Frymaster M3000 Fryer Error Code E23: Clogged Drain
CLOGGED DRAIN (Gas) (E23) on a Frymaster Gen II LOV fryer with the M3000 computer means the vat did not empty during filtration. The manual says to clear the drain. Clean it only when the oil is cool and the fryer is off.
Medium: filtering stops until the drain is cleared, but the fryer can still cook.
What does Frymaster CLOGGED DRAIN mean?
During filtration, the M3000 computer drains the vat into the filter pan and expects the vat to empty within a set time. If the vat does not empty, it logs E23 and shows CLOGGED DRAIN (Gas), the same family as the BIGLA30 gas model. The manual's meaning is that the vat did not empty during filtration, and the action is to clear the drain. The usual blockage is crumbs, batter or hardened shortening sitting in the drain opening, which the oil cannot flow past. When the drain is blocked, the computer cannot move oil to the pan, so the filter cycle stops and oil stays in the vat. A blocked drain is a mechanical problem rather than an electronic one. Clearing it requires the fryer to be off and the oil cool, since forcing a tool into a hot drain can cause a burn or a spill. E23 is part of the Gen II LOV M3000 table.
Affected models and control systems
Gen II LOV fryers with the M3000 computer, BIELA14 series electric; the BIGLA30 gas fryer uses the same computer family.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- CLOGGED DRAIN (Gas) on the computer
- Oil staying in the vat during filtering
- Filter pump running with little oil movement
- Alarm sounding
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind CLOGGED DRAIN on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- The vat did not empty during filtration
- Fried crumbs or batter packed into the drain opening
- Hardened shortening plugging the drain line after a cold start
- A partially open drain valve that restricts flow
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the fryer off and let the oil cool completely.
- Use the drain clearing tool provided with the fryer to clear the opening, following your normal procedure.
- Do not use water, and keep your face away from the vat.
- If the drain stays slow, write down the vat and tell the technician.
How a technician diagnoses CLOGGED DRAIN
- Read the error log for E23 and any drain valve codes.
- Inspect the drain opening and the line for debris once the oil is cool.
- Clear the blockage and check the drain valve opens fully.
- Confirm the actuator travels completely when commanded.
- Run a filter cycle and confirm the vat empties in the expected time.
- Hot oil and a blocked drain can spill if cleared at the wrong moment.
- Checking the valve open position uses the computer's commands on a live fryer.
- A repeat clog often means a worn valve or a drain line that needs more than a rod.
How CLOGGED DRAIN differs from similar codes
E23 means the vat will not empty; E10 means the drain valve did not open, which can look similar but is a valve problem.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Frymaster owner support
- Edition
- May 2011, 819-6446
- Models / control
- 3000 controller / M3000
- Section
- 1.14.4 Error Log Codes, p. 1-35
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Frymaster fryer error codes
Can I clear a clogged drain myself?
With the fryer off and the oil cool, using the supplied tool, yes. Never clear it while the oil is hot.
Why does it keep clogging?
Heavy crumbs or hardened shortening settle at the drain. Skim the vat often and filter on schedule.
Is E23 the same as E10?
No. E23 is a vat that did not empty. E10 is the drain valve itself failing to open.
Need help with Frymaster CLOGGED DRAIN?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.