The first time I figured out how to clean Presto deep fryer, I thought it would be a messy, time-consuming job—but it turned out to be much easier than I expected. A clean fryer makes every batch of fries or chicken taste fresh, while also keeping your appliance running longer and safer. Over the years, I’ve tried different methods—whether it was learning how to clean a Presto ProFry deep fryer, tackling the filter in a Cool Daddy model, or even experimenting with baking soda and vinegar for deep cleaning.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I use so you’ll know how to clean a Presto deep fryer at home without stress. Stick around, and by the end you’ll have a foolproof routine that keeps your fryer spotless and ready for your next meal.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Presto Deep Fryer
The main reason I clean my fryer is taste. Old oil holds old flavors. Fries cooked in dirty oil can taste like last night’s fish. Cleaning removes crumbs and grease so every batch tastes fresh. A clean Presto deep fryer keeps food from picking up strange smells or flavors.
Cleaning also makes the fryer last longer. I’ve used my Presto ProFry for years. When I wash it after every few uses, it works better and stays in good shape. Grease can damage parts and clog filters. Regular care helps the fryer live longer and perform like new.
Safety is another big reason. Grease buildup is more than messy—it can cause fire. A quick wipe of the bowl and heating element keeps things safe. Less grease means less risk of overheating or fire in your kitchen.
And last, cleaning saves money. Oil costs a lot, especially if you cook often. When you clean the fryer and strain the oil, you can reuse it many times. Clean oil makes food taste better and lasts longer. That means fewer trips to buy oil and more money saved.
General Cleaning Steps for All Presto Deep Fryers
Cleaning a Presto deep fryer sounds complicated at first, but once you follow a routine it feels natural—almost like washing dishes after dinner. No matter which model you own—ProFry, Cool Daddy, or Fry Daddy—the steps are almost the same. Here’s the simple process I use every time.
Step 1 – Drain and Strain the Oil
The very first thing I do is let the fryer cool completely. Trust me, I once tried rushing and almost burned my hand—never again! Once it’s safe to touch, I pour the oil into a clean container through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Always let the oil cool first, then strain it into an airtight container to keep it fresh for reuse and to prevent food crumbs from spoiling the flavor.
Step 2 – Wash the Basket and Lid
The basket and lid are usually the greasiest parts. I wash them in warm, soapy water and, if I’m feeling lazy, I just toss them in the dishwasher. Not all models are dishwasher-safe though, so it’s smart to check your manual first. The easiest way to keep them spotless is to wash them right away or use a bit of baking soda paste for stubborn grease, since it scrubs without scratching.
Step 3 – Clean the Removable Pot or Fryer Bowl
If your model has a removable pot, this is where most of the oil collects. I wash it in warm soapy water, rinse it well, and dry it completely before putting it back. The trick here is to avoid steel wool or harsh cleaners because they scratch the surface and make future cleanings harder. The best way is simple—just soapy water, a soft sponge, and a clean towel to dry.
Step 4 – Wipe the Heating Element & Control Unit (never immerse in water)
This part always makes me extra careful. I unplug the fryer, let it cool down, and then wipe the heating element and control unit with a damp cloth. Never immerse the control unit in water—doing that can ruin the fryer for good. Think of it like cleaning a TV remote or laptop charger: wipe gently, don’t soak.
Step 5 – Clean the Exterior and Base
Finally, I give the outside of the fryer a quick wipe-down. Most of the time, a damp cloth does the job, but if I notice greasy splatter, I use a tiny bit of dish soap or a baking soda paste. A simple wipe on the exterior makes the fryer look shiny again, almost like it just came out of the box.
Deep Cleaning Presto Deep Fryers
For everyday cooking, a quick clean is usually enough. But if you use your fryer often, a deeper clean once a week (or at least every two weeks) makes a huge difference. Think of it like spring cleaning for your kitchen gadgets—it clears out hidden grease, removes stubborn stains, and keeps your fryer smelling fresh. The main tools I rely on are simple: baking soda, vinegar, and a soft non-abrasive brush. These basics handle almost any mess without damaging the fryer.
How to Clean Presto Deep Fryer with Baking Soda
When I notice sticky grease that won’t budge with regular soap, I turn to baking soda. It works like a gentle scrub that cuts through oil without scratching the surface. I usually make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water, spread it over greasy spots, and let it sit for five to ten minutes. After that, I scrub with a soft brush or sponge and rinse with warm water. The fryer bowl comes out smooth, clean, and grease-free.
In short, the best way to remove stubborn grease from a Presto deep fryer is to scrub with a baking soda paste, then rinse and dry completely.
How to Clean Presto Deep Fryer with Vinegar
Sometimes the fryer doesn’t look dirty, but it smells like old oil. That’s when I use vinegar. I fill the fryer pot with water and add about one cup of white vinegar, then bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The steam lifts away odors trapped in the metal, and once it cools down, I pour it out and wash as usual. This trick always leaves my fryer smelling fresh, almost like new.
If your Presto deep fryer smells like old oil, the quickest fix is to simmer water and vinegar inside the pot, then rinse and dry afterward.
Model-Specific Cleaning Guides
Not all Presto fryers are built the same. Some are large and heavy-duty, while others are compact and simple. Over the years, I’ve owned or tried different models, and each has its own cleaning quirks. Let’s break down how to clean each type so you can care for your fryer the right way.
How to Clean Presto ProFry Deep Fryer
The ProFry is one of the bigger models, which means it can handle large batches of fries or chicken wings. The good news is that it has a large removable pot that makes cleaning easier. I usually drain and strain the oil, then lift out the pot and wash it in warm soapy water. Many parts are dishwasher-safe, including the basket and lid, so on lazy days I just pop them in. The key here is drying everything completely before putting it back—otherwise water can mix with the oil and cause splattering.
If you own a Presto ProFry, the best way to clean it is to remove the pot, wash it in warm soapy water (or dishwasher if allowed), and dry every part thoroughly before reassembly.
How to Clean Presto Cool Daddy Deep Fryer
The Cool Daddy is a little different because it has a closed-lid design and an odor filter. This design keeps smells down while cooking, but it also means extra cleaning steps. I remove the basket and lid and wash them as usual, but the real focus is the filter. Disposable charcoal filters should be replaced when they stop working, while washable ones can be rinsed and dried. I also wipe the inside lid carefully because grease tends to build up there.
To clean a Presto Cool Daddy fryer, wash the basket and lid, replace or rinse the odor filter, and gently wipe inside the lid where grease collects.
How to Clean a Presto Fry Daddy
The Fry Daddy is the simplest of the bunch—just a small pot with a heating element built in. Since it doesn’t have a removable pot, the trick is to be extra careful. Once the oil cools, I pour it out slowly, then wipe the inside with a damp cloth and a little dish soap. I never submerge it in water because the heating element is attached. It takes a bit more patience, but with regular care, it stays clean without much effort.
To clean a Presto Fry Daddy, let the oil cool, pour it out, and wipe the inside gently with a soapy cloth—never immerse the unit in water.
How to Clean Presto Deep Fryer Filter
Some Presto fryers, like the Cool Daddy, use charcoal odor filters to trap smells. These filters don’t last forever. Disposable ones need to be swapped out for new ones, while some models have washable filters that can be rinsed and air-dried. I’ve learned that keeping the filter clean really helps reduce that “old oil” smell in the kitchen.
To clean a Presto fryer filter, check if it’s disposable (replace it) or washable (rinse and dry). A clean filter makes your fryer smell fresher and cook better.
My Personal Tips & Tricks
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make cleaning my Presto deep fryer less of a chore and more of a simple routine. These little habits save me time, protect my fryer, and even make the oil last longer.
How I Store Oil After Straining
The best way to reuse fryer oil is to strain it right after cooking. I let the oil cool, then pour it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar. This removes crumbs that can burn the next time I fry, keeping the oil clean and the food fresh. Always strain cooled oil into a clean, airtight container if you plan to reuse it safely.
My Favorite Cleaning Hack: Vinegar Simmer
One trick I swear by is the vinegar simmer. After draining the oil, I add water and a splash of vinegar to the pot, then turn the fryer on just long enough for it to get warm (not boiling). The gentle steam loosens grease, while the vinegar cuts odors and deodorizes the fryer. Warm water mixed with vinegar is one of the easiest natural ways to clean and refresh a Presto deep fryer.
A Mistake I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
I’ll be honest—I once grabbed steel wool to scrub a stubborn grease spot inside my Fry Daddy. Big mistake. It scratched the surface, and those tiny marks made the fryer harder to clean later. The safer way is to stick with soft brushes or non-abrasive sponges. Never use steel wool on your fryer, because scratches trap grease and make future cleaning even tougher.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a Presto deep fryer is easier than most people think. The key is to build a habit. Drain and strain the oil, wash the basket and lid, wipe the heater, and give the outside a quick clean. That’s it—simple steps that keep food fresh, the fryer safe, and oil lasting longer.
The truth is, the more often you clean, the faster it gets. Skip it a few times and grease builds up, making the job harder. But if you clean after each use, it takes only minutes. A light clean after frying and a deeper scrub each week is the best routine.
Everyone finds their own tricks. I like simmering vinegar water to kill smells, but some people swear by baking soda or cheesecloth for straining oil. What about you? Share your best Presto fryer cleaning hack in the comments—I’d love to learn from your tips.
FAQs on How to Clean a Presto Deep Fryer
How often should I clean my Presto deep fryer?
Clean after every use; deep clean weekly if you fry often.
Can I put Presto fryer parts in the dishwasher?
Yes, most baskets, lids, and pots are dishwasher-safe (check your model).
What’s the best way to get rid of old oil smell?
Boil water with vinegar for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Can I reuse oil in my Presto fryer?
Yes, if strained and stored properly—discard when it smells or looks bad.
How do I clean the heating element safely?
Unplug, let cool, and wipe gently with a damp cloth—never immerse in water.
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Hello! I’m Rob Newaz, the creator of KitchKap. I built this site to share my passion for smart cooking, especially with air fryers and modern kitchen appliances. Here you’ll find easy air fryer recipes, honest appliance reviews, and practical cooking hacks. My goal is to help home cooks save time, eat healthier, and enjoy every meal with confidence.
