn the drain lever slightly downward to start draining the oil. Once the oil has drained about two inches, open the drain valve so it drains properly and allows the heating mechanism to start cooling.
  • Step 4. Move the wire rack – When the oil has drained into the filter tub, use a drain rod to stand the wire rack to one side of the vat.
  • Step 5. Break up caked-on residue – Use the same drain rod to break up any stuck-on grease or residue. Move the broken-up particles into or near the drain valve opening.
  • Step 6. Connect the wash-down hose – Securely fasten the female quick-connect fitting on the wash-down hose to the male quick-connect stem located on the vat's rear wall.
  • Step 7. Place the wash-down nozzle into the fryer – Put the wash-down hose's nozzle into the fryer. Keep it firmly against the inner wall to prevent the hose from recoiling when the pump is turned on.
  • Step 8. Open the pump – Turn the pump lever down to open. The wash-down hose nozzle should be held at a 45-degree angle from the bottom of the fryer so oil and residue bounce off the rear wall toward the drain valve opening.
  • Step 9. Remove excess oil and residue – Using an L-shaped vat brush, push any particles and residue through the drain valve to keep the drain clear. Use the hose to clear off the burner tubes and all vat walls until oil and residue flushes through the drain into the filter tub.
  • Step 10. Close the pump disconnect the hose – Turn the pump lever up to close. Disconnect the wash-down hose couple from the stem on the vat's rear wall. Hold the hose upright until excess oil drains into a container.
  • Step 11. Place a shortening deflector into the vat – Remove the wire grill and place a deflector on the right to cover the quick-connect stem on the vat's rear wall.

Cleaning the Filter Assembly

On Ultrafryer models with a filter assembly, follow the procedures below on a daily basis or after the boil-out procedures.

  • Step 1. Disassemble components – Disassemble the filter tub handle, cover, wash-down hose, suction-line hose and filter assembly from the machine.
  • Step 2. Clean the hoses – Use a sanitizing solution to clean both the wash-down and suction-line hoses. Hang them in an upright position above a container to drain excess oil.
  • Step 3. Clean the filter assembly – Raise the assembly above the filter tub to allow residue and oil to drain. Then, thoroughly clean each portion of the assembly with a sanitizing solution. For complete filter screen instruction, please consult the owner's manual.
  • Step 4. Remove oil from the tub – Use a scraper to remove any excess oil or residue from the filter tub. Use lint-free towels or paper towels to dry the tub.
  • Step 5. Attach the filter assembly to the tub – Insert the filter assembly in the bottom of the filter tub. The standpipe should be centered in the handle of the tub.
  • Step 6. Attach the hoses and screen – Securely fasten the female fitting on the suction-line hose to the male stem on the filter screen's standpipe. Install the filter tube beneath the fryer until it butts against the stop bracket. Connect the male plug on the suction-line hose tot the fryer's female bulkhead socket.

Cleaning the Exterior

Clean the surfaces occasionally throughout the day with warm water and a sanitizing solution. You can use a soft cloth or non- abrasive scrubbing pad to remove caked-on residue. Never use steel wool, scrapers or other abrasive materials on the stainless steel.

Weekly Boil-Out Procedures

You should boil out an Ultrafryer fryer at least once a week. This help remove carbon buildup and other grease or residue. Below are the proper instructions to follow:

  • Step 1. Close all drains and turn off the fryer – Start by making sure all the drain levers are in the up position and closed. Then, turn the ON/OFF toggle switch to the off position.
  • Step 2. Add water to the vat – Put water in each vat until it reaches about 2 inches below the middle line of the "E" in the word "LEVEL" by the upper shortening mark. This is located on the rear wall of the vat.
  • Step 3. Add boil-out compound – Following the instructions on the labeling, add the proper amount of boil-out compound to each vat. You should only use a non-chlorine, commercial-grade compound.
  • Step 4. Start up the fryer – Turn the ON/OFF toggle switch to the on position and place the manual gas valve into the on position. Depress and release the start button. Then, depress and release the EXIT MELT button.
  • Step 5. Set a timer and scrub the vat – As the boil-out solution in the vat begins to boil, set a timer for 30 minutes. During this time, scrub the front, back and side walls of the vat using a long brush.
  • Step 6. Clean the filter tub assembly – While the timer is running, you also should clean the filter tub assembly following the daily instructions above.
  • Step 7. Dispose the boil-out solution – After the time sounds, turn both the ON/OFF toggle switch and the manual gas valve to the off positions. Dispose the boil-out solution in the floor drain. Don't use the pump to remove water from the fryer. It potentially can cause failure and void the manufacturer warranty.
  • Step 8. Remove carbon buildup – Using a scrubbing pad, remove carbon buildup from the top burner. Clean the heat exchanger thoroughly by sliding an end of the pad under each exchanger. Use a pair of tongs to grasp the end of the pad, and rock up and down the length of each exchanger.
  • Step 9. Rinse the fryer – Use warm water to rinse the fryer vats until the water coming out of the drain valve is clear.
  • Step 10. Clean the fryer – Using a solution with one part vinegar and 25 parts water in a garden-pressure sprayer, spray the sides, burner tubes and bottom of the fryer.
  • Step 11. Wipe down the fryer – With dry, lint-free towels, wipe the sides, burner tubes and bottom of the fryer.
  • Step 12. Add oil back into the fryer – Once remaining water is out of the fryer, turn the drain valve up to the closed position. Fill the fryer with fresh oil to the proper level.

Want more help cleaning your unit? Check out our Ultrafryer manuals or contact an authorized service technician for more assistance.

Please contact an authorized service agent who can help with all your commercial kitchen equipment needs.