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Originally Posted by Spotty

I think people believe the flower or batter or whatever anything is breaded with, will hold water in it. But I would think if these items were subject to lets say 400*F the water should boil off. I'm not no pro but what I do seems to work.

NO!!!! Heating VO to 'boil off' the water DOES NOT WORK.

Why? The food particles you are refering to are the biggest reason. They contain water content that does not leave by just heating. Furthermore, it is the emulsified water that is the 'problem', again heating 'very hot' does not remove this.

I once read an beautiful description someone wrote describing this idea of "driving the water out with force", refering to attempting to boil it off - or simply "asking it to leave". Like Mom always said, you get further by being nice. hehehe - Seriously, it is MUCH more effective and safer to heat and settle VO to remove water AND other contaminants. All you need to do is warm the oil enough to make it liquid, then let it cool/settle, eventually draining the stuff you don't want off the bottom. 100degs F is plenty, anything over 140F is reuducing the shelf life of your VO.

The 'Hot Pan Test' is a simple way to determine if water is present in yer VO. Simply smear a little VO on a frying pan (or whatever) and turn stove on high. When VO begins to smoke (or 350+ if you can measure temp), splash a couple tablespoons of VO in the pan. If it crackles and spatters - you have too much water for fuel.

Please use caution doing this. I literally do it outside and still have a fire extinguisher handy and wear long sleeves and safety glasses.
Of course, you cowboys who were using the turkey fryer have nothing to fear!!!