Frying a juicy turkey in a propane turkey fryer is a delicious preparation method for the holidays. But your frying plans can quickly get derailed if you can’t get the fryer burner to stay lit.
It’s incredibly frustrating when the flame repeatedly goes out and you can’t get the oil hot enough to cook the turkey. Fortunately, with some troubleshooting finesse, you can get to the bottom of what’s causing the problem and get your turkey fryer working properly again.
Common Causes of a Turkey Fryer That Won’t Stay Lit
There are a few typical issues that can lead to a turkey fryer burner that won’t remain stable
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Faulty Thermocouple – This sensor tells the gas valve when to stay open. If it malfunctions, the flame goes out repeatedly.
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Clogged Burner – Blocked holes on the burner restrict fuel flow, causing a weak flame.
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Kinked Fuel Line – Crimps in the hose prevent adequate gas flow to sustain the flame.
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Windy Conditions – Strong breezes or gusts blow out the weak flame.
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Low Propane Supply – An empty tank can’t deliver the consistent fuel supply needed.
Pinpointing the root cause is key to getting your propane-powered fryer working properly again.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow this helpful troubleshooting approach to methodically isolate why your turkey fryer won’t stay lit:
Inspect the Thermocouple
The thermocouple is the first thing to check, since a faulty one causes repeated flame outages after lighting.
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Clean corrosion and debris off the bulb and probe with sandpaper.
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Check the tip is 1⁄4 inch in the flame for sufficient heat.
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Look for cracks or damage to the rod. Replace if faulty.
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Verify tight, intact connections at the valve and burner.
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Replace it if adjusting doesn’t help. Use a model-specific replacement.
Inspect the Burner
A clogged burner prevents a steady flame, so it needs to be cleaned out:
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Remove the pot to access the burner.
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Clear debris from burner holes with a wire brush, toothpick or compressed air.
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Eliminate any dirt or rust on the surface with a wire brush.
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Make sure the burner aligns properly on the fryer frame.
Check the Gas Line and Regulator
The fuel source might have an issue preventing adequate gas flow:
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Inspect the propane hose for tight kinks and straighten any out. Replace if severely damaged.
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Confirm the hose fitting is tightened securely at both ends. Tighten if loose.
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Make sure the hose has no cracks or leaks. Swap it out if deteriorated.
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Verify the tank regulator is set between 10-15 PSI pressure for proper flow.
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Check that the propane tank has at least 25% fuel before lighting.
Create a Wind Block
Since turkey fryers are used outdoors, wind can disrupt the weak flame:
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Position the fryer in a sheltered area like under an eave or wall.
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Improvise barriers around the fryer using tarps or boards to block wind.
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Avoid lighting in extremely windy conditions. Wait for a calmer time.
Check the User Manual
Refer to the manufacturer instructions for model-specific troubleshooting tips.
Following this systematic approach makes it straightforward to pinpoint why your propane turkey fryer won’t stay lit. Taking time to properly diagnose the issue prevents wasted time and propane. With a bit of maintenance, you can get the burner tuned up to deliver a steady high heat output.
Fixing Specific Issues Causing Flame Outages
Once you’ve identified the culprit for the unstable flame, here are solutions for the common problems:
Thermocouple Replacement
If cleaning the thermocouple contacts doesn’t help, replace it with an identical model made specifically for your fryer. Ensure it’s properly positioned in the flame.
Unclogging the Burner
Use a wire brush, toothpick, or compressed air to thoroughly clean out all debris blocking the burner holes. Remove any nests, rust, or dirt so propane flows freely.
Gas Hose Repair
Replace any severely kinked propane hose that can’t be fully straightened out. Use a hose rated for high pressure propane. Verify tight fittings.
Wind Protection
Improvise barriers around the fryer using plywood, tarps, or cardboard to block wind. Face the burner away from prevailing winds. Avoid lighting in heavy winds.
Propane Tank Replacement
Monitor the tank fuel gauge and swap out cans before they run empty. Always keep a backup full propane tank on hand for quick replacement.
Turkey Fryer Troubleshooting FAQs
Here are some common questions about troubleshooting turkey fryer flame issues:
What causes the flame to go out repeatedly?
Faulty thermocouple, clogged burner, kinked hose, wind, and low propane supply are the most common culprits.
How can I prevent the flame from blowing out?
Blocking wind, cleaning the burner, replacing damaged parts, and ensuring adequate propane flow help the flame stay stable.
Why does my turkey fryer keep shutting off?
If the fryer repeatedly shuts down after lighting briefly, the auto shut-off thermocouple is likely defective and needs replacing.
What should I do if the flame is weak?
A weak flame indicates restricted propane flow. Check for kinked hoses, blocked burner holes, faulty regulator or empty propane tank.
How do I relight the burner if the flame goes out?
First address the underlying issue for the outage. Then reopen the propane valve, ensure fryer controls are on, and manually relight with an igniter or firestick.
Is it safe to bypass the thermocouple to keep the fryer lit?
Bypassing the thermocouple is extremely dangerous and removes a key safety device. Only do this temporarily until the thermocouple can be replaced.
Persisting flame outages in your turkey fryer can quickly ruin the holiday meal. But with some targeted troubleshooting, you can get the burner holding a steady flame again. Invest time in proper maintenance and safety with propane equipment. Once tuned up, your fryer will deliver crispy golden turkey after turkey.
fryer: 34
flame: 26
turkey: 24
propane: 16
thermocouple: 10
burner: 10
lit: 8
gas: 7
hose: 6
valve: 4
wind: 4
supply: 3
pressure: 3
clogged: 2
blocked: 2
debris: 2
rust: 2
regulator: 2
faulty: 2
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.
How do I test my deep fryer thermostat?
If your commercial fryer is not heating up properly, the first step is to check the thermostat. There are two terminals on the back of the commercial fryer, and each must be tested individually. The best way to test a commercial fryer thermostat is with a multimeter. First, set the multimeter to the ohms setting. Then, touch one lead to each terminal. The multimeter should register a reading of infinity if the thermostat is working properly. If the reading is zero or close to zero, the thermostat is not working and will need to be replaced.