Turkey Fryer Safety

The Warren Group Wishes You a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving

First, let us begin by wishing you a safe holiday season. Second, we must apologize for the inconsistency in providing you with e-zines these last few weeks. We encountered a server problem, which we hope we have finally resolved. We are glad that we are finally reaching you again and are providing you with a modified reprint of one of our client's favorite articles concerning the use of turkey deep fryers.

With the holidays just around the corner, you are probably taking your turkey deep fryer out of storage and getting it ready to cook that perfect turkey. Please read the following advice. It will keep your turkey from becoming a safety hazard!

• DO NOT use a kitchen stove for frying a whole fried turkey. Use an outdoor gas cooker fueled by propane.
• Be sure to read and follow all instructions provided with your gas cooker and propane tank.
• Never leave cooker unattended.
• Never let the oil heat over 350 °F.
• Use in an open area away from houses, garages, storage sheds, decks, shrubbery, and trees, children and pets.
• Avoid frying on wood decks, which could catch fire, and concrete, which can be stained by the oil. Place the fryer on level dirt or grassy area.
• Should a grease fire occur, turn off the gas at the tank and cover the pot with a lid. Do NOT move the pot to a different location. To spill the burning oil could be catastrophic. Move the pot only after the oil has cooled.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
• When lowering the turkey into the hot oil, any water still on or in the turkey will cause the oil to splatter. This can cause severe burns. For this task, it is recommended that you wear work gloves, a long sleeved shirt, and safety goggles.
• DO NOT stuff turkeys for deep-frying. The oil needs to bubble up through the center of the bird to cook it properly.
• DO NOT cover the pot during deep-frying. Keep the lid handy in case of fire.
• Most cooking oils can be used up to 6 hours straight fry time, given the temperature is kept within the proper cooking range. In this time frame, you can typically cook up to 7-8 turkeys. Always make sure you bring the oil back up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the next bird. This will sterilize the oil.
• The best way to properly dispose of used cooking oil is to recycle it. Many restaurants will take it from you for recycling. They sell it to recycling companies that will recycle it for use in making cosmetics and other products. Rendering companies will also take it.
• DO NOT put oil down your drain, storm drain, or sewer.

Here are some additional links discussing safety and turkey cookers. You'll find them interesting:

http://www.ul.com/consumers/turkeys.html

http://turkeyfed.ahoy.com/recipe.asp?R=930

http://www.alliedkenco.com/turkey/turkey_info.htm

http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC3560.htm