6 Propane Deep Fryer Safety Tips

If you are planning a barbecue or outdoor event, a propane deep fryer can be a fun way to cook for your guests. However, a propane deep fryer can also be a little bit intimidating. Given a little bit of preparation, you can use a deep fryer outdoors to make your event a success. In particular, you should be as safe as possible, as you will be working with flames and hot oil. The following tips on using a propane deep fryer should help you get started properly.

Picking a Location

Always use a propane deep fryer outside. Set it up on a level, solid surface away from any wood or buildings. By setting up in such a place, you will avoid a carbon monoxide buildup that can be potentially lethal, as well as avoid accidental fire and smoke damage to surrounding structures.

Thawing Food

If you are planning to deep-fry frozen food, use the right techniques to thaw it beforehand. Soak your food in cold water in your sink and change the water every 30 minutes until the food is fully defrosted. Use paper towels to dry off your food, as any water left behind will become boiling hot and scatter, potentially burning you. Excess water can also expand and suddenly send boiling oil everywhere; this oil could burn you or catch fire.

Filling the Pot

Before turning on your propane deep fryer, you should load your frying pot with your oil and food. The best way to do this is by putting all the food in to begin with, then adding oil until it is all barely submerged. This prevents you from using too much oil and causing burns or even fires, while guaranteeing that you have enough space to do everything you wanted to do.

Setting Up the Deep Fryer

Before connecting your propane tank to your deep fryer, find the tank's shutoff valve and make sure it is as closed as possible. Next connect your propane deep fryer to the tank by attaching its hose and twisting the edge on as tightly as possible. The tank should be a bare minimum of 2 feet from the fryer.

Turn on the fryer. Open the valve on your propane tank and then use your butane appliance lighter to start up the fryer.

Using the Deep Fryer

Use your thermometer to keep the oil as close to 350 degrees F as possible. Lower temperatures will be less effective, but higher ones leave you with a chance of igniting the oil.

Finishing Up

Once you are done, turn the valve immediately to shut off the supply of propane from the tank. Use a hook or tongs to remove your food. Because the flame will not go out immediately, you will need to exercise the same safety precautions for a short period of time until the flame does go out.