Seven Safety Tips for Turkey Fryers

PR Newswire

ERIE, Pa., Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, and turkey fryers are a big contributor. Erie Insurance provides seven deep fryer tips to keep you and your home safe this holiday season.

Before cooking:

Buy the Right Sized Bird
A 12 to 14-pound turkey is usually the biggest bird a turkey fryer can accommodate.
Follow the Thawing Process
Let your turkey thaw and dry. Excess water causes oil to bubble up, which increases the chances of a spill. The National Turkey Federation recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every four or five pounds of whole-body turkey.
Find the Right Spot
Place a propane-fired outdoor fryer on a level spot far away from your house and any other structures. Indoor electric fryers are often safest on porches, patios, garages or an outdoor area within reach of an electrical outlet; otherwise, place it on a countertop that's a safe distance from any overhead cabinets.
Do Not Overfill
Most fryers have a "fill line" indicating how much oil to put in the fryer. If yours doesn't, place the turkey in the fryer and fill three to five inches from the top of the fryer. Do not exceed the fill line.
During cooking:
Heating Techniques
Heat the oil slowly. Also monitor the oil's temperature. Always check your user manual for the manufacturer's recommendation.
Don't Go Anywhere
Stick around the fryer while you are cooking. Many flare ups happen when no one's keeping an eye on things. The quicker you spot a fire, the faster you can put it out.
Putting Out the Fire
Keep an all-purpose, dry-powder fire extinguisher close by. Never use water on a grease fire.

Follow a few easy steps to a safe and delicious Thanksgiving turkey.

Fires can happen with less risky cooking techniques too. Keep your family and friends safe by following these safe cooking tips. It's a good idea to contact your Erie Insurance agent to make sure you have the right homeowners insurance plan to protect your home and everything in it.

Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 9^th largest homeowners insurer and 11^thlargest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 16^th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.