How to clean a “Fry Daddy” deep fryer?

Question

I have a small “Fry Daddy” deep fryer that looks like this: http://www.epinions.com/prices/Presto_FryDaddy_Electric_Deep_Fryer_05420__Deep_Fryers_5420

It is rather old but still works just fine. We only use it about once a month but since my father uses it most, I, mistakenly, assumed that he cleaned the exterior after using.

It is covered in a sticky, viscous yellow goo that I can only assume is condensed or congealed oil.

I can’t submerge the whole thing in water but sponges, scrubbers, even copper scrubbers can’t get the hardened goo off…

Can you recommend a way to clean this thing that won’t end up ruining the heating element?

I know they are rather cheep but I don’t want to buy a new one with the old one still working… Just really really dirty…

The Cord comes off and is held in place with a magnet so if it were to fall or something, the power cord comes off and it shuts down… So it isn’t the cord that I’m worried about but the internal electrical components themselves.

Than

Answer 1

try using straight white vinegar on it. it cuts through grease and carbon.

Answer 2

Scoop out the hardened oil and hand scrub the unit. Never put it in the dish washer. Let the unit dry completely and refill with new oil and go from there.

Answer 3

Use a brilo pad with HOT water and regular dish soap and scrub really hard rinse and let it air dry before you use it.

Answer 4

i had the same thing happen to mine! i sprayed some oven cleaner on it...waited a few minutes...then used an s.o.s. pad to get the stuck on goo off...

hope this helps!