The best turkey deep fryers will cook a perfectly golden-brown and juicy turkey in less time than roasting it in the oven. If you enjoy outdoor frying, you’ll need one of the best turkey fryers for your family cookout. They are designed and built to be durable, strong, and with the best meat thermometers, ensuring the meat is cooked thoroughly. This way, you won’t have undercooked or overcooked food.
Before you buy though, there are some things to consider. What power do you need for your outdoor space? The best turkey fryers have the exceptional ability to handle an extra large poultry or two at once, ideal for that festive feast. Also, do you want propane or electricity? What features or accessories do you need? Most turkey fryers come with an auto shut-off for safety, while others come with an extra holder, a meat thermometer to check the temperature, and safety gloves.
Before you fry outdoors, you should always know how to use a turkey fryer safely to protect your family and home. We’ve rounded up a great selection of the best turkey fryers right now to fit every size backyard, lifestyle, and budget.
Remember, the best turkey deep fryers are better suited for larger chickens, so they are probably not ideal for smaller portions. However, we’ve rounded up the best turkey deep fryers right now to help you decide
The best turkey fryer you can buy today
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best one for you. Tineco PURE One S11 Vacuum Reviews
01. Bayou Classic Stainless Steel Grand Turkey Fryer
Best overall turkey fryer
Power (BTU): 58,000 Capacity (Quarts): 44 quarts Weight: 20.5 pounds Fuel Source: Propane Size: 32.5 x 23.5 x 23.5 inches
As our best overall turkey fryer, the Bayou Classic Turkey Fryer is great for cooking a feast or a gathering. Called the Grand Gobbler, this turkey fryer is specifically designed to cook extra-large turkeys up to 25 pounds. And with a capacity of up to 44 quarts, it can also fit two turkeys to cook at once.
The Bayou is well-built with thick, stainless steel legs, which provide much-needed stability, and features a 4-inch, 58,000 BTU burner.
In addition to producing tender and crispy chicken results, Bayou is versatile enough to use year-round. In fact, by removing the rack and hook, you have the option of using it as a stockpot for foods like soup, stew, chili, or seafood.
It comes with some handy features including a fry thermometer, a seasoning injector with a stainless needle, and a heat-resistant glove to protect from hot oil. Also, it comes with a poultry rack, lift hook, vented lid, and heavy-duty handles for added safety.
Perhaps the only downside is that it uses a lot of oil, so you have to factor in the costs to buy gallons in the long run. However, the sheer capacity and roasting results make it an ideal fryer all year round.
Pros
Cons
- Versatile to use for a range of cuisines
- Great power
- Strong legs
- Too big for a small turkey
- It can use a lot of oil
02. Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Fryer and Steamer
The best turkey fryer for home
Power (w): 1800 Capacity: 5 liters Features: Two cooking settings of fry and steam, adjustable temperature control Electric Size: 20.2 x 16.4 x 16 inches Weight: 26.5 lbs
If you don’t want the hassle of a large, outdoor turkey fryer, the Cuisinart CDF-500 is a great choice for indoor cooking.
As our runner-up, its impressive features offer more than just roasting a delicious turkey, as it can steam and roast family meals. What’s more, its rotisserie function uses less oil than a traditional turkey fryer, meaning you’ll end up with healthier results and fewer calories.
In addition, the turkey fryer is equipped with a convenient large stainless mesh basket with a 20-minute timer, adjustable temperature control, and a cool-touch handle.
The Cuisinart is very easy to use with only two cooking settings (frying and steaming), making it a hassle-free fryer alternative. It is worth noting that although it has a 5-liter capacity, it may not be ideal for larger poultry. However, for those short on space, its relatively compact size is perfect for use and storage.
Pros
Cons
- Can be rotisserie, fried, and steamed
- User-friendly
- Easy to store
- Too small to cook large chickens
- Slightly expensive
3. Char-Broil Large Easy Oil-Free Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer
Best oil-less deep fryer
Energy (BTU): 16,000 Capacity: 16 pounds Weight: 29 pounds Features: Oil-less system, TRU infrared technology, meat thermometer Propane Size: 16.3 x 20.8 x 23.5 inches
If you prefer a healthier alternative to deep frying, the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer is a great choice. Instead of immersing your turkey in a vat of hot oil, this model uses infrared heat that circulates around the cylinder for more crispy and even roasting.
It can accommodate turkeys up to 16 pounds, so it’s not the best for larger gatherings, but should be fine for most other turkeys. It can reach temperatures up to 600F and cook an average-sized turkey in just over an hour, according to the company.
Convenient features include a lifter to safely drop and move your food and a meat thermometer to give you precise temperatures. It is equipped with a front-access grease tray to collect any meat drippings. This makes it easier to clean with a simple wipe.
Best of all, there’s no risk of burning or spilling hot oil, making it a much safer alternative to a propane turkey fryer.
Pros
Cons
- Works on infrared heat which uses less oil
- No hot oil spills
- Convenient size for small spaces
- Easy to use
- Not ideal for large turkeys
- Slightly difficult to assemble
4. King Cooker 1265BF3 Propane Outdoor Fry Boil Package Turkey Fryer
Two fry pans for small birds
Power (BTU): 33,000 Capacity (Quarts): 29 quarts Weight: 18 pounds Features: Additional 11-quart fry pan, lifting rack and hook, deep fry thermometer, timer, two aluminum pots Propane Size: 141 x 14 inches.
If you take your outdoor cook-ups seriously or enjoy frying up a feast, the King Cooker Turkey Fryer is another great option. Equipped with a generous 29-quart capacity, it can handle up to 20 pounds of turkey and comes with an additional 11-quart fry pan and basket for those small-batch fries.
And with an incredible 33,000 BTU burner, it can deliver evenly cooked and golden-brown results. What’s more, the turkey fryer is versatile enough to sear corn, and potatoes, or make delicious seafood gumbos.
Other convenient features include a deep-fry thermometer to monitor oil temperature, a convenient ‘fill’ line inside the pot to prevent any oil overspill, and a safety timer with an automatic shut-off function.
It is worth mentioning that the timer needs to be activated every 15 minutes, so the fryer is not kept idle for a long time. However, using the timer is optional so it will depend on your frying preference.
Although the fryer is easy to clean, one downside according to users is that the aluminum coating is prone to wear and tear, but this can be avoided if properly maintained.
Overall, the King Cooker Turkey Fryer has the power, capacity, and great performance for your festive feast.
Pros
Cons
- Heavy duty and sturdy
- Great for large-size chickens and quantity
- The timer needs to be set to ten
- Prone to wear and tear
5. Barton 30QT Aluminum Turkey Deep Fryer
Best budget turkey fryer
Power (BTU): 37,000 Capacity (Quarts): 30 quarts Weight: 23 pounds Features: Pot, poultry rack, regulator, steamer basket, temperature thermometer, hanger, and marinade syringe Propane Size: 19 x 15 x 15 inches
A great value for those who want a versatile, outdoor fryer kit, the Burton Turkey Deep Fryer is a strong choice. The kit includes a powerful 37,000 BTU gas stove, burner stand, and large 30-quart. Pots are ideal for preparing family meals. It is designed to hold higher temperatures producing better cooking results.
Plus, it comes with a regulator, temperature thermometer, hanger, and marinade sauce syringe to keep your turkey delicious.
A few minor downsides include not having a handy timer, which means you have to keep a close eye on your cooking. Also, the fryer kit can be a little tricky to assemble. However, these can be overlooked by their sheer power, capability, and top performance.
07. Best Electric Turkey Fryer
Capacity: 20 lbs Material: Aluminum and metal Indoor/Outdoor: Both
Whether the temperature isn’t too low, or you just prefer to cook inside, the Masterbuilt XL lets you roast a turkey without leaving the comfort of your kitchen. The spacious capacity means you can roast up to a 20-pound turkey, and an included cooking basket and lifting hook keep the cooking process safe and controlled. A built-in drain valve simplifies the process of collecting and disposing of your used cooking oil. And with multiple dishwasher-safe components (container, basket, lid, and drain valve), cleaning is surprisingly streamlined.
Pros
Cons
- Great power
- Dishwasher safe ingredients
- Home can leave a lingering smell of cooking oil
08. Best Turkey Fryer on Amazon
Capacity: 20 lbs Material: Stainless steel Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
With over 1,000 5-star customer ratings, this fryer consistently ranks as an Amazon best seller. The best turkey fryer amazon set includes two pots (30-quart and 10-quart), a perforated steamer basket, and a turkey rack with a lifting hook, a thermometer, a marinade injector, and a sturdy burner stand—so everything from your Thanksgiving turkey to weeknight french fries is within easy reach. goes Within reach. Another pro? Reviewers praise Creolefist for being both easy to use and clean.
Pros
Cons
- Comes with frying accessories
- Comes in two, different size containers
versatile
- More expensive than other similarly sized models
What to look for when buying the best turkey fryer?
Before you invest in the best turkey fryer, there are a few things you need to consider. First, how many people are you cooking for? If you have a small family, you may not need the largest capacity turkey fryer. On the other hand, if you have a lot of cousins coming over for dinner, you’ll want a fryer that can handle the largest size of turkey possible. Remember, the higher the capacity, the more gallons of oil you will use. So if you only need it for small fry or you use it a few times a year, it is better to go for small fry.
Do you want a fryer that takes oil or an oil-free fryer? For a healthier option, oil-free fryers are available that use radiant or infrared heat to ‘fry’ the turkey. Generally, using oil results in a crispier and tastier cooking result, which many people prefer for their turkey. However, these options are high in fat content.
What’s more, it’s also worth looking at what features and accessories your fryer kit includes. These may include a vented stainless steel lid, a perforated poultry rack and grab hook for easy lifting and moving, a built-in thermometer, a seasoning injector, or a warming glove for safety.
Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
Turkey fryers require a lot of hot oil over an open flame, so always read the manual before using the best turkey fryer.
- Always place the turkey fryer on a flat, non-combustible surface away from any outdoor wooden structures.
- Make sure you don’t overfill the fryer with oil; Do a test by submerging your turkey in water in the container so it doesn’t overflow.
- Dry your turkey thoroughly before submerging it in hot oil and do not place frozen turkey directly in oil.
- Make sure you wear plenty of safety equipment such as gloves and safety glasses to avoid splashing hot oil.
- Use a thermometer to make sure the oil doesn’t overheat; Check out our picks for the best meat thermometers.
Most turkey fryers are equipped with safety features, and it’s worth knowing what they are The most important safety feature is an automatic timer that will shut off your fryer and prevent overheating or possible fire.
Other safety features include a vented lid, a lifter to help safely remove cooked turkey, and a heat-resistant glove to prevent scald.
What to look for in a turkey fryer
Here are the main things to keep in mind while shopping for your perfect model.
Power
Turkey fryers come in a variety of sizes to fit both small and large birds. That said, although exceptions exist, most major models can accommodate up to a 20-pound turkey. Take a moment to consider the size of your crowd and the appetites of your guests and shop accordingly.
Safety
When cooking with burning oil, safety is paramount. “A turkey should be thoroughly thawed and dried before you attempt to roast it,” says Sarasin. He recommends going slow and steady when lowering the bird into the pot, wearing protective heat-safe gloves, and working with oils that have a high smoke point, such as peanut oil. Make sure your burner is sturdy and set on flat, stable ground to help prevent accidents.
Additional accessories/features
Many turkey fryers come with accessories and features designed to make the experience easier and more streamlined. Look for a model that includes things like a lifting hook, poultry rack, seasoning injector, and thermometer. Steamer baskets or smaller second pots also make the fryer more versatile, as you can use it to steam vegetables, poach fish, or sear smaller cuts of meat the rest of the year.
What is the best turkey fryer to buy?
The best fryer for your home depends on how often you plan to use it. Do you roast your Thanksgiving turkey and then store the appliance in the garage for the rest of the year, or do you bring it out all summer for seafood boils and other family gatherings? While we trust all of the fryers on this list, we’re especially partial to the Bayou Classic Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer for its versatility and quality.
What are the different types of turkey fryers?
There are three basic types of turkey fryers. The most common is the propane fryer, which runs on propane gas. The second type is an oil-less fryer that uses infrared heat technology instead of oil to cook, but also runs on propane gas. The third type of fryer is electric and can be used indoors and outdoors.
What is the biggest turkey fryer you can buy?
The largest turkey fryers can accommodate birds 25 pounds or more. For larger birds, we like the Bayou Classic 42 Qt Grand Gobbler Turkey Deep Fryer, which can fry for a crowd with ease.
How long does it take to roast a 20 pound turkey?
It takes an average of 4 pounds per minute to roast a turkey, which means you can cook a 20-pound bird in 1 hour and 20 minutes. For planning purposes, you should also consider the time it takes for the oil to reach the proper frying temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does roasting make turkey taste better?
“Roasting a turkey has a lot of flavor benefits,” says Sarasin “You get lots of crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat.” Of course, roasting a Thanksgiving turkey also results in a delicious bird, but because the breast and thigh cook at different rates, it’s easy to accidentally undercook or dry out the bird while roasting.
