Is It Possible To Adjust the Thermostat on Waring Pro Deep Fryer?

[gredmondson]

I have a 4 quart oil capacity Waring Pro Deep Fryer. Just like two other deep fryers I tried, even though the fryer will indicate that it is up to the selected temperature, it is far short by a deep frying thermometer that I know is correct. For example, if I set the fryer at 375 F, and the ready light comes on, the oil is really about 345 F. I moved the smaller thermostat from where it was attached touching the heating element to between (and not touching) the middle of the heating element, but that seems to have done nothing. I suppose the middle prong coming from the unit is also a thermostat. I think this deep fryer has two thermostats, one for selecting a temperature, and the other for a top temperature cut off. I don't know which one is the culprit.

There are screws in the back of the heating element unit, but I have not looked inside. Do any of you have advice on how I might adjust the thermostat t get it to heat to 375F?

 

[launderess]

It may not be possible

If no one here can help, try searching online for a service manual or something.

Virtually all heating small appliances from irons on down have had their temps
"dumbed down" over years. This in response to complaints, legal action (or threats/fears of), along with various safety regulations (UL, etc...).

Don't deep fry much of anything nowadays, but when urge strikes always use a vintage appliance from my stash. Long ago found modern units useless as they either do not reach proper temp, but have slow to nil recovery after food is immersed.

In end you end up with grease laden food instead of crisp.

Quite honestly since nabbing a huge cast iron "chicken fryer" skillet at a thrift shop for little money, that has been my go to choice for deep frying. Yes, things can be messy, but results are so delicious.

 

[sfh074]

Had this problem once ......

I found if the temp sensing bulb wire was allowed to touch the heating element in any way, the thermostat would kick off prematurely before reaching desired temp. Maybe something to try. From the pictures, it looks like this might be the case.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Try eliminating the high limit thermostat.

I had a similar problem with a popcorn popper. The high limit was cutting off too soon when the unit was only 1/3 way through popping.

 

[gredmondson]

Do you know which thermostat is the high limit thermostat? Is the middle prong, or is it the one attached to the thin wire?

As a side note, I did French fries on top of the stove, and used a deep frying thermometer. I thought the fries, would have been crisper, but I do not think they were.

 

[ozzie908]

Double dip is the best way

If you cook your fries until the steam has dissipated you lift the basket out and wait while the fryer recovers then dip them back in should come out nice and crisp.

 

[gredmondson]

I have tried the double frying method, and also sprinkling the potatoes with a little cornstarch. The cornstarch was more effective than the double frying for me. Maybe I should limit the time I soak the cut potatoes in cold water.
I have to say, though, that even though I would like the fries crisper, they are still delicious.

 

[fan-of-fans]

Eliminating the high limit thermostat could be very dangerous. If the unit or main thermostat malfunctions, you could have a fire.

 

[fan-of-fans]

I'd second the idea of trying to adjust the position of the thermostat bulb.

I think the issue with a lot of these style fryers is that while they try to emulate the commercial fryer design, there just is not enough current at 120 volts to allow the oil to heat fast enough.

 

[turbokinetic]

George; I recently worked on one similar to this.  If yours is in fact the same; the sensing bulb, at the lower level where it would be "under" the fry basket is for the manual-reset high-limit switch. It is a mechanical thermostat with a gas charged sensing tube.

 

In between the element lead-in area, by the controls, there is a center tube which contains the sensor for the cycling control. This one is probably a thermistor sensor which tells the digital thermostat how hot the oil is.  You can probably slide that thermistor "part way" out of the tube, so it is slightly above the level of the oil. This may allow the oil to heat more before it cycles off. If that isn't effective, you can probably add resistance in series with the sensor to shift the calibration.

 

As recommended earlier, if there is any sort of manual, you may find a calibration procedure in that.

 

Good luck!

 

[bradfordwhite]

Since it seems to be heating, but is off by 30 degrees, can't you just adjust the electronic control to add the 30 making it 405 degrees.

Test the oil with a thermometer and make sure its the right temp.

In my corn popper, there is no adjustment of a thermostat. It just heats up all the way for the few minutes it takes to make the corn. I had an over heat sensor but like I said it was cutting out too soon.

In your case, it may be the thermostat and since it's electronic just adding the 30 degrees might be the easiest.

Now I'm hungry for popcorn. lol. I think I'll make some.

 

[bradfordwhite]

waaa-laaa!

How long did that take me?

 

[gredmondson]

The maximum temperature that I can set it for is 375 F. I have had two other deep fryers, and that was also the maximum temperature for those fryers, too. So I cannot set it to 405 F.
But, I am glad to know that the center rod is m,ost likely the temperature control thermostat.
I have the instructions that came with it, but there is nothing about adjusting the thermostat.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Maybe it's defective. Can you return it? exchange it?

 

[gredmondson]

It was given to me, so, no, I can't return it. And, like I said, two other deep fryers, a T Fal and I forgot the other brand, both had the same issue. Even though they were set at 375 F, they cycled off at 350 F.

But, I appreciate your concern, Bradfordwhite

 

[launderess]

@ 1800 watts

Even with only 120v power that Waring unit should be more than capable of reaching and maintaining 375F to even 400F. Vintage deep fryers did so and they usually topped out at 1100 watts to 1500 watts.

As with vintage irons, ironers, and other appliances with heating elements temperature is likely controlled by thermostat. That is unit will continue drawing power until whatever preset (and selected) temp is reached. An electric clothes iron at 900 watts of power can scorch things just as easily as 1100 watts.

Service manual would probably be a better choice for information regarding set temps and recovery time.

Would reach out to Waring customer service and explain the issue. Tell them unit isn't performing as sold or advertised.

Bringing this back on home, we know from posts here and elsewhere that many washing machines with heaters do not reach set temp. That is if you want "140F", machine stops heating at far lower temp.

 

[bradfordwhite]

That's all I've got.

I wish you the best.

I'm going to make some more popcorn.

 

[ozzie908]

Heres a thought

Have you tried cooking the fries before soaking them in cold water? I was thinking it will take longer and the fryer has to work harder if the fries are cold and wet... As I said just a thought..... I recall my catering days and we used dry fries they cooked twice as fast as frozen.

 

[gusherb]

I forget the brand of my deep dryer but I had the same issue with the one I got before it, it would not get warm enough and the thermostat was slow to respond. The new one has a digital control like your Waring Pro (and looks similar) and was quick to cycle the element back on. Aside from getting that newer fryer with better control, the only other trick was to fry in small batches. I don't recall having issues with frozen fries that way. 

 

That said, I haven't used a deep fryer in about 10 years, I typically use a deep pan for frying.