Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit

What is a Fryer Pilot Light?

The pilot light is usually located near the front of a commercial fryer. It's a small gas burner that remains lit, making it easier to ignite a flame for your larger burner. Pilot lights can go out fairly often in busy commercial kitchens. This is because they are constantly being used and are subject to food splatters and grease build-up. Let's look at some possible reasons your pilot light won't stay lit.

Problem: "Fryer Pilot Light Won't Start or Stay Lit"

If your pilot light goes out, it is important to clean it before relighting. Otherwise, you run the risk of a grease fire. The first step is to make sure that the gas valve is turned to the "off" position. Next, remove the burner head and wipe away any debris with a damp cloth. Locate the pilot light hole on the front of the fryer. In most cases, there will be a small knob next to the hole that you can turn to adjust the flow of gas. Once you've found the hole, insert a long match or lighter into it and turn the knob to the "on" position. Then, strike the match or lighter and hold it near the hole until the pilot light ignites.

If you're having trouble relighting the pilot light, contact a qualified service technician for assistance.

Other Common Issues:

• Disconnected Or Closed Gas Hose: If you have prior experience or under the direction of a qualified service technician, open or clean the valve.
• Closed Drain Valve: The drain valve must remain open to allow the pilot light to engage.
• Broken Thermopile: Contact a qualified service technician for assistance.
• Dirty Orifices: With a stiff brush, clean and remove any debris that may be clogging the outlet hole.
• Broken High-Limit Thermostat: Contact a qualified service technician for assistance.

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Burners Not Lighting

What Are Commercial Fryer Burners?

Commercial fryers typically have multiple burners, arranged in a "star" configuration, to ensure even heat distribution. Each burner is designed to produce heat to raise the temperature of the oil inside. To promote maximal heat distribution, the fryer burners may either be around the walls of the frypot or inside it with stainless steel tubes fitted with baffles for even distribution.

Problem: "Clogged Commercial Fryer Burners"

The most common issues with fryer burners are flameouts and clogged burner ports. Flameouts occur when the flame from the burner is extinguished, usually due to a loss of gas flow. Clogged ports can occur if debris build-up restricts gas flow to the burner. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove any grease and debris blocking the burner orifices. If the burners continue to produce irregular flames, there could be low or fluctuating gas pressure. For gas pressure issues, we recommend calling a service agent. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help to prevent these problems and keep your fryer running smoothly.

Other Common Issues:

• Damaged Gas/Fuel Lines: Call an authorized service agent to resolve this issue.
• Thermostat Is Set Too Low : Restart the thermostat to the correct temperature settings.

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Fryer Won't Drain Properly

Why Is It Important To Drain Your Fryer

Keeping your commercial fryer properly maintained is essential to ensuring that it operates safely and efficiently. One of the most important tasks is draining the fryer regularly. This helps to remove built-up grease and food particles, which can cause several problems, such as clogged burners and decreased heat transfer. Additionally, draining the fryer helps to extend its lifespan by reducing corrosion and other wear and tear. It's vital to prioritize this, as failing to drain your commercial fryer can lead to serious consequences.

Fryer Problem: "Fryer Oil Won't Drain"

Located at the bottom of the fryer is the drain valve. The drain valve allows you to remove oil from the fryer. If it becomes clogged, it can cause several problems. For instance, if oil can't be drained from the fryer, it will eventually become too full and overflow. In addition, a clogged drain valve can also lead to overheating, as the oil will begin to break down and produce harmful fumes. As a result, it is essential to clean your drain valve on a regular basis. In addition, it is also important to have a drain board in place to catch any oil that does happen to overflow. By taking these simple precautions, you can help ensure that your commercial fryer remains in good working order.

Other Common Issues:

• Dirty or Old Drain Filter: Clean or replace the filter if there is a thick buildup of grease or food remnants.
• Filtration Pump is Tripped or Broken: Reset the pump. If it’s still not operating properly, have it repaired or replaced by an authorized technician.

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Fryer Temperature Won't Hold

Fryer Problem: "Temperature Won't Hold"

Temperature is one of the most important aspects of frying food. If the temperature is too low, the food will absorb too much oil and be greasy. If the temperature is too high, the food will be burnt on the outside but not cooked on the inside. To ensure that the fryer is cooking at the correct temperature, it is important to check the fryers thermometer and calibrate the temperature controls regularly. The ideal temperature for frying is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other Common Issues:

• Loose or Damaged Wiring: Call an authorized service technician.
• Temperature Controls and Damaged: Make sure the knobs and controls are fastened. Call an authorized service technician for replacement and installation.

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Fryer Doesn't Turn On

Gas Fryer Ignition: How It Works

A gas fryer is a commercial fryer that uses gas as its heat source. Gas fryers typically have two burners, each with its own temperature control. The burner underneath the frying pan produces the majority of the heat, while the upper burner helps to circulate the heat evenly around the food. Most gas fryers also have an automatic ignition system, which makes it easy to light the burners. The most common type of ignition source is a pilot light. A pilot light is a small flame that is always burning inside the fryer. When the gas is turned on, the pilot light ignites the gas, and the gas starts to flow into the frying chamber. The heat from the flames then cooks the food. Other types of ignition sources include electronic igniters.

Electric Fryer Ignition: How It Works

Electric fryers are becoming increasingly popular in commercial kitchens. They offer a number of advantages over traditional gas fryers, including more consistent heat, better temperature control, and lower operating costs. However, electric fryers can be tricky to ignite. Electric fryers use a heating element to generate heat, rather than a flame. As a result, electric fryers must be fitted with an ignition system that can provide a reliable spark to light the heating element.

There are a few different types of electric fryer ignition systems on the market today. The most common type is an automatic system, which uses a battery-operated sparker to create a spark when the fryer is turned on. Automatic ignition systems are very convenient, but they can be expensive to maintain and replace. Alternatively, some electric fryers are equipped with a manual ignition system. Manual ignitions systems typically use a pilot light to supply a steady heat source for the heating element. While manual systems are less expensive than automatic systems, they can be more difficult to operate.

Fryer Problem: "Fryer Won't Turn On"

If your commercial fryer won't ignite, there are a few possible causes. First, check to see if there is a flame. If not, the problem may be with the gas valve or the igniter. If there is a flame, but it's not strong enough to heat the oil, the burner may be dirty or the gas pressure may be too low. In either case, you'll need to contact a service technician for assistance. In the meantime, you can continue to use your fryer by heating the oil on the stovetop and then transferring it to the fryer when it's ready.

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Commercial Fryer Repair Service

Authorized Repair Service Importance

If you have a commercial fryer, it's important to call an authorized service technician for all repairs and installations. Commercial fryers are complex pieces of equipment and require special training to repair and install correctly. A service technician will have the knowledge and experience to ensure that your fryer is repaired or installed properly so that it operates safely and efficiently. In addition, a service technician can also provide advice on how to maintain your commercial fryer to prevent future problems. Therefore, calling an authorized service technician is the best way to ensure that your commercial fryer is functioning properly.

Contact Brink Inc. For Commercial Fryer Repair

When it comes to commercial fryer repair, nobody does it better than the service technicians at Brink Inc. We have years of experience fixing commercial fryers, and we know exactly what to do to get your fryer up and running again. Whether it's a simple fix or a more complex repair, we'll make sure that your fryer is fixed quickly and efficiently. And because we're always up-to-date on the latest fryer models and technologies, you can rest assured that we'll be able to fix your fryer regardless of its make or model. So if you're in need of commercial fryer repair, don't hesitate to give us a call. We're your go-to experts for all things fryer-related!

For those interested in upgrading or purchasing new equipment, check out our blog post on the Best Commercial Fryers in 2024.