Best Turkey Fryers

Review & Comparison, Last Update September 30, 2024
Cooking a delicious Thanksgiving meal has never been easier than with a turkey fryer. The best turkey fryers can produce an amazing ...Read more
PROS

The cooker set packs a whole range of different accessories including a cooking thermometer, a basket, a grab hook, a stand, and a glove to make cooking easier and safer.

CONS

It takes a rather big amount of oil to cook. 

OUR VERDICT

This turkey fryer from Enterprises is ideal for larger birds weighing 25 lbs and more.  Plus, it can be used for broiling two or more whole chickens at a time. Made of high-grade stainless steel, it will serve you for years and can be used not only for deep frying but also for brewing or even water canning.

detailed parameters
Type

Gas

Capacity

up to 25 lb turkey

Power

50,000 BTU

Temperature mode

50° - 750° F

Oil reservoir capacity

11 gal

Safety

Vented stainless lid,  Insulated glove, Stable feet

Conveniences

Turkey fryer accessories, Aluminum perforated poultry rack and grab hook, 12" thermometer, Stainless seasoning injector

Weight

35 lbs

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The device can cook a whole turkey or chicken in just 8-10 minutes per pound. It doesn't use oil, which means there's less mess to clean up after cooking, as well as fewer calories consumed. 

CONS

The control plastic knobs look cheap. 

OUR VERDICT
The Char-Broil 14101480 is a smart kitchen appliance that works based on the latest TRU-Infrared™ technology. With its help, you'll be able to cook much more than just turkey, while keeping the calorie intake low. The specialty storage cover allows you to protect it from the elements if you choose to store it in a shed.
detailed parameters
Type

Gas

Capacity

up to 16 lbs turkey

Power

16,000 BTU

Temperature mode

40° ~ 200°F

Oil reservoir capacity

Oil-less

Safety

Double-wall cylindrical cooking chamber, Cool touch handles, Stable feet

Conveniences

Removable drip pan, Cooking basket, Basket lifting tool, Meat thermometer, Quick start cooking guide

Weight

29.9 lbs

Warranty

90 days refund

PROS

The cooker operates based on the TRU-Infrared ™ technology that allows it to fry all kinds of meals without using oil. This will allow you to cook many of your favorite snacks and keep calories low. 

CONS

The clearance holes on the bottom are not aligned.

OUR VERDICT

Built around oil-free cooking, the Char-Broil turkey fryer works great for all sorts of meat. It also works for all types of users including seasoned chefs and beginner cooks. It boasts a safe-to-use design with the propane burners being sealed in between the dual walls and comes with a Quickstart cooking guide, so you can start to cook right out-of-the-box.

detailed parameters
Type

Gas

Capacity

up to 16 lb turkey

Power

16,000 BTU

Temperature mode

up to 500° F

Oil reservoir capacity

Oil-less

Safety

Propane burners sit inside of a double-wall cylindrical cooking chamber, Cool-touch handles

Conveniences

Cooking basket with a lifter, Meat thermometer, Lid, Quick start cooking guide, Front-access grease tray

Weight

35 lbs

Warranty

1-year limited

PROS

The King Kooker Portable Outdoor Deep Frying hooks to your gas line, so it takes minimal time to cook a 20-lb turkey. Thanks to its large capacity, it can be used for cooking a range of delights besides poultry.

CONS

Its timer needs to be activated every 15 minutes. 

OUR VERDICT

For those who are looking for a reliable turkey fryer suitable for outdoor use, this model is a great pick. Large both deep and wide, it offers ample room to roast a bird up to 20 pounds while being compact enough for backyarding, camping, and tailgating. 

detailed parameters
Type
Gas
Capacity

up to 20 lb turkey

Power
33,000 BTU
Temperature mode

Up to 350° F

Oil reservoir capacity
The interior pot markings show the required amount of oil
Safety
Auto shut-off every 15 minutes, Vented lid, Basket with a heat resistant handle
Conveniences
Large pot, Small pot, Basket, Turkey rack, Lifting fork, Thermometer
Weight

18.76 lbs

Warranty
1-year manufacturer's limited warranty
PROS

The auto shut-off regulator with a hose will not only ensure precise and accurate temperature adjustment but also prevent dangerous gas leaks.

CONS

The cooker material is pretty flimsy.

OUR VERDICT

Easy to assemble and relatively portable, the Chard TFP30A is one of the best turkey fryers for on-the-go use. You can easily use it outdoors when you're hosting a BBQ party or take it with you while camping or tailgating. It heats up in minutes and can be used to fry, boil, and stew just about any meal.

detailed parameters
Type

Gas

Capacity

up to 18 lb turkey

Power

50,000 BTU

Temperature mode

50° - 550° F

Oil reservoir capacity

7.5 gal

Safety

22" steel tripod stand with adjustable pot stabilizers, Auto shut off regulator, Hose

Conveniences

Timer, Poultry stand, Safety hanger, 12" thermometer

Weight

15.4 lbs

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Traditional Fryer With Multi-fold Functionality

Originally, a turkey fryer was designed as a gas unit consisting of a stockpot installed over a burner. If you love traditions and seek something similar, this Bayou turkey fryer from Enterprises will hit the spot.

First things first, the unit is very strong. It is made of 20-gauge commercial-grade steel and weighs around 35 lbs, which makes it very solid and stable. The capacity of the unit is also quite big, letting you fit larger birds weighing 25 pounds and more. As such, it's not a portable unit and it's better to place it somewhere where you won't need to move it often. Supported by a hefty steel tripod, it will stand solid like a rock, with no risk of tipping over.

Operated by propane, the cooker burner can generate the heat output up to 50,000 BTU and deliver cooking temperatures from low 50° to a whopping 750°F. So, cooking even a chunky 25-pounder won’t take you too long. Using the included meat thermometer, you will be able to check if the oil is properly preheated and monitor the cooking temperature while frying. The only hassle is that the Bayou turkey fryer uses quite a lot of oil, on average requiring up to 11 gallons. On the upside, this oil can be reused several times so you will be wasting no drop.

Ideal for deep-frying turkey, chicken, seafood, meat, and literally anything you can roast in the boiling oil in big portions, this cooker is more than a fryer. Standing at the height of 12" above the floor surface, it can also double as a brewer, allowing you to experiment with homemade beer. More than that, it will suit for water canning and will easily accommodate both smaller and larger cans.

... and a Smart Accessory Kit

When it comes to the fryer package, the kit is impressively versatile. Thus, apart from a 44Qt frying basket and a perforated poultry rack, it also includes a grab hook to let you safely take the rack out from the cooker, an insulated glove to handle the lid, basket and other potentially hot fryer parts in a burn-free manner, and even a seasoning injector to soak your poultry with marinade from within. Just like the fryer itself, all accessory parts are made of hygienic steel that is a breeze to wash and sterilize. The only gripe you might have about the kit is that the poultry rack is made of aluminum, which means there's a risk of it bending when used for heavier weight. That said, if used with care, it will serve you long enough. 

In a word, the Bayou turkey fryer from Enterprises is a dependable cooker for cooking in bigger portions that will easily withstand extensive use and offers great added functionality.

Last updated price $274.88
Stock In stock
ASIN B01M7QZMA6

Oil-Less Infrared Turkey Fryer

The Char-Broil 14101480 is one of those turkey fryers that has almost no cons, unlike many other grills on the market. The most remarkable advantage of it, without a doubt, is that it uses no oil. This makes it much safer to use than those with hot oil, while also making it a great option for health conscious consumers who count calories. However, the advantages of the Char-Broil 14101480 do not end here.

The device has a solid build with a high-quality stainless steel liner outside. The large capacity cooking basket offers plenty of space to accommodate a whole turkey up to 16 pounds, while taking just around 8-10 minutes per pound, so you can have the meat done in a short period of time. The patented infrared cooking technology ensures that every piece of meat turns out evenly-cooked and juicy with a crispy crust on the skin, without the added fat of oil. Plus, like with any decent turkey fryer, it allows you to cook a variety of dishes in addition to turkeys, including large cuts of beef, pork, boneless and bone-in ribs as well as seasoned rubs and marinades.

Cooking with the Char-Broil 14101480 is easy and enjoyable. There are only two control knobs on the device, which allow you to turn it on and light the burner. Thanks to the drip tray, grease and drippings do not collect on the metal bottom, making it easy to clean up after cooking. The inner part is removable and washable, too. While its relatively compact dimensions make it easy to transport and store the unit in a shed after use.

Additional Accessories

When it comes to the package, the Char-Broil turkey fryer is supplied with a lot of additional accessories. Besides the removable dip tray, you also get a cooking basket with a lifter, making it safe to take out the fried meat, and a meat thermometer, which allows you to see when the meat is done. For safety and ease of use, the manufacturer fitted the grill with cool touch handles. Plus, you get a quick start guide that takes the hassle of putting the unit together.

A turkey fryer is not that kind of device you'd want to transport too often. However, this doesn't mean that it's not important to create the right storage conditions for it. With that in mind, Chair-Broil offers a tough specialty cover, which allows you to protect it from snow, rain, hail, the wind, and dust.

Summing up, not without a reason, the Char-Broil turkey fryer remains a favorite of many Americans. So, if you're searching for a device that can cook much more than just turkey without the added fat of oil, it fits the bill perfectly.

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B001HBI7D8

Deep Frying Without Oil

With a whole variety of special dishware and well-thought modern electric cooking appliances available, oil-free cooking is not something too much out-of-the-common today. Yet, it’s not that easy when it comes to a whole turkey. While an air fryer will accommodate a whole chicken, it will surely not do for the turkey. This is where the Char-broil gas turkey fryer will come into play.

In contrast to other gas models using gallons of oil to deep fry a larger bird, this cooker will let you roast a whole turkey without a single drop of oil. And you can rest assured you’ll get an appetizing golden crust, just like that you'd get when roasting over the open flame. The whole secret lies in this fryer's heating system. To specify, unlike some other models that use propane to bring the oil to boil, the Char-Broil fryer utilizes the brand-specific TRU Infrared technology. To give you the gist, the fryer incorporates powerful 16000 BTU propane burners that sit inside a dual-wall cylindrical cooking chamber and produce infrared heat which evenly circulates inside the chamber. It results in evenly cooked meat or poultry with an appetizing crust outside and a delicately moist inside.

To give you full control over the cooking process, the Char-broil gas turkey fryer comes complete with a cooking thermometer - it will let you check the cooking temperature and know at a glance when your treat is ready. Fitted with a cooking basket for a turkey (up to 18lbs), chicken, veggies, pork tenderloin, or any larger chunks of meat, this cooker is also compatible with a whole variety of optional accessories that will let you roast ribs, chicken legs, kebabs, and much more.

A Choice for Beginners

If you are new to cooking in gas turkey fryers, your chances of achieving perfect cooking results from the first time are close to none since the whole process needs some skill and expertise. And though the tantalizing taste of the roast is well worth all the trial and error, bad results might demotivate or push you back from the start. Yet, it won’t be the case with the Char-Broil fryer. Taking into account beginner users' needs and confusion, the model is accompanied by a detailed Quick Start guide that will introduce you to some process tweaks and provide detailed step-by-step recipes.

Some other options that will contribute to the ease of use and maintenance include a built-in burner lighter for quick and safe hands-free burner ignition and a handy drip tray in the bottom that will catch all the juices running from the meat for no-mess cleanup. More than that, you’ll be able to use that juice as a base for a delicious homemade gravy.

To resume, this Char-Broil gas turkey fryer is a high-quality and thought-out cooker ideal for beginners and experienced grillers alike. Designed for oil-less cooking, it will let you enjoy all your favorite deep-fried delicacies but with no oil at all. 

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $97.04
Stock In stock
ASIN B071VT9RRR

Ideal for Outdoor Use

While the King Kooker 1265BF3 might not look as high-end as its more expensive peers, those who simply need power, capacity and great performance, will find a lot to love about this device. Fitted with a 29-qt main pot and an 11-qt fry pan, it's perfectly suited for cooking heavy birds up to 20 pounds in weight and can also be used for a variety of other delightful foods, including vegetables, poultry and whatnot.

Not less important is the fact that it's very easy to use. Even if you've never used a turkey fryer before, it won't take you long to get the knack of the King Kooker fryer and figure out what's what. All you really need to do is stick the burner, connect it to the gas line, insert batteries in the safety unit, and you're ready to go. The fill line inside the pot will help prevent overflow, while a special lifting hook delivered with the purchase will ensure safe handling of hot food.

Another feature that is often praised by users is the pot's durable frame. Made of heavy-duty 30-quart aluminum, it demonstrates great resistance against corrosion, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use. On top of that, the unit comes with heat-resistance handles, so even if you touch it while cooking, you'll not end up burning your hands.

Additional Accessories

Aside from the mentioned accessories, the package also includes a turkey rack, basket, deep-fry thermometer, a hose, and a recipe book. That's not much, but plenty sufficient for a starter model at this price. In addition, users love how “crispy” the birds become after deep-frying, so, if you are after results, you won't be disappointed.

Naturally, the 1265BF3 is not flawless. According to feedback, its biggest downside is that its timer shuts down every 15 minutes to prevent overheating. For users, this means having to attend the fryer now and then, which can be distracting during a party. On the other hand, if you don't use the timer at all, you won't encounter this kind of inconvenience.

Summing up, the King Kooker Turkey Fryer is a fairly simple appliance. It doesn't have a ton of features or accessories, nor does it look anything special. However, those who're after great results, power, simplicity of use, and capacity, will be hard-pressed to find a better deal.

    Additional Info

    User Manual

    Last updated price $77.90
    Stock In stock
    ASIN B00B4BN9PM

    VIDEO

    What customers say about this product

    Size & Weight(3.8)

    Easy to assemble, took me only five minutes. Very stable, tipping was not a concern.

    Key Specs(3.5)

    Happy with the timer. Just had a 20 lbs turkey fry will excellent results. I would highly recommend.

    A Value-for-money Cooker

    While a turkey fryer is not on the top of to-buy lists for many of us, it is definitely good to have one since those cookers work for much more than just roasting a turkey. So, if you want a functional and reliable unit that won’t hit your budget too much, the Chard TFP30A cooker will hit the spot.

    At the price tag below $100, you’ll get a full-scale traditional gas turkey fryer that offers everything you expect from this sort of appliance and a bit more. The model comes in a complete set and, given you have a propane tank, can be used straight out of the box with only minor assembly required. The whole construction is smartly designed and created to be sturdy and long-lasting. The burner assembly strongly reminds a burner of a conventional gas stove and adjustable side brackets will let you perfectly position the pot for maximum stability. In the meantime, a steel tripod base is not prone to wobbling and will stand solidly both on the ground.

    A 30QT stockpot is large enough to accommodate a turkey weighing up to 18 lbs as well as whole chickens, bigger chunks of meat, and veggies in bigger portions. In fact, you can use it for deep frying just about anything you want. The poultry rack and safety hanger for burn-free handling are included, and so is a cooking thermometer that will let you easily check and control the cooking temperature. Apart from roasting and frying, the cooker can also boil, stew, and even brew if necessary. So, you can use it to both cook meat and make a whole variety of side dishes to serve along with it. And the pot capacity is enough to cover family needs and cook for larger groups.

    A 50,000BTU burner will heat up the oil to the ideal frying temperature of 350°F fairly quickly while an auto shut-off timer will help ensure proper temperature control and enhance safety. Thus, if the oil temperature rises too high, the safety valve will simply cut off the gas to prevent inflammation.

    Great for On-the-go Use

    Most outdoor turkey fryers are pretty heavy and lack portability. At the weight above 30 lbs, they are not so easy to move around and are surely not an option for on-the-go use. Speaking of which, an opportunity to taste your favorite fries and roasts when camping with friends or tailgating is really great. And the Chard TFP30A turkey fryer shines in this aspect as well. The whole unit assembly weighs 15.4 lbs, so, you can use it both for Thanksgiving fries in the backyard and for cooking while traveling in your trailer or RV.

    A lower overall weight was mainly achieved at the account of the pot, which is made of aluminum instead of steel. Besides, with excellent heat transfer capabilities, aluminum also ensures fast and even cooking. The minor disadvantage is that this material is more prone to dents and bending. However, it is certainly not a deal-breaker since just some extra care when handling will let you maintain it in a perfect condition for quite a while.

    To sum it all up, the Chard TFP30A turkey fryer kit is a perfect value-for-money solution for anyone who wants a reliable cooker for outdoor use both at home and on the go.

    Additional Info

        Manufacturer

    Last updated price $100.20
    Stock In stock
    ASIN B00HCC2EVC

    Infographics


    What Is a Turkey Fryer?

    If you want your Thanksgiving turkey, or poultry, to be crispy outside and juicy inside, consider buying a turkey fryer. This kitchen appliance is designed to accommodate and cook large and heavy birds up to 25 pounds of weight. Another benefit of modern turkey fryers compared to classic gas deep fryers is how easy they are to use. In most cases, all you need to do is load a bird, adjust the temperature, set the timer, and off you go. In addition to that, turkey fryers are known for impressive cooking results. Those who love juicy meat with crispy golden crust will be able to appreciate its benefits to the fullest. On top of that, turkey fryers cook healthy foods. Contrary to popular belief, they do not need much oil and can be used to cook meat, poultry, and vegetables by healthy life enthusiasts.

    With an eye to succeed in cooking a festal dinner, you should take care of sweet buffet. We'd like to draw your attention to our review of the best fondue sets.

    What Features to Compare

    Type

    First of all, you should decide which type of turkey fryer you want to have - electric or gas. When it comes to electric models, these can be used right in your kitchen while gas-based turkey fryers are primarily designed for use outdoors. Another point to consider is whether you want your fryer to use oil or not. Although most models do require at least some amount of oil, there are also models that need no oil at all. You can also find classification which divides turkey fryers into indoor and outdoor models according to their setting. The indoor models are usually equipped with a built-in timer and can fry meat with minimum control on your part. The outdoor models, on the other hand, are often fitted with manual controls that will need adjustment depending on the weather, wind, etc. It is recommended to place these fryers at least 10 feet away from your house in order to prevent fire hazards.

    Power

    Next come the power and capacity of the device. Make sure to choose a turkey fryer with a capacity that suits your cooking needs. In general, an 18 - 20 lbs turkey is enough even for a rather large family so you should choose a fryer that can fit that kind of bird. Turkey fryers can also be fitted with variable temperature controls. However, it is important that they can maintain the temperature as high as 375 degrees F which is considered to be the ideal heat setting for frying. Safety features of turkey fryers must be taken into consideration as well. The most important of them is perhaps the auto shut off which will turn the appliance off if the oil used gets too hot. Other safety features include a venting lid, a lifting hook, a basket stand, a glove, and so on.

    Conveniences

    Finally, we recommend taking a look at convenience features. Turkey fryers may include many little extras to ensure enhanced user experience. Some of these features can be indicator lights that will let you know when the appliance is on, a drain valve or spigot that facilitates cleaning, as well as many other additional accessories. The size of the fryer contributes towards the convenience of use too, therefore, it is important to make sure that the model you choose has the right dimensions to let you maneuver it comfortably. Or that it has a solid construction for stationary use.

    Sources:

    1. Turkey fryer, Wikipedia. August 28, 2016.

    2. Mike Allen PM's Guide to the Ultimate DIY Thanksgiving: Deep-Fried Turkey, Popular Mechanics. October 1, 2015.

    3. Kelly Burgess How to Buy a Deep Fryer, ConsumerSearch. November 13, 2015

    4. Daniel Gritzer How to Deep Fry a Turkey Without Killing Yourself, Indoors and Out, Seriouseats.

    5. Best Way to Fry a Turkey – Turkey Cooker vs. Oil-less Fryer, DXL. November 14, 2014.

    6. Alyssa Baker How to Safely Deep Fry a Turkey, SafeWise. November 11, 2015.

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