Frying is one of the most famous cooking methods because having the correct tools makes the cooking process smoother and far more enjoyable. All kitchen equipment, like frying tools, has to be properly treated and maintained. This will prevent them from getting used up and damaged in the most unappealing ways. Whether you use a deep fryer, frying pan, thermometer, or any other utensils, the right storage and maintenance can help them last for longer and will ensure your food remains always just the right crisp.
Here is the general advice for storing frying tools so that they will last for a lifetime:
1. Cleaning Your Frying Tools
The first step to storing frying tools is proper tool cleaning. When oils and food residues are left on frying equipment, rust occurs, unpleasant smells fill the air, and sometimes the taste of the food. Cleaning these tools prevents all this and keeps the tool safe for use.
Frying Pans and Skillets
When frying pans are involved, whether the products are stainless steel, cast iron, or have a non-stick coating, each time they should be cleaned with the following:
Stainless Steel Pans: Clean every use with warm, soapy water. For very tough, sticky foods, pre-soak a little before scrubbing with a gentle sponge or soft-bristled brush. Dry really well to keep from getting any water spots.
Cast Iron Skillets: These require a bit more care. Let the skillet cool slightly, and then wipe out excess Oil and food using a paper towel. If necessary, rinse with warm water, though avoid soap to remove the seasoning. Dry and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to protect against rust.
Non-Stick Pans: To preserve the coating, non-stick frying pans must be cleaned tenderly. Wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Never use harsh scrubbers, as they can ruin the non-stick surface. Always dry the pan thoroughly before storing it.
Deep Fryer
Deep fryers must be paid special attention to since they hold massive amounts of Oil. After each use:
Let the Oil Cool: Always wait until the Oil is completely cool before draining it. Hot Oil can be dangerous to handle and can damage your fryer.
Drain and Filter the Oil: If you are reusing the Oil, pass it through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to get rid of any food particles. Keep the filtered Oil in a sealed container for future use.
Clean the Fryer: Once you have removed all the Oil, wash it with warm water and mild dish soap. Wipe off the fryer's inside with a soft cloth or sponge. You might use special cleaning for your fryer to remove thick Oil and buildup. Do be sure to read the manufacturer's cleaning and equipment care instructions first.
Dry and Store: Dry your deep fryer thoroughly before storing it. If you store it wet, the moisture can create rust or mold.
Frying Thermometer
You will need frying thermometers to ensure that your Oil is at the right temperature. After every use:
Wipe Clean: Wipe the thermometer with a damp cloth or paper towel to clean off any residue from the Oil.
Sanitize: Sanitize the thermometer, especially if you used it with raw food items like chicken or fish, to avoid cross-contamination.
Store Properly: Store the thermometer in a dry, cool place, away from heat sources that can damage its components.
Frying Utensils (Tongs, Slotted Spoons, etc.)
Utensils used to fry include tongs, slotted spoons, or spider strainers. Handling food in hot Oil necessitates such specialized utensils with easy cleaning and maintenance:
Wash After Each Use: Wash the utensils immediately after use using warm, soapy water. In this way, oil deposit hardening will not accumulate, making tool cleaning tough.
Dry Completely: Dry your utensils after washing to prevent rust, especially if they are made of metal.
Inspect for Wear: Frying utensils tend to wear out over time, especially when used in high heat or with abrasive materials. If you find any bent parts, cracks, or deterioration, replace them to ensure safe and effective use.
2. Proper Storage of Frying Tools
Once you have cleaned up all your frying equipment, you should properly put them in safe places to minimize damage and make them easy to get hold of for your next frying time.
How to Store Frying Pans and Skillets?
The way you store your frying pans and skillets can really make a difference in their lifespan:
Cast Iron Skillets: Keep cast iron skillets in a dry location and lightly oil them before storing them to prevent rusting. If stacking them, you can layer a paper towel between the pans to absorb moisture.
Non-Stick Pans: As to stacking non-stick frying pans, it is best that you place a soft cloth or paper towel between them as the coating of your non-stick pan may get damaged. You may also hang them using a wall rack so as not to stack them at all.
Hanging or Rack Storage: For households with minimal space in their cupboard, there are wall-mounted rack and under-cabinet hanging systems to store frying pans without cluttering your countertops.
Storing Your Deep Fryer
When storing a deep fryer:
Clean Before Storage: Before utensil storage, always make sure the deep fryer is completely cleaned and dry before putting it away.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: The ideal place to store a deep fryer is in a cool, dry location because there is a risk of moisture damage or maybe even mold growth. Remember to coil the power cord neatly without letting it dangle.
Save the Used Oil in a Different Container: If you are saving the spent Oil, it should be kept away from the fryer. An airtight and sealed container is the best.
Storage of Frying Thermometers
Thermometers should be kept in an area that won't be exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture:
Use a Hook or Pouch: A thermometer can be hung on a hook in your kitchen or placed in a drawer. If it's a digital thermometer, store it in a pouch or protective case to avoid damage.
Keep Dry: Always store thermometers in a dry location to prevent rust or moisture-related damage to the electronic parts.
Frying Utensil Storage
For frying utensils:
Drawer Storage: Put tongs, slotted spoons, or other frying utensils in a kitchen drawer. If they are metal, ensure the drawer is dry to avoid rusting.
Utensil Holder: Alternatively, you can use a countertop utensil holder or jar to keep your frying tools within easy reach but stored neatly.
Wall Hooks: If you do not have enough drawer space, hanging your frying tools on wall hooks is practical and saves space.
3. Maintenance Tips for Frying Tools
Proper maintenance of your frying tools will keep them working well over time. Here are some tips:
Check for Rust: Rusting, of course, may occur on a cast iron or other metal utensil, and when you do notice rust on the utensil, it should be scrubbed out using a steel wool pad to leave the utensil's surface open to resurfacing.
Sharpen Utensils: If you are cutting ingredients before frying using knives or other sharp tools, ensure that the knives are kept sharp. The more often you sharpen your knives, the better and safer they will be for your kitchen.
Re-season Cast Iron: If you realize that your cast iron skillet has lost its non-stick surface or is rusting, re-season it. Scrub it thoroughly, apply a thin layer of Oil, and bake it at a high temperature to bring back the protective coating.
Worn Items: Frying tools, especially tongs and spoons, wear out with time. Do not wait until you notice cracks, bends, or other forms of wear that may affect their performance or safety before replacing them.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure that your frying tools last long, avoid the following common mistakes:
Not Cleaning Tools Immediately: Always clean frying tools right after use. Letting food residue sit can lead to hardened grease and make cleaning more difficult.
Storing Wet Tools: Storing tools when they're still wet can lead to rust, especially for metal utensils. Always dry your tools thoroughly before storing them.
Applying High Heat on Non-Stick Pans: Never apply high heat on non-stick frying pans. This may damage the non-stick coating over time. Use medium heat for non-stick cookware to ensure its longevity.
Disregarding Manufacturer Care Instructions: Various frying tools have different equipment care instructions. Always refer to the manufacturer's guide to ensure proper maintenance.
Conclusion
Storing and maintaining your frying tools doesn't have to be complex but rather requires attention to detail. Cleaning the frying pans, deep fryer, thermometer, and utensils properly, putting them in the right storage conditions, and performing regular maintenance will ensure that the tools remain in great shape for years. With a little care, you can fry up your favorite dishes with ease and confidence, knowing that your equipment is always ready for the job.
