PF50

Overview

The Frymaster PF50 is a portable filtration system for fryer oil and shortening. Its 50 lb (28 L) capacity suits routine filtering of a fryer’s oil to remove breading, carbon deposits, crumbs, sediment and other small particles left after cooking. Regular, proper filtration can help extend the useful life of shortening and cooking oil and support consistent fried-food appearance and flavour.

The filter works with a filter pan, support grid, filter paper and hold-down ring. Oil passes through the paper as it is circulated, and the pump can return filtered oil to the frypot. Frymaster’s PF50 materials describe suction/return and gravity-drain configurations within the series; confirm the configuration and pump controls on the unit being supplied.

Key Features

• 50 lb (28 L) capacity: The stated capacity is for oil or shortening held during filtration.
• About five-minute filtration: Frymaster’s specification sheet says the unit filters 50 lb of liquid shortening in five minutes. The product description also gives an approximately five-minute filtration cycle.
• Particle removal: Filter media captures breading, carbon deposits, crumbs, sediment and other particles that can affect oil and food quality.
• Bottom filtration: The specification sheet says the pump filters from the bottom to leave minimal shortening in the fryer.
• Heated suction line: Independent heat control keeps the line open and free-flowing when filtering solid shortening.
• Portable construction: The cover and fold-down handle support storage.
• Reversible pumping: Product listings describe a reversible pump for transferring oil from the frypot to the filter and back. Frymaster’s specification sheet identifies the reversible pump as an option and lists PF50R as the reversible-pump model; verify the specific configuration.

Specifications

• Product: Frymaster PF50 portable oil filter
• Oil/shortening capacity: 50 lb (28 L)
• Filtration time: 50 lb of liquid shortening in five minutes
• Pump flow: 4 GPM, as stated in the product details and manufacturer information reproduced by the retailer
• Motor: 1/3 HP
• Electrical rating in product details: 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase, 9 A
• Electrical requirement stated in the operating manual for domestic units: 115 V, 60 Hz, 15 A
• Electrical requirement stated in the operating manual for international/CE units: 230 V, 50 Hz, 7 A
• Additional rating stated in Frymaster’s specification sheet: 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 5 A
• Electrical information varies across the supplied product materials. Check the unit’s rating plate and documentation to confirm its requirements before use.
• Wattage: 600 W, as stated in the product listing
• Dimensions: 13 1/4 in. W x 30 in. L x 13 1/4 in. H; the retailer notes that listed height does not include the handle
• Metric dimensions: 337 mm W x 762 mm L x 337 mm H
• Drain height: 11 3/4 in. (296 mm)
• Weight: 85 lb (39 kg)
• Hose: The product description gives 5 ft; the Frymaster specification sheet gives 66 1/2 in. (1,689 mm)
• Wand length: 25 in. (635 mm)
• Power cord length: 61 in. (1,549 mm), as stated in the specification sheet
• Approximate shipping dimensions: 25 in. H x 16 3/4 in. W x 31 1/2 in. L (635 x 425 x 800 mm)
• Filter paper: Standard 12 x 18 in. (305 x 457 mm) Filter Magic filter paper; Frymaster’s specification sheet says filter paper and Filter Magic powder are required
• Certifications stated in the product source: NSF, UL and C-UL

Installation & Requirements

Use the rating plate on the unit to confirm its model and electrical requirements. The manual says domestic PF50 units require a 115 V, 60 Hz, 15 A supply; international/CE units require a 230 V, 50 Hz, 7 A supply. Other supplied product information lists 120 V, 60 Hz, 9 A and the specification sheet also lists 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 5 A. Because these figures differ, do not assume one rating applies to every unit.

The manual specifies a three-prong grounding plug and says to connect it directly to a properly grounded, three-prong receptacle. It warns not to cut, remove or bypass the grounding prong. Installation and electrical work must follow applicable local codes, and the manual calls for qualified personnel experienced with electrical appliances. It also advises using qualified service personnel familiar with Frymaster/Dean equipment. The supplied PF50 information does not state a clearance or ventilation requirement.

Operation

Prepare the filter

Before initial use and before each use, remove loose parts, wash accessories in hot, soapy water and dry them thoroughly. Do not wash the inside of the filter pan with detergent or water. Wipe debris and residue from the pan with a damp cloth or paper towel, then dry it. The manual warns that water, detergent or boil-out solution entering the filter pan or system can cause irreversible pump damage and void the warranty.

Assemble the pan with the support grid on the pan bottom, one sheet of filter paper over the grid and the hold-down ring on top. The paper should cover the bottom evenly and overlap the sides of the ring to form a seal. Frymaster notes that the paper is oversized: lap the excess up the pan walls rather than folding it to fit. Place the cover on the pan. Before filtering, the manual instructs operators to distribute filter powder evenly over the paper. One manual gives 8 oz (1 cup) for the first frypot and 4 oz for a second frypot filtered immediately after it; the quick-reference manual instead says to use one packet. Follow the instructions supplied for the specific unit and consumables.

Filter the oil

For solid shortening, set the Heater/Filter switch to HEATER and allow the heater to operate for 20–30 minutes before filtering. The pump cannot run while the switch is in the HEATER position. Before operating the pump, set the heater/filter control to FILTER. The manual says oil must be at operating temperature, approximately 350°F (177°C), and the fryer should be turned off before filtering. Use care when draining or filtering hot oil to avoid burns, and do not exceed the filter pan’s 50 lb capacity.

On a suction/return PF50, put the pan lid in place, place the hose nozzle in the frypot and select SUCTION to transfer oil into the filter pan. When the frypot is empty, place the nozzle in the filter pan and select RETURN. Circulate the oil through the filter for approximately five minutes, then switch the pump off. After cleaning the frypot and closing its drain valve, return the filtered oil to the frypot and ensure all oil has been returned before switching off the filter.

For gravity-drain operation, position the filter pan beneath the fryer drain and drain the oil into it. Put the hose nozzle in the frypot and select RETURN to circulate the oil through the filter for approximately five minutes. Close the drain valve and return the filtered oil to the frypot. The manual describes PF50S as a gravity-drain, return-only configuration; check the controls on the specific model.

Cleaning & Maintenance

After each filtering session

During filtration, use hot oil to wash down the inside of the filter pan and avoid excessive residue build-up. Scrape excess sediment from the filter paper after filtering each frypot in a session. Change the paper after each filter session or at the end of the day. The manual says the paper may be clogged if oil has not returned to the frypot within seven minutes; scrape off excess sediment or replace the paper if needed. Wipe up spilled oil and clean the unit’s exterior. After filtering, allow the portable filter to cool, discard the paper, and clean the pan and components. Do not use detergent or water inside the filter pan.

At the end of the day

Frymaster’s manual recommends filtering the oil in all fryers at close of business. After the final fryer, run the pump for a further 15–30 seconds once air bubbles begin coming from the oil return line to help clear the hose and pump lines. Drain the flexible hose as much as possible, especially when solid shortening is used. Remove the cover, hold-down ring, filter paper and support screen; discard the paper. Wash the removable filter components with hot, soapy water and rinse them, but do not use soap or water inside the pan. Wipe residual oil and sediment from the pan with a clean cloth or paper towel. Rinse other parts, dry them thoroughly and reassemble. Check that the hose fitting is tight and inspect the plumbing for leaks.

The manual warns against using water jets to clean the equipment and against running water or boil-out solution through the filter, as this can damage the pump and void the warranty. If the unit has a crumb tray, empty it into a fireproof container at the end of frying operations each day; the manual cautions that food particles left in shortening can spontaneously combust.

Troubleshooting

• Oil is not returning to the frypot: The manual lists a hose clogged with debris, clogged filter paper or a blocked filter-pan suction tube as possible causes. Clear the hose, scrape excess sediment from the paper or replace the paper, or clear the suction tube with a thin, flexible wire.
• Pump becomes clogged: Stop the pump immediately. The manual advises reversing the pump to discharge particles into the frypot or filter pan where the applicable unit has a reversible pump. Avoid drawing sediment from the frypot’s sediment area into the nozzle, as this can damage the pump.
• Oil return slows during filtering: The manual says filter paper may be clogged if oil is not returned within seven minutes. Scrape off excess sediment or replace the paper.
• Thermal overload trips: The service manual says to wait 45 minutes and press the reset button only after the failure has been detected and repaired.

The operating manual recommends that installation, maintenance and repairs be performed by a Frymaster Dean Factory Authorized Service Agency. It also cautions that failure to use qualified service personnel can void the Frymaster/Dean warranty.

Applications

The PF50 supports routine oil filtration in commercial kitchens using fryers. The manual says PF50 portable filters can be used with a variety of Frymaster fryers and equipment from other manufacturers. Its portable format and stated 50 lb capacity make it suitable for filtering a fryer’s oil, removing cooking particles and returning the oil to the frypot.