Whether it is a Thanks giving family dinner or an engagement ceremony that you’re family is celebrating, you’ve probably witnessed a family member sitting next to the oven, wearing their oven gloves, and moving back and forth for almost 4 hours wondering: is the turkey cooked already? Will it come out dry? Was it a good idea to have it prepared at home when I could’ve just sent it to a restaurant?
Well, if that scene seems familiar, you’re in the right place!
Turkey fryers have become popular among families and restaurants alike for one simple reason: they ensure having a turkey that is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The best part is that, typically, you only need 30-40 minutes to get that mouth-watering taste for the centerpiece on your Thanksgiving table.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best 6 turkey fryers you can choose from!
Our Favorite Picks:
| Capacity | 32 Qt | 20 lb. | 16 lb. | 14 lb. | 400 lb. or 200 QT | 200 lb. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (inches) | 14 x 14 x 18 | 16.3 x 18.3 x 14.8 | 16.3 x 20.8 x 23.5 | 20.2 x 16 x 16.4 | 18 x 8 x 16 | 15.5 x 15.5 x 12 |
| Material | Polished stainless steel | Aluminum | Synthetic and Aluminum | Stainless steel | Heavy-duty cast iron | Welded metal frame |
| Weight (lbs) | 14 | 19.56 | 28.9 | 26.5 | 20 | 27.5 |
| More Details | More Details | More Details | More Details | More Details | More Details |
The 6 Best Turkey Fryers:
1. Bayou Classic 1118 – Best Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer
This fryer is among our outdoor best fryers because it enjoys a wide range of features that make it the optimal choice for someone who seeks durability.
To start with, the pot, as well as its accessories, comes in 22-gauge stainless steel, which guarantees reliable durability, maximizes the safety, and ensures easy cleaning compared to other aluminum cookware, for example.
Additionally, you can safely use it outside because, contrary to various turkey fryers, the Bayou Classic minimizes the dangerous hazard as it has a vented lid that helps reduce oil splattering and ensures that no steam is trapped inside the basket during cooking.
Better yet, this fryer comes with a variety of accessories that make it the ultimate choice for someone who needs a kitchenware appliance that can be used for a variety of purposes. To clarify, it comes with a perforated basket that you can use to steam, boil, and definitely fry other dishes like seafood, poultry, or vegetables.
To make things clearer for you, here are two lists of pros and cons of the Bayou Classic Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer
Pros
- Perforated basket
- Can handle a 20-pound bird
- Accessories
- Durable stainless steel
- Heavy-duty handles
- Relatively not heavy (weighs 14 pounds)
- Vented lid
Cons
- No propane burner
- May rust
Final Verdict
If what you’re looking for is a safe and strong outdoor turkey fryer that can be used for a variety of purposes, then what you’re looking for is the Bayou Classic 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer.
2. Masterbuilt MB23010618 – Best Electric Fryer
The Masterbuilt Butterball XL Electric Fryer is probably our best indoor electric fryer for the variety of distinct features it displays.
To start with, this fryer minimizes the effort you have to exert to prepare your turkey or clean up after it gets ready to be served. It is worth mentioning that it can take up to a 20-pound turkey.
Firstly, and perhaps chiefly to the majority of people, it comes with safety features like an auto shut-off to ensure the machine doesn’t get too hot, a lifter to help you safely remove the bird from the oil basin , and a cooking basket to ensure the turkey is wholly soaked and lowered in oil to prevent possible burnings.
Secondly, it is convenient to use because it has an easily adjusted built-in digital timer, a thermostat to make sure you don’t overheat the oil, a light indicator with an orange light to show you when the electrical power is on, and a green light to signal that the oil is hot and you can safely begin cooking. It also has an oil drain valve to help clean up after you finish cooking.
Sadly, there is no vented lid, which means steam is likely to stay trapped under the lid.
And here is a list of pros and cons of the Masterbuilt Butterball XL Electric Fryer:
Pros
- Uses 1/3 less oil than the other traditional fryers
- Comparatively large
- Can be used to boil, steam food, or fry food
- Built-in devices that make it easy to control
- Lower risks due to the absence of propane tanks
- Dishwasher safe and Easy to clean
- Lower risks due to the absence of propane tanks
Cons
- No vented lid
- Uses a lot of electricity
Final Verdict
If what you’re looking for is a turkey fryer that will do most of the work for you, then what you should opt for is the Masterbuilt Butterball XL Electric Fryer. We understand that you might be worried about the lack of a vented lid and the safety issue, but if it is any reassurance to you, the other features definitely compensate for that!
3. Char-Broil – Best Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
The main reason we love this outdoor fryer is the fact that it is oilless, which means you can have an utterly delicious turkey that is crispy from the outside and juicy from the inside, minus the calories. Isn’t that everybody’s dream?
But wait, that’s not the only reason we love that appliance for!
It has a large capacity as it can safely fry up to 16-pounds turkeys. It is also easy to use since it has two knobs; one to turn on and the other to light the burner, and a thermometer to show you when your food is cooked.
As you might have guessed, this appliance makes use of Char-Broil’s TRU Infrared technology, a technology that depends on using the infrared heat to eliminate hot and cold spots on the cooking surface and hence guarantees faster cooking using less gas.
Additionally, it has propane burners of 16.000 BTU inside the double-wall cooking chamber, which makes it easy to generate infrared heat that circulates through the chamber and penetrate through the food to ensure it is fully cooked. It is like an air fryer that blesses your tastebuds with the crispy taste without tons of calories.
It is relatively heavy compared to the previous two appliances, which makes it less of a portable device.
That’s not all, read on our lists of the pros and cons of the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer below:
Pros
- Uses infrared heat
- Fewer calories
- Large capacity
- Easy to use
- Dip tray and additional accessories
Cons
- Relatively heavy
- Not portable
Final Verdict
If what you’re looking for is a stress-free and oilless way to have the centerpiece of your feast cooked minus tons of oil and calories, then a Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer is definitely what you should get.
4. Cuisinart CDF-500 – Most Versatile
What we love the most about the Cuisinart Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer is that it will give you that professional-chef feeling, at least if you are an intermediate-level cook, and we’ll tell you why.
First off, this appliance is capable of what’s more than frying! It comes with two cooking modes of frying and steaming. It can also be used to prepare other appetizers, desserts, and vegetables, so it’s like having two cooking tools in one.
This indoors model is also convenient for it has a 120-minute timer and an adjustable temperature control feature, which guarantees a comfortable and carefree cooking experience.
Additionally, this fryer uses less oil than other traditional turkey fryers.
Now on to our list of pros and cons of the Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer:
Pros
- Speedy cooking time
- Somewhat versatile
- Uses less oil than most traditional turkey fryers
- Doesn’t occupy much space on the counter
- Comes with two cooking settings of fry and steam
- Can cook side dishes.
Cons
- Not suitable for large families
Final Verdict
Having the Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer at home is like having a professional chef that can masterfully make restaurant-like yummy dishes. Still, if you’re willing to feast on a really heavy bird, that’s not the right option for you.
5. Concord 16″ Banjo Single Burner Stove – Most Powerful
When we mention the Concord 16″ Banjo Single Burner Stove, a set of adjectives like sturdy and durable come to mind and for a reason: it is made of heavy-dust cast iron, which increases its durability and makes it last for long.
Another reason we love this appliance is the fact that it is weather-proof, making it a perfect outdoor appliance that you can take while camping with your kids or friends, especially that it is relatively light; 20 pounds.
Moreover, the stand has detachable legs to ensure easy storage. Sadly, though, its ability to support large pots can make it extremely heavy to take outside.
It can also burn up to 200.000 BTUs, which means it will quickly heat up and preserve the desired temperature of the pot.
Why should you opt for this device and not, say, the Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer?
Well, for one obvious reason: the Concord 16” Banjo Single Burner Stove has a Burner head that is 10″, which means it can bear huge pots, unlike the said Cuisinart Rotisserie deep fryer.
To avoid the complex numbers, here’s a list of this appliance’s pros and cons:
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Heavy-duty cast iron
- Weather-proof
- supports up to 400 LB pot filled with either oil or any liquid
- Easy storage
Cons
- Paint may burn-off
- Extremely heavy to take outsides
Final Verdict
Well, if what you’re looking for is an outdoor appliance that resists weather changes and can support large pots, a Concord 16″ Banjo Single Burner Stove should be your ultimate choice!
6. GasOne – Ease Of Portability
Would you like to have the pros of the previously mentioned appliance without having to worry about its cons? Then a GasOne Heavy-Duty Propane Gas Cooker is what you’re looking for!
Portability is perhaps the distinct feature of this cooker. The cooker is only 2.2 pounds, which makes it the perfect purchase for outdoor activities like camping or fishing, for example. It is also made of cast iron, which makes it sturdy and durable.
Another key feature of the GasOne cooker is safety; the burner has a 0-20 psi regulator to control gas and pressure flows and secure your cooking experience. The regulator also uses an o-ring to prevent any possible gas leakage.
Additionally, the device displays a high heat output of 200.000 BTUs, and it comes with an adjustable heat-control regulator knob for additional safety.
Need a list of pros and cons? We’ve got you covered!
Pros
- Very light
- Portable
- Safe
- High heat output
- Sturdy
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a stand
- Flames may go out regularly, especially in bad weather
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for an outdoor cooker that ensures high-heat output and safety, then your optimal choice should be the GasOne Heavy-Duty Propane Gas Cooker.
How to Clean a Deep Fryer [Simple Guide]
Clean your deep fryer in these 7 steps with the help of household items available everywhere. A few tips on how to maintain the fryer won’t hurt either
How to Pick the Right Turkey Fryer
Now that you have an idea about our top picks, now is the time to determine which of these appliances best suits you. It all comes down to three crucial factors: the power source you prefer using, the size of the bird you will be cooking, and whether you’re okay with an appliance that uses oil or if you prefer an oil-less appliance.
The Power Source
Generally speaking, a turkey fryer uses either a propane tank or electricity as a power source.
To start with propane-tanks powered fryers, like the Bayou Classic 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer, they are mainly used for outdoor environments because propane will pose a threat indoors. One advantage of using propane-powered fryers is that they cook large birds in less time.
Electricity-powered fryers, like the Masterbuilt MB23010618 Fryer, XL Stainless Steel, on the other hand, are best for indoor environments because they are generally safer. The downside, however, is that these fryers are usually smaller and do not suit large families.
The Size of the Bird
The size of the bird is an essential factor to consider because it dictates which type of turkey fryers will prove efficient. Typically, if you will cook a large domesticated turkey, you will need to get a propane cooker, like the Concord 16″ Banjo Single Burner Stove or the GasOne Heavy-Duty Propane Gas Cooker, because they usually serve as bases that can support super-sized cooking pots.
To Use Oil, or Not to Use Oil
That’s the question: am I after a mouth-watering dish that would just satisfy my taste buds? Or am I a person who would like to share in the festivities of a Thanksgiving without having to worry about the calories?
If you’re the first type, well, nearly any deep turkey fryer will be perfect for you!
If you’re the second type, however, you will need to get an oil-less fryer that functions as an air fryer, something like the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer.
Final Words on Making the Right Choice
To sum up this section, picking the right turkey fryer needs a self-conscious person who can pinpoint their specific needs and narrow the search scope based on that.
The Safety Issue and Some Crucial Tips
A fact that might come as an unpleasant surprise is that the UL (the company that certifies safe home-use appliances) hasn’t certified the turkey fryers as safe appliances. However, that should not discourage you, because numerous reasons can make the investment in a turkey fryer a great one.
The above-mentioned fact, however, should make you very prudent with a turkey fryer. That’s why we developed this section to provide you with some safety-related instructions:
- Make sure to defrost your turkey completely to get rid of any liquids to avoid oil splattering.
- Never leave the fryer unattended.
- Make sure the weather is good (especially if you’re using an outdoor fryer) to make sure no disastrous accidents happen.
- Do not overfill the appliance with oil to avoid splattering again.
- Place your fryer on a flat surface away from any foot traffic (children or pets.)
- Invest in buying a thermometer to avoid any possible fires.
- Keep your fryer, especially if it is propane-powered, away from combustible items.
- Go for a fryer that displays some safety features (like a temperature gauge, an automatic shut-off feature, a vented lid.)
- Just in case, always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Final Words 💭
Choosing the best turkey fryer is no easy task, but one reason you should undertake it anyway is that a fryer ensures a crispy meal while it saves you time to be used in preparing other dishes.
Just take into consideration the specific features you need in a fryer, and make sure you buy it from a trusted seller and to have a warranty just in case.
If you need more help, I recommend you go for Bayou Classic 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer if you need an outdoor fryer that is strong and versatile.
If you want to buy an indoor one, I would recommend the large Masterbuilt MB23010618 Fryer, XL Stainless Steel. It can be used to boil, steam or fry food; you won’t regret it.
Our last protip is always to choose safety! Because you need to celebrate the next Thanksgiving with no unpleasant incidents.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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