Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and delicious feasts. For many, that means cooking a mouthwatering turkey, and some adventurous souls turn to turkey fryers to achieve that perfectly crispy and flavorful bird. However, improper use of turkey fryers can lead to disaster, with approximately 900 house fires and $15 million in property damage occurring each year. This Thanksgiving, let’s make safety a priority to ensure a happy and incident-free holiday. Those of us at All Nation Restoration in Austin Texas, are here to provide essential tips of the trade to help you safely fry your turkey and prevent grease fires, and most importantly, avoid calling us for help. Your home and peace of mind, deserve all the protection necessary during this festive season!
Choose the Right Location
One of the first safety measures when using a turkey fryer is to select an appropriate location. Even though the falling temperatures make it tempting to place your fryer inside or under a covered porch or garage, it is essential that you always keep your fryer outdoors on a non-flammable surface and far away from anything that can catch fire. Experts in the fire damage industry recommend making sure your fryer is at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, or any decking or flammable materials. The most important part of staying safe is a well-thought-out setup!
Thaw Your Turkey Thoroughly
To avoid dangerous oil splatters, ensure your turkey is completely thawed and and ALWAYS dry before frying. A frozen or partially frozen turkey can cause the hot oil to spatter and potentially ignite, leading to a grease fire.
Properly Measure Oil
Overfilling your fryer with oil can be a recipe for a catastrophe. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and do a test run with water before frying the turkey. Mark the water level, empty the fryer, and add oil to the marked level to prevent overflows.
Monitor the Temperature
Invest in a good-quality thermometer to monitor the oil temperature throughout the cooking process. Cooking oil that overheats can catch fire, so always maintain the recommended cooking temperature. Follow your fryer’s instructions and be vigilant.
Dress for Safety
When using a turkey fryer, safety gear is essential. Make sure whoever is frying your turkey is wearing appropriate clothing, such as long sleeves, shoes that are closed-toe, safety goggles, and most importantly, if anyone has long hair, make sure it’s pulled back, protecting every part of the body from hot splattering oil. It is critical to remember that safety is about personal protection as much as it is about protecting your personal property!
Never Leave Unattended
One of the most critical safety tips is to never leave the fryer unattended. The majority of accidents occur when the fryer is left with nobody keeping a watchful eye on it, and the situation becomes impossible to control.
Use a Thermally Stable Fryer
Ensure you’re using a turkey fryer designed for outdoor use and made of thermally stable materials. Substandard equipment can lead to accidents, so choose your fryer wisely.
Be Your Own Expert With Your Fryer
Every fryer is a little bit different; however, some general rules can be looked at as a one 
size fits all.
- Always position your fryer so any wind will blow any heat away from the fuel tank.
- Ensure the pot is centered over the burner on the cooker
- Lift and lower the food slowly to reduce splatter and avoid burns.
- Most importantly, follow the owner’s manual meticulously
Accidents can happen despite taking all the necessary precautions. It’s essential to have a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires within arm’s reach while cooking. Knowing how to use it is just as important.
Children And Pets
Keep children and pets away from the frying area. The hot oil and equipment can pose significant risks to their safety. Establish a safe zone where they can enjoy the festivities without being near the fryer.
Emergency Plan
Before starting the frying process, discuss an emergency plan with your family. Ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire, including how to call 911 and where the fire extinguisher is located.
Dispose of Oil Properly
After you’ve enjoyed your delicious turkey, don’t forget to dispose of the used oil safely. Let it cool completely, and transfer it to a sealable container. You can then take it to a recycling center or dispose of it following your local guidelines.
Consider Alternatives
If you’re concerned about the risks associated with deep-frying a turkey, consider alternative cooking methods such as roasting, grilling, or smoking. These methods are generally safer and can still yield a mouthwatering turkey.
Last But Not Least
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and togetherness; the last thing anyone wants is an accident that ruins the holiday spirit. With approximately 900 house fires and $15 million in property damage caused by improper turkey fryer use each year, it’s crucial to prioritize safety when cooking your holiday feast. Following these essential tips can protect your home and loved ones and ensure a joyful and incident-free Thanksgiving.
Remember, safety comes first; just to recap our most essential safety tips:
- Location is everything
- Properly measure the oil
- Follow all owners manual directions meticulously
- Never leave the fryer unattended
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand
- Establish safe zones for children and pets
- Have an emergency plan in place
Hopefully, this year, there will be fewer accidents cooking that succulent classic American feast and more joyful and non-eventful family gatherings! Those of us at All Nation Restoration wish everyone an amazing holiday!
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
