answers



Below is a list of commonly asked questions and answers for each product family.

 

If you have a question that is not covered below, feel free to Contact Us.



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1 - Can I leave the oil in the fryer when it is not in use?
2 - Can I mix oils?
3 - How do I clean my fryer?
4 - How do I stop the clear viewing window from steaming up?
5 - How long does it take for my fryer to heat the oil?
6 - How often should I change the filter on my deep fryer?
7 - How often should I change the oil?
8 - How often should I clean the oil and how?
9 - Maintenance and cleaning
10 - My food is not browning and/or is limp.
11 - My fryer over-flowed, what happened?
12 - What are the safety features of Tefal fryers?
13 - What is the best way to cook battered fish and doughnuts?
14 -What kind of fat is recommended and when should I change it?
15 - When do I start frying?
16 - Why do you not recommend using peanut oil?
17 -Why does battered food stick to the basket?
18 - Why does my fryer release unpleasant odours?
 

1 -  Can I leave the oil in the fryer when it is not in use?

Store the oil in the fryer with the lid closed to keep it fresh and clean. If the fryer will not be used for an extended period of time, store the oil in a separate container and clean the fryer.




2 -  Can I mix oils?

We recommend an unsaturated vegetable oil. Never mix different oils together as each type of oil reaches frying temperature at different times.




3 -  How do I clean my fryer?

1. Let the fryer cool completely.
2. Pour the oil into a separate container. This is a good time to strain the oil to remove any unwanted bits.
3. Remove the filters and the lid from the fryer. The lid should be cleaned with hot soapy water and dried thoroughly. Some lids can be cleaned in a dishwasher (see specific model instructions).
4. Change the filter.
5. Removable bowl (on selected models) should be cleaned with hot soapy water and dried thoroughly. Do not use abrasives. Removable bowls are also dishwasher safe.
6. Fixed bowls will need to be wiped out with paper towels to clean out as much oil residue as possible. Never immerse the fryer, cord or plug in water. You can place the fryer in a dry sink and fill the fryer halfway with water and a little washing up liquid. A sponge or kitchen brush can be used to scrub down the inside. Make sure the water does not overflow onto the outside of the fryer or onto the heating element.
7. Pour the water out and rinse the inside. Dry thoroughly.
8. The outside of all fryers can be wiped down with a damp sponge. This is recommended after each use.




4 -  How do I stop the clear viewing window from steaming up?

Wipe the window with a little lemon juice or cut a potato in half and wipe this over the window before cooking.




5 -  How long does it take for my fryer to heat the oil?

The time will vary depending on the model and size; whether your model has a fixed bowl or removable bowl can make a difference. The average time for all should be between 10-18 minutes. The temperature indicator light will be on while the fryer is heating up - this light will go off once the fryer has reached optimum temperature.




6 -  How often should I change the filter on my deep fryer?

As a guide:
a) Round super charcoal filters should be changed after 35 frying sessions.
b) Square mesh filters should be changed after 20 frying sessions.
c) If you are frying fish, we recommend using a separate filter and changing the oil after use.




7 -  How often should I change the oil?

a) Round super charcoal filters should be changed after 35 fry sessions.
b) Square mesh filters should be changed after 20 fry sessions.
c) If you are frying fish we recommend using a separate filter and changing the oil after use.




8 -  How often should I clean the oil and how?

Oil should be strained and/or filtered (by using paper filters or a filtering pot) after it cools and after each use. This will keep the oil from early contamination. Oil used for fish should be stored separately.




9 -  Maintenance and cleaning

To clean your fryer, use hot water, a sponge and dishwashing liquid. Try not to damage the shape of your bowl by bumping or dropping it. If your fryer has a removable bowl, you can clean it in the dishwasher. To preserve the bowl's non-stick properties, avoid using metal utensils and take care when putting it on a dishwasher rack.




10 -  My food is not browning and/or is limp.

a) The oil is not hot enough. If you have an adjustable thermostat, be sure it is set at the proper setting for the food you are cooking. If your unit does not have an adjustable thermostat, be sure the light on the fryer has gone off, this tells you that the oil is ready for frying.
b) Too much food is in the basket. Fry the food in smaller quantities (particularly frozen foods) for better results.
c) You did not cook the food long enough. Increase cooking time by a few minutes, lift basket to check for crispyness.




11 -  My fryer over-flowed, what happened?

a) The fryer was filled beyond the maximum mark. Check the oil level. There is a minimum and maximum level indicator in the bowl.
b) Wet food has been dropped into the oil. Dry the food completely, defrost or remove any loose ice on frozen foods before frying.
c) You may have mixed the oils or used the wrong type of oil.




12 -  What are the safety features of Tefal fryers?

Depending on the model:
a) Exterior basket control (allows you to lower food into the hot oil with the lid closed to prevent splashing)
b) Cool touch exterior
c) Sealed locking lid, with one-touch automatic opening to contain splashing.




13 -  What is the best way to cook battered fish and doughnuts?

Remove the wire basket to prevent food sticking to it. Take great care when handling the food and use tongs. Gradually place the food in the hot oil, submerging it an inch at a time to prevent it from sinking straightaway.




14 - What kind of fat is recommended and when should I change it?

We recommended the use of non-hydrogenated vegetable fats, especially sunflower. Animal fats are rich in saturated fatty acids and are not recommended by dieticians. Vegetable fats have low levels of saturated fatty acids and are naturally rich in vitamin E and in essential fatty acids.
The electrical fryer maintains a temperature of 180/190C, which is the maximum temperature before the oil deteriorates. To conserve not only the taste quality of food, but also its golden lightness, we advise you to filter the oil after each fry (with paper filter available in the shops), and to change it completely after 8 when frying battered food, and every 12 times when just frying potatoes.




15 -  When do I start frying?

a) The pilot light will switch off as soon as the oil is heated to the optimum frying temperature.
b) Selected models include a multi-position thermostat that lets you choose between various cooking temperatures. The lower position regulates the oil at around 170C; the higher position at 190C. The lower setting may be used when cooking delicate foods that do not stand well under high temperatures (mushrooms, some types of fish). The higher setting will provide excellent results when deep-frying chips, meat, frozen foods, chicken and most other hearty foods.




16 -  Why do you not recommend using peanut oil?

Peanut oil has a lower smoking point than most vegetable oils, so it may smoke at frying temperatures. It also releases a slight flavour that may or may not be desirable. It may also cause an allergic reaction in some people.




17 - Why does battered food stick to the basket?

Battered food should not be put into the basket directly. The batter will wrap around the basket coils and get stuck. Lower the basket into the oil first. Wearing plastic lined gloves when placing battered food directly in oil.




18 -  Why does my fryer release unpleasant odours?

Unpleasant odours can be due to aged oil and/or a saturated filter that needs to be changed. Change the oil or filter, or do both.