Deep Fried Turkey – Delicious, but Dangerous

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Be Safe When Deep Frying a Turkey

There’s no question that fried turkey tastes great, but there are many dangers associated with using a deep fryer. It’s actually pretty easy for these to catch fire so make sure to follow these safety tips if you choose to cook this way:

• Don’t Overfill the Cooking Pot – even a small amount of oil can catch flame if it comes into contact with a burner. If the pot is too full, oil can spill when you insert the turkey. The U.S. Fire Administration suggests that you first place the turkey in a pot with water so you will know the correct amount of oil.
• Don’t Leave a Fryer Unattended – deep fryers may not have thermostat controls and can overheat to the point of combustion. It’s crucial to stay close and to check the temperature of the oil often. Deep Fat Fryers are also easy to tip over – so make sure the area is secure and monitored. Never use a fryer inside – these should always be used outdoors on a solid surface (not a deck or under a patio cover.)
• Make Sure to Thaw Completely - never drop a frozen turkey into a hot fryer. You can find hundreds of YouTube videos showing what can happen if you don’t properly thaw your turkey prior to deep frying. This happens when a frozen turkey reacts with high temperature oil causing a lot of steam which then forces the oil to boil over and catch fire. Flames can shoot up as high as 10 feet if it’s not handled the right way.
• Have the Right Tools - make sure you have a fire extinguisher and well-insulated potholders nearby since the lid, sides and handles get insanely hot and you could end up with harsh burns if not careful.
• Keep Others Safe - never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.

SERVPRO of North Garland urges you to follow these safety recommendations for a safe and successful turkey frying experience. A cooking fire can be devastating, causing injury as well as serious damage to your home or property. If an accident does happen, you can always call the experts at SERVPRO of North Garland. We'll be there to help get you back to normal 24/7, 365 days a year.