Commercial deep fryers are one of the most popular commercial kitchen appliances. These units are mostly employed by the hospitality industry that serves thousands of customers on a daily basis. Even though commercial deep fryers are tough and rigid appliances, but are prone to problems like other commercial kitchen appliances. One of the most common problems surrounding commercial deep fryers is leakage. Follow below for potential reasons, preventive measures, along with other common issues that can easily be avoided and fixed. However, if you need help, consult commercial appliances repair services.

Reasons Your Commercial Fryer Is Leaking Oil

Leaked Seals & Gaskets

Commercial deep fryers undergo extreme research and testing to ensure the highest quality. As technology progresses and competition increases, manufacturers are always looking for new ways to improve the quality and efficiency of their commercial deep fryers.

But, since commercial deep fryers run at extreme temperatures, it is normal for plastic or rubber-made components like seals and gaskets to weaken with time. The seals and gaskets develop cracks and eventually cause oil leakage. This could be a hazard, especially if the oil is hot as it could cause burns and slippages.

Fortunately, fixing such issues is relatively easy as all you need to do is replace the seals or gaskets. The best way to prevent oil leakages in such cases is by performing a visual inspection on a regular basis. Sometimes, even if everything looks fine, there could still be a problem lurking in the hidden.

With timely inspections, such leakages can be prevented to prevent permanent damage or accidents.

Lack Of Cleaning

Commercial deep fryers use cooking oil to deep fry food items. Considering the fact that the oil reaches extreme temperatures, it needs to be replaced before the next big batch of food needs preparation. Some business owners tend to use the same oil for a couple of days, which causes the oil to burn.

The oil particles, having hardened, reach complicated areas of the fryer and cause blockages. This could cause the oil to find its way into sensitive areas of the unit and leak. This is similar to air conditioners when they are not maintained for a long time.

The purpose of regular inspections is to make sure the deep fryer is thoroughly clean inside out as well. Proper cleaning lies at the core of optimum fryer performance. This is why ensuring timely cleaning and replacement of the oil ensures the fryer does not have to face leakage issues.

Leaking Tank

The biggest issue you can face with a commercial deep fryer is a leaking tank. Although there is no universal reason pertaining to tank leakages but in most cases, they tend to give up having completed their lifespan. Oil tanks in commercial deep fryers are strong and durable components.

They have to pass strict safety and quality standards since they hold extremely hot oil. As time passes by, these tanks tend to wear out and start leaking oil as well. If that is the case and your fryer is old as well, it means you should consider replacing it.

But, to prevent tank leakages, you should regularly clean it and keep a close look for any cracks or damage. Sometimes, the crack or damage might be too small, but it can still cause a leakage.

Leaks can occur in garbage disposals as well. If you tighten the hoses and the unit is still leaking, you should call in a commercial garbage disposal repair Clifton professional.

When To Service Your Commercial Fryer?

Apart from the leakage issues, commercial deep fryers can also run into other types of problems that need equal attention. Here are a few.

Inconsistent Temperature

If your commercial deep fryer struggles to maintain its temperature or constantly fluctuates, it means there is a problem. In such cases, the oil will either turn too hot and burn or will remain cold. This could be due to a faulty thermostat or a heating element. If the fryer turns too hot, it means the problem is serious and you need to shut it down immediately. Considering replacing the fryer thermostat.

If the commercial deep fryer was recently maintained, it could be that it needs calibration. You should consult an expert to recalibrate the thermostat or simply replace it.

Slow Heating & Recovery Time

Commercial deep fryers are designed to quickly heat up and recover heat as soon as the food items are dropped in. If you notice the commercial deep fryer taking longer than usual to preheat between batches, it is a red flag.

In such cases, aging heating elements tend to be the common culprit. It could also be a thermostat that is about to fail. Instead of waiting for the problem to go away on its own or considering it normal, you should turn off the fryer and consult an expert.

Pilot Light Or Ignition Problems

You might think the pilot light or ignition is not capable of creating problems, but they can halt the entire business operation when you least expect it. If the pilot light is failing to stay lit or the burners are struggling to ignite, your commercial deep fryer won’t be able to heat up the oil.

To fix the issue, you will need to check for clogged burner orifices and food debris. You can try cleaning the burner area to fix the issue, but if the problem persists, you might need to call in a professional.

Oil Filter Issues

Commercial deep fryers come with oil filters that trap contaminants to maintain food quality. With time, these filters require thorough cleaning or replacement. A tell-tale sign that the filters need replacement is oil darkening and the development of a burnt taste.

Ignoring oil filter replacement is usually due to skipping maintenance. Commercial kitchen appliance maintenance is essential so never skip it. Oil filters are neither expensive to replace nor complicated. But it is important to find the exact replacement. The best way to do that is by either contacting the manufacturer or consulting an expert.

Deep Fryer Needs Replacement

Even though commercial fryers will last quite a while if maintained properly, but will one day need replacement. The reason is that the components inside the fryer tend to turn weaker with time and you cannot afford to spend on expensive repairs and replacements each time.

As a general rule of thumb, if the cost of the repairs and replacements surpasses the actual value of the unit, you should save that money and invest it in a new unit. Deep fryers usually last a decade or so if maintained properly.

While looking for a replacement, you should opt for a fryer that comes loaded with advanced safety and frying features. Plus, it should also be energy efficient and effective enough to prepare multiple batches of food at the same time without compromising the quality.

Conclusion

Commercial deep fryers will run smoothly and trouble-free as long as you want them to. By putting in a bit of effort and time, you can avoid the majority of potential problems. Make sure you follow the maintenance schedule for things to keep sailing smoothly in the future and hire a deep fryer repair Fairfax expert for inspections and repairs.