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Tip: Don't play chicken when cooking with your
turkey fryer
Thanksgiving is almost here and deep fried turkey is a favorite dish.
However, because of increasing reports of fires related to the used of
turkey fryers, using a deep fryer can be dangerous for a number of
reasons:
Many units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil within the cooking
pot.
If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of
the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit
the burner/flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover
effect. This too, may result in an extensive fire.
With no thermostat controls, the units also have the potential to
overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot,
posing severe burn hazards.
If you absolutely must use a turkey fryer, here are some tips for
safer use (recommended by Underwriters Laboratory and the San Antonio
Fire Department):
Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from
buildings and any other material that can burn.
Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental
tipping.
Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat
controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will
continue to heat until it catches fire.
Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use,
never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the
cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use.
To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid
handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from
oil splatter.
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with
marinades. Oil and water don't mix, and water causes oil to spill
over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to
allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in
the refrigerator.
Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to
extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgment when
attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an
all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call
9-1-1 for help.
Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer.
The oil inside the cooking pots remains dangerously hot, hours after
use.
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