Used vegetable oils

[tino27]

I did two deep-fried items for a party I had over the weekend. I know enough to let the oil cool down to room temperature. I also know that oil can be reused several times.

So my questions are:

1) What should I filter the oil through?

2) Should I store the oil in the refrigerator? Or is a cool basement okay as well?

3) Should I let my nose be my guide to determine when the oil can no longer be reused?

4) Once the oil needs to be disposed of ... what is the best way? Even though it's vegetable oil, everything I've found on the web indicates under no certain terms should I pour it down the drain.

Granted we are talking about about a gallon or so of oil.

Thanks!

[johnder]

To dispose of oil at home, pour a few inches of cat litter in the bottom of a plastic bag, dump oil on top, let set up, throw out.

[scubadoo97]

I have filtered through a paper coffee filter but found an item that worked even better. The paper coffee filter was too slow. I had this strainer like those non disposable coffee filters that was used to strain yogurt. More of a fine mesh. Works great. I store in a jar in the cabinet. My mom always had a jar in the fridge. I have heard that off smells from seafood can be dealt with by frying some potatoes prior to storing. The potatoes are suppose to absorb the odors. I did some squid last month and have fried other things in the same oil without any off flavors. Squid cooks so fast. Your nose will tell you if it's too smelly from previous foods or if it's rancid. You can't hide rancid

[tino27]

scubadoo97 -- How do you dispose of your oil when it is time?

[scubadoo97]

scubadoo97 -- How do you dispose of your oil when it is time?

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Toss the whole jar out. Recycling would make better sense but it's not practical option.