Deep frying a turkey for the holidays is more popular now than ever. This is completely understandable due to there being a significant difference in taste all around to traditional recipes. But with the increase in deep fryers being lit up across the country, more horror stories of house being burned down seems to make headlines.
Too many holiday hosts lack the proper knowledge for being safe while frying up that delicious bird. Let’s take a look a crucial safety tips that need to be followed to prevent burning down the house.
Stay Away From the House
Set up camp a good distance away from your home. If you are within 10 feet then the risk of a disaster occurring increases tremendously. It is highly advised that you stay off your back patio or deck when you are deep frying your turkey. This will help in keeping your fryer away from foot traffic and pets.
Stay a considerable distance away from your home is an ultimate factor in safety precautions. If anything were to happen, at least you know it would not affect your home.
Use Stable Ground
Make sure that you are setting your fryer on stable ground. Always scope the terrain to make sure it is flat and clear from any obstacles that could potentially cause a tip over. The ground should be cleared of all rocks, sticks and other debris that could cause any issue.
Set the fryer on the ground before getting started and add some weight. If you notice any movement or causes for concern, find a more stable location.
Measure Correctly
Using too much oil can be a major issue- put a lot of emphasis on major. Oil spills is one of the major causes of house fires when deep frying a turkey. It is imperative that the proper measurements are taken to avoid any oil from spilling out or continuously bubbling over. A great way to determine how much oil is needed is by first measuring with water. Once you have found the proper displacement mark with water, you can now use oil.
Make sure to use a completely thawed and dry turkey in a dry pot. A wet turkey being put in the fryer will cause the oil to bubble furiously increasing the chances of a spill.
Use the Correct Tools
Preparation is a key factor when deep frying a turkey. Making sure that you have the right tools prepared is vital. Many cooks use makeshift tools or have lack of protective gear when deep frying. A coat hanger, yes I’ve seen it, is not the way to set the turkey in or pull it out of the fryer.
The right clothing and protective gear can prevent serious injury. The oil will be bubbling and some might just decide to splatter on your. Wearing shorts and a t-shirt is probably not the best option due to the amount of skin that will be exposed. Gloves and eye wear are a must.
A fire extinguisher kept at a close distance is a good idea as well.
Pay Attention
Probably the most important tip that can be given is always keeping your attention on the fryer. Neglecting your frying turkey can lead to a disastrous situation. Anything can happen when frying a turkey and without your undivided attention major harm and damage can occur.
Never leave your turkey unattended. The temperature might need to be adjusted to prevent an oil spill. The fryer might be unstable needing direct assistance. And of course you don’t want to burn the turkey!
So go ahead and start up the fryer for a delicious turkey. Just follow these safety tips for the turkey is the only thing frying, so moving to a new home isn’t how you will spend the holiday season.