Once again, it’s that time of year to gather loved ones, smell the aroma of pumpkin pie, mash potatoes, and enjoy a bite of string bean casserole. You might be planning your menu and choosing how to cook your turkey for the holidays right now. If you’re thinking of deep-frying your bird, continue reading before you dash to the store to pick up the fryer and cooking oil.
A Southern tradition, deep-fried turkey has grown in popularity over the years, with celebrity chefs praising it as an easy way to cook a moist and flavorful bird. However, because it uses a lot of cooking oil, which is flammable, frying is generally riskier than a lot of other cooking methods. Even for cooks with years of experience, many may not be aware of how dangerous deep-frying a turkey can be.
The use of outdoor gas-powered turkey fryers is discouraged by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) due to the potential for catastrophic burns, property destruction, and other injuries. Furthermore, these fryers do not bear the UL label of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the company that certifies safe products. Open-flame fryers are discouraged by both organizations for the following reasons:
If you still intend to use a turkey fryer in spite of these risks, kindly abide by these safety precautions:
In case you were wondering, Thanksgiving is the day when home cooking fires occur the most frequently. There are three times as many reported home structure fires today involving cooking appliances as there usually are. Please be careful this holiday season.
Deep-frying a turkey has become a popular Thanksgiving tradition, but it’s also a potentially dangerous activity. This guide will delve into the risks associated with deep-frying a turkey, explain why it’s dangerous, and provide essential safety tips to help you avoid accidents and injuries.
Why is Deep Frying a Turkey Dangerous?
Several factors contribute to the dangers associated with deep-frying a turkey:
1. Overflowing and Boiling Oil: When a frozen turkey is submerged in hot oil the water within the turkey rapidly vaporizes causing the oil to overflow and potentially ignite. This phenomenon, known as a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE), can result in severe burns and property damage.
2. Overheating Oil and 10-foot-high Jets of Flame: As oil reaches high temperatures, it can ignite, creating flames that can reach up to 10 feet high. These flames can melt siding, ignite decks, and cause significant damage.
3. Extremely Hot Handles and Lid: The handles and lid of a deep fryer can become extremely hot, leading to burns if touched without proper protection.
Safety Tips for Deep-frying a Turkey
If you choose to deep-fry a turkey, follow these essential safety tips:
1. Choose the Right Location:
- Place the fryer outdoors, at least 10 feet away from your home, and on a level surface.
- Avoid frying in your garage, on your deck, or under low-hanging branches.
2 Use the Right Equipment:
- Use a properly functioning turkey fryer with working thermostat controls.
- Have a Class-B flammable liquids fire extinguisher, a grease cover, safety goggles, long sleeve clothing, and heat-proof hand covers readily available.
3. Know Your Oil’s Smoke Point:
- Different oils have different smoke points, the temperature at which they start to smoke and potentially catch fire. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or vegetable oil.
4. Use the Right Amount of Oil:
- Fill the fryer with enough oil to cover the turkey, but avoid overfilling.
5. Only Fry a Completely Thawed Turkey:
- Never deep-fry a partially frozen turkey. This can cause a BLEVE.
6. Don’t Leave the Fryer Unattended:
- Keep a close eye on the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
7. Lower and Raise the Turkey Slowly:
- Avoid splashing hot oil by slowly lowering and raising the turkey into and out of the fryer.
8. Keep Children, Pets, and Guests Away:
- Maintain a safe distance from the fryer to avoid burns and accidents.
While deep-frying a turkey can be a delicious Thanksgiving tradition, it’s important to prioritize safety. By following these essential tips, you can minimize the risks and enjoy a safe and enjoyable holiday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to deep-fry a turkey?
A: Deep-frying a turkey can be dangerous if not done correctly. By following the safety tips outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risks.
Q: What is the biggest risk associated with deep-frying a turkey?
A: The biggest risk is a BLEVE, which can occur when a frozen turkey is submerged in hot oil.
Q: What type of oil should I use for deep-frying a turkey?
A: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or vegetable oil.
Q: Can I deep-fry a turkey indoors?
A: No, deep-frying a turkey indoors is extremely dangerous and should never be done.
Q: What should I do if my deep fryer catches fire?
A: If your deep fryer catches fire, immediately call 911 and evacuate the area. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself.
Additional Resources
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Thanksgiving
- Copeland’s of New Orleans: https://www.copelandsatlanta.com/the-dangers-of-deep-frying-a-turkey-at-home/
- Cosumnes Fire Department: https://todayshomeowner.com/blog/guides/the-dangers-of-deep-frying-turkey-and-why-it-explodes/
Fire Info for You
Employees Keep fire safe in the kitchen by following these Thanksgiving Safety tips from the NFPA.
Park Leadership: This holiday season, think about creating policies regarding the use of turkey fryers in your park.
Ensure your employees are completing NPSs Annual Fire Extinguisher Education to keep updated on the proper use of fire extinguishers, which are used frequently on cooking fires.
This holiday season, cook your turkey in a safer manner. If you like the flavor of fried turkey, cook it in an electric fryer without an open flame or buy cooked turkey from a supermarket or eatery that makes use of industrial frying equipment.
The Seagulls Nest restaurant in Gateway National Recreation Area, run by a park concessionaire, caught fire in June 2009 due to a double deep fryer. Employees of the concession used portable fire extinguishers to put out the fire. Using a thermal imaging camera, NPS and mutual aid firefighters cooled the deep fryer and inspected the building for any more concealed fires. An electrical short in the fryer’s ignition switch was the cause of the fire.
Explore the National Park Service
A turkey fry can easily become a dangerous fire hazard.
Once again, it’s that time of year to gather loved ones, smell the aroma of pumpkin pie, mash potatoes, and enjoy a bite of string bean casserole. You might be planning your menu and choosing how to cook your turkey for the holidays right now. If you’re thinking of deep-frying your bird, continue reading before you dash to the store to pick up the fryer and cooking oil.
A Southern tradition, deep-fried turkey has grown in popularity over the years, with celebrity chefs praising it as an easy way to cook a moist and flavorful bird. However, because it uses a lot of cooking oil, which is flammable, frying is generally riskier than a lot of other cooking methods. Even for cooks with years of experience, many may not be aware of how dangerous deep-frying a turkey can be.
The use of outdoor gas-powered turkey fryers is discouraged by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) due to the potential for catastrophic burns, property destruction, and other injuries. Furthermore, these fryers do not bear the UL label of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the company that certifies safe products. Open-flame fryers are discouraged by both organizations for the following reasons:
- Turkey fryers are prone to toppling over, leaking their contents and setting oil on fire.
- Overfilling the fryer is common. When the turkey is placed in the fryer, the oil spills out of the pot and ignites the entire apparatus.
- The oil is prone to overheating to the point of combustion in the absence of thermostat controls.
- The lid and handles get very hot, which can burn people severely.
- Because the device is meant to be used outside, it may get wet from rain or snow, which could splash oil and turn water into scalding steam.
If you still intend to use a turkey fryer in spite of these risks, kindly abide by these safety precautions:
- Use the fryer outside only, on a level surface, and as far away from buildings, wooden decks, and covered patios as possible. Never, ever give in to the temptation to use the fryer in a garage.
- Keep the appropriate type of fire extinguisher close at hand and prepared for use.
- Place a thawed turkey in the fry pot and add enough water to cover the bird by ½” to make sure you are using the proper amount of oil. Remove the turkey and mark the water level. Dump the water and thoroughly dry the pot and turkey. Fill the pot with oil to the marked level.
- Do not leave the fryer unattended. Use a thermometer to check the oil’s temperature to avoid it overheating and catching fire. Turn off the gas right away if smoke starts to come from the oil.
- To avoid the risk of a fire or explosion, make sure the turkey is completely thawed.
- Slowly raise and lower the turkey to avoid burns, splatters, and fire.
- After the turkey is cooked, keep kids and pets away from the fryer to avoid tipping. The oil is dangerously hot for hours.
- Use your safety tools: Oven mitts, gloves, and safety goggles.
- Move away from the propane tank and fryer so that the heat is directed away from you.
In case you were wondering, Thanksgiving is the day when home cooking fires occur the most frequently. There are three times as many reported home structure fires today involving cooking appliances as there usually are. Please be careful this holiday season.