Best Turkey Fryers Reviewed

Every Thanksgiving Day, seasoned  chicken, grinded beef and pork all step aside and make room for their poultry compadre, the turkey. The Thanksgiving holiday has made turkey an all American favorite around the dinner table, bringing family and friends together to enjoy a delicious meal year around. Whether you roast it, smoke it, grill it or deep-fry it, turkey has really wedged itself a spot on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table. Turkey comes in many forms, from sandwich meat to whole turkeys which take hours to prepare. Cooking a whole turkey is one of the most common ways to enjoy the bird, yet in today’s fast paced world it is not often that families have so much time to wait on dinner.

However, there is another way to enjoy this all American classic that will bring new life to your old turkey cooking methods and give your friends and family a new experience when turkey is on the menu. This is where a turkey fryer comes to the picture. Many of those who have tasted deep-fried turkey will attest that they are a lot tastier and juicier. Turkey frying has gained popularity over the last several years due to its ease, speed, and retention of flavors. Deep-frying a turkey creates a crispy golden-brown skin and juicy, delicious meat. Turkey fryers are wonderful appliances to have in your kitchen as they provide a whole new way to cook, eat, and experience turkey.

Our Top 3 Picks

Adding a turkey fryer to your appliance lineup will increase you cooking capacity and allow for greater creativity in the kitchen. Plus, they are not limited to whole cuts of meat and may also be used to cook a variety of meats or foods small and large, as well as any other foods you may like to fry. Let’s take a look at our top picks that are more than capable of cooking meals for groups small and large.

1. Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer

Fry, steam and boil with the number 1 on our best turkey fryers list, the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer. You can enjoy the taste of fried turkey any day of the year with this versatile fryer, which includes an aluminum cooking basket that holds up to a 14 lb. turkey. The fryer uses 1/3 less oil than traditional fryers and can cook up to a 20 lb. turkey in just 4 minutes per pound. Clean-up is easy with the built-in drain valve and dishwasher safe components. The versatility of the Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer by Masterbuilt lets you make delicious meals that your family and friends are sure to love, all year long. Whether you are preparing food for a weekend gathering, watching the big game, tailgating, or making the Thanksgiving meal, the Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer is always a crowd favorite.

Features:

• Stainless steel construction
• Powerful 1,659 watt electric heating element
• Aluminum cooking basket with drain clips for ease of use
• Thermostat temperature control
• Drain valve for easy cleaning
• Dishwasher safe components (pot, basket, lid, drain valve)
• Magnetic breakaway cord for safety
• Fries turkey up to 20 lbs. in about 4 minutes
• Space saving design that takes up minimal space on the counter

Pros:

• Provides a safe, hassle- free way for people to enjoy delicious fried turkey – all in the comforts of your own home.
• The Butterball features a one-of-a-kind design that’s engineered to keep you safe.
• The stainless steel fryer and porcelain-coated inner pot keep oil safely contained and at the same time, uses 33 percent less oil than conventional fryers.
• You can cook turkeys as large as 14 pounds safely and efficiently, without the threat of oil boiling over the sides.
• Clean-up is easy with the built-in drain valve and dishwasher safe components.
• The fryer uses 1/3 less oil than traditional fryers and can cook up to a 20 lb. turkey in just 4 minutes per pound.
• Extra-large capacity fryer holds up to 2 gallons of oil/water and up to a 20 lbs. turkey.
• Not only does it deep fry turkeys but you can fry large batches of food such as fish, french fries or chicken.

Cons:

• The electric cord is too small.
• Limited to 375 degrees.
• The heating element is not powerful enough.

2. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer

Get the fastest, easiest and safest way to fry your favorite turkey with the very versatile The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer. This ultimate fryer from Char-Broil is the stress-free way to fry your turkey, roast, or other cut of meat. With no hot cooking oil to purchase, splatter, or dispose of, the Char-Broil Big Easy gives you a delicious, safe, and simple alternative to frying with oil. This is powered by TRU-Infrared technology and requires no oil. It uses infrared heat to cook a turkey from start to finish just as quickly as oil-frying – and, of course, food cooked without oil is healthier, too. This infrared cooker features a rotary ignition for easy lighting and a removable grease tray for easy cleanups.

Features:

• Oil-Less Turkey Fryer is a smart option for those trying to watch their calories
• Patented infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups, eliminates hot and cold spots, and delivers juicy, crisp, and flavorful results every time
• Prepare perfect turkeys (up to 16 lbs.), chickens, beef roasts, pork tenderloins, and other large cuts of meat with injectable marinades
• No hot oil to burn, splatter, or spill! Save money and stress without having to purchase or dispose of any oil
• Includes cooker, cooking basket, lifter, meat thermometer, and quick start cooking guide
• Measures 24.5″H with a 21.1″ diameter and weighs 30 lbs.

Pros:

• With no hot cooking oil to purchase, splatter, or dispose of, the Char-Broil Big Easy gives you a delicious, safe, and simple alternative to frying with oil.
• The fryer uses infrared heat to cook a turkey from start to finish just as quickly as oil-frying.
• Because the Big Easy is oil-less, it offers the versatility to cook a variety of items in addition to turkey.
• It utilizes Char-Broil’s TRU Infrared technology eliminates hot and cold spots, and delivers juicy, crisp, and flavorful results every time.
• Large capacity cooking basket allows you to safely fry whole turkeys up to 16 pounds, in as little as 8-10 minutes per pound.
• Lights quickly and easily with the turn of a knob. With only two knobs to control- one to turn on, and one to light the burner, operating is easy to do.
• It comes complete with a thermometer, making it easy to know when your food is done, having reached the target internal temperature.
• The removable drip pan located underneath the heating chamber catches flavorful juices, allowing cooks to retain the essential ingredients of homemade gravy for further preparation on the stovetop.

Cons:

• No cons.

3. Butterball XL Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer

Get that crispy texture and delicious flavor without having to brave the elements with the Butterball XL Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer. It has a 1650-watt electric heating element to quickly heat oil up and save you time. Using this safe and powerful fryer, you can cook turkeys that are up to 20 lbs. in just 3-1/2 to 4 minutes per pound. The fryer uses 1/3 less oil than traditional fryers. It is designed and tested to meet commercial standards and is the safe way to fry turkey. Clean-up is easy with the built-in drain valve and dishwasher safe components.

Features:

• Fries turkeys up to 20lbs. in the aluminum cooking basket with drain clip
• Analog controls and digital timer with thermostat temperature control
• 1,650 watt electric heating element heats oil quickly
• Cleaning is easy with the convenient oil drain valve
• Designed and tested to meet commercial standards
• Magnetic break-away power cord for safety

Pros:

• Features a one-of-a-kind design that’s engineered to keep you safe.

• The fryer uses 1/3 less oil than traditional fryers and can cook up to a 20 lbs. turkey in just 4 minutes per pound.
• The patented drain clips allow you to raise the basket and steam vegetables, crab legs, and more.
• Patented features like basket drain clips and dual thermostat controls give you a safe alternative to propane frying.
• In ¼ of the time of oven roasting, you can enjoy a delicious, deep-fried turkey.
• The oil drain valve makes draining the fryer convenient, and the pot, basket, lid, and valve are dishwasher safe.
• The stainless-steel fryer and porcelain-coated inner pot keep oil safely contained.
• Whether its wings on game day or turkey near the holidays, you can enjoy delicious fried foods all year long with this ultimate turkey fryer.

Cons:

• The electric cord is too short.
• Manual lacks appropriate information.

4. Bayou Classic 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer

Boil, steam or fry a variety of delicious dishes with this versatile Barbour International Bayou Classic Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer. Specifically designed for frying a whole turkey in as little as 45 minutes, this stainless steel ultimate turkey fryer features a tall, narrow patented design that requires less cooking oil than a standard stockpot. The 32-quart stainless steel stockpot allows you to fry a turkey in as little as 45 minutes. With the included skewer set, the stockpot transforms into a gourmet chicken fryer, making it possible to fry up to three chickens in 20 minutes. With the included perforated basket and poultry rack, you can use this deep fryer for steaming vegetables, boiling lobsters and shrimp.

Features:

• 32 qt stainless steel stockpot
• Stockpot: 0.6mm/22-gauge
• Polished stainless steel for optimal durability and easy cleaning
• Vented lid
• Perforated steam/boil basket
• Perforated poultry rack/grab hook
• 3-piece detachable skewer set
• 12″ thermometer 50-750 degrees Fahrenheit
• Heavy duty handle for easy transport
• Bayou Classic cookware comes with a 1-oz trial seasoning injector
• Ideal for crawfish, shrimp and oyster boils

Pros:

• The fryer features a perforated raised poultry rack that allows cooking oil to circulate evenly when frying to prevent the bottom of the pot from getting scorched.
• Included lift hook provides a safe way to insert and remove poultry from hot cooking oil.
• Comes complete with a seasoning injector, 12″ stainless deep fry thermometer, vented lid for steaming and preventing vapor lock when boiling, plus sturdy, spot-welded handles for secure handling.
• The detachable skewers let you cook three small chickens at once.
• Fryer can also be used to boil shrimp, corn, vegetables, and make large batches of soups and stews.
• Upper side indentation on cookware supports and elevates the stainless steel accessory basket from the bottom of the pot for steaming or boiling seafood, crawfish, clams and vegetables.
• A thermometer for cooking foods to perfection and a trial size seasoning injector to add a bit of zing to your favorite dish.

Cons:

• The temperature gauge is not accurate.

5. Butterball Oil-Free Electric Turkey Fryer Roaster

Enjoy the delicious taste of fried turkey without the oil with this ultimate Turkey Fryer and Roaster from Masterbuilt, number 5 on our best turkey fryers list! The fryer is designed for outdoor use, without the use of propane or oil. The cooking basket and stand give you the versatility to cook turkey and many other foods. The tempered glass lid allows you to watch your food as it cooks without losing heat. The Masterbuilt Butterball oil-free electric turkey fryer is much safer to use that a more traditional cooker that uses a couple of gallons of oil in its cooking process. A healthier, more convenient alternative to frying with oil, this Electric Turkey Fryer and Roaster offers foolproof operation and delicious results, whether gathering the family for Thanksgiving dinner, pot-lucking with friends and neighbors, or simply making a variety of meals to freeze for later.

Features:

• Basket holds turkeys up to 18 lbs.
• Removable drip pan for easy clean-up
• Double wall construction uses radiant heat to seal outside of turkey
• Thermostat temperature control
• Wood chip box for great smokehouse flavor
• Tempered glass lid
• Basket lifting hook
• 1,650-watt heating element

Pros:

• Radiant heat for great tasting turkey – no oil or oven needed.
• The built-in wood chip box adds great smokehouse flavor to your meal.
• Removable drip pan makes clean-up easy and convenient.
• Convenient clip stows the lid out of the way when raising or lowering the turkey basket.
• Tempered glass lid can withstand cooking temperatures, and is shatter-resistant for safety.
• The cooking basket and stand give you the versatility to cook turkey and many other foods.
• Eliminates the safety hazard of flash fire from cooking oil getting too hot and igniting.
• Adjustable temperature control dial with thermostat provides even consistent cooking and prevents overheating.
• The cooker saves the drippings, so gravy can be made from the drippings.

Cons:

• The thermometer than comes with it is only for sensing internal meat temperature.
• Cooking takes some time as compared to instructions provided.

6. The Big Easy Smoker Roaster & Grill

This multifunctional cooker roasts, smokes and grills, giving you a variety of ways to leave everyone full and the block abuzz. The Char-Broil Big Easy Infrared smoker, roaster, and grill takes the next step forward from the award-winning Big Easy by expanding on its cooking function and capability. Just like the Big Easy, there is no charcoal or oil needed. It’s powered by Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared cooking system, which channels heat evenly and eliminates hot and cold spots. With TRU-Infrared there are no flare-ups and your food cooks evenly and juicy. It lights quickly and easily with the turn of a knob and there is a removable grease tray for easy clean ups.

Features:

• The Big Easy Smoker Roaster & Grill lets you smoke, roast and grill – all in one
• TRU-Infrared technology cooks food evenly and juicy with no flare-ups
• Evenly cook turkey, ribs, roast, or other cuts of meat in the roasting basket
• Holds up to 25 lbs for roasting and has 180 square inches of cooking area for grilling
• Use the smoker box for added flavor
• Temperature control from 9,000 to 18,000 BTU’s
• Drip pan collects excess grease and fats
• Stay-cool handles on lid and body
• Porcelain-coated hood
• Stainless steel burner and cooking chamber
• Infrared heat helps lock in flavor

Pros:

• The overall design features a porcelain coated hood and cool-touch handles for a solid and durable construction.

• It’s powered by Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared cooking system, which channels heat evenly and eliminates hot and cold spots.
• You can fit up to a 25 lb. turkey in the cooking basket that also has double stack cooking capability for smaller foods.
• The heated inner wall radiates natural infrared heat that penetrates food evenly and seals the juices inside.
• An internal smoker box uses wood chips or pellets without the need of air dampers or a messy water pan, while the infrared heat is great for roasting.
• Generate a minimum of 65 percent infrared heat, which is evenly spread across the entire cooking surface to cook food without drying at temperatures that range from simmer to sear.
• It also works as a roaster with even Infrared heat and easy drop-in loading without heat loss or traditional rotisserie hassles.
• Removable stainless steel cooking grate grills hamburgers, chops, wings, steaks and vegetables, without flare-ups.

Cons:

• Lots of part to assemble. Takes some time putting it all together.
• Not great for slow smoking as the temperature cannot get down to 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit range.

7. Butterball XXL Digital Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer

Take the guesswork out of preparing a perfectly crisp, juicy turkey with the Butterball XXL Digital Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer by Masterbuilt. Thanksgiving dinner just got whole lot tastier and easier, thanks to this amazing turkey fryer. Equipped with a built-in digital timer and variable temperature control, this ultimate countertop fryer takes the guesswork out of preparing your bird. And, since no oven is needed, you can place all your sides and desserts in the oven earlier and finish your whole meal in no time. This top-of-the-line XXL fryer can cook up to 22 lbs. turkey in less than an hour, so you can enjoy more time with your dearest.

Features:

• 1650 watt heating element
• Cooks up to a 22-lb turkey
• Removable one-piece lid
• Thermostat control keep temperature steady up to 375 degrees
• Automatic shutoff safety feature
• Digital controls and timer
• Heats oil in less than 30 minutes
• Drain valve for easy cleaning
• Aluminum cooking basket with drain clip
• Porcelain-coated inner pot
• Stainless steel construction with porcelain coated interior pot

Pros:

• Serves up to a 22 lb. turkey that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside in less than an hour.
• Uses one-third less cooking oil than a conventional turkey fryer.
• Patented features like basket drain clips and dual thermostat controls give you a safe alternative to propane frying.
• The fryer’s porcelain-coated inner pot and drain valve ensure convenient and quick cleanup after your flavorful feast.
• The oil drain valve makes draining the fryer convenient, and the pot, basket, lid, and valve are dishwasher safe.
• The stainless-steel fryer and porcelain-coated inner pot keep oil safely contained.
• Provides a safe, hassle- free way for people to enjoy delicious fried turkey – all in the comforts of your own home.

Cons:

• The outdoor unit is tough to regulate the temperature when it’s cold out.
• The electrical cord is too short.

8. Bayou Classic 30-Quart Outdoor Turkey Fryer Kit

Bayou Classic continues to be the industry leader in outdoor cooking equipment such as turkey fryers, stainless steel stockpots, cast iron cookware, aluminum stockpots, and grills. And its 30-Quart Turkey Fryer Kit is no exception. The 30-Quart Stockpot was specifically designed for frying whole turkeys. The tall, narrow patented design requires less cooking oil than a standard stockpot. The perforated raised poultry rack allows the cooking oil to circulate evenly when frying, preventing the bottom from scorching. Specifically designed for frying whole turkeys, this 30-quart outdoor stockpot circulates oil for even cooking temperatures and tender, juicy meats. The pot measures stands 18-1/2 inches tall and 14-1/2 inches wide, and is heated by a 16-inch burner.

Features:

• 30-Qt. Aluminum Stockpot
• 1.0 mm/ 18 Gauge
• Vented Lid
• 10-Qt. Fry Pot & Basket
• Perforated Poultry Rack / Grab Hook
• 12” Thermometer 50 F – 750 F
• 1-Oz. Trial Seasoning Injector
• 29” LPG Rubber Hose
• Outdoor Propane Cooker

Pros:

• The tall, narrow patented design requires less cooking oil than a standard stockpot.
• The perforated raised poultry rack allows the cooking oil to circulate evenly when frying, preventing the bottom from scorching.
• The grab hook provides a way to safely insert and remove poultry from hot cooking oil.
• The 12″ Stainless Steel Deep Fry Thermometer is perfect for maintaining a constant temperature of cooking oil when frying.
• Specifically designed for frying whole turkeys, this 30-quart outdoor stockpot circulates oil for even cooking temperatures and tender, juicy meats.
• A gas burner with cast-iron reversible grate provides exceptional cooking performance, while solid legs ensure optimal stability.
• Constructed from commercial-grade aluminum and cast iron to offer commercial-grade cooking performance with lightweight portability.
• Perfect for camping, RVs, tailgating, backyard cooking, or for simplifying Thanksgiving dinner.

Cons:

• A little bit pricey as compared to other turkey fryers in the market.
• The whole cleanup takes a bit of time.

9. Gourmia GDF500 Compact Electric Deep Fryer

Indulge your senses! Enjoy show stopping fried goodies with Gourmia’s FryStation Pro. Make your own chips, fries, tempura – you name it – and have them ready in no time with a crowd pleasing fryer you’ll come back to time after time. Designed for convenience and dependability, this ultimate compact fryer has everything you need for awesome food at home. Get peace of mind with an auto shut down thermostat, fully detachable electric cord and non skid rubber feet. Forget that boring oven – bring your party to life with chomp-ready, shatteringly crisp deliciousness with the FryStation Pro.

Features:

• Diversify frying with triple fry single/double basket design
• Spacious 4.2 liter capacity
• Easy to use digital control panel
• Incorporates revolutionary lock and block flavor technology
• Dynamic odor reduction system with activated carbon fry filter
• Easy to clean removable enamel fry tank
• Stainless steel exterior
• Multifaceted engineering

Pros:

• Revolutionary LockBlock Technology maximizes tastiness and full yumminess.
• Fry up 2 kinds of food in the double basket with no flavor crossover.
• Digital Temperature Control for precise temperatures and easy frying. Easy to use ready light.
• With a spacious 4.2 liter capacity you can fry much more food easy to use digital control panel for comfortable use.
• Activated Carbon FryFilter for drastically reduced frying smells.
• 3 Baskets Included – 1 single extra large basket, 1 double basket that detaches into 2 smaller baskets.
• Direct Contact Heating Element for quick cooking and fast warm ups.
• TriSafe 2 Way Safety System with auto shutdown thermostat, secure insertion of fry tank and completely detachable power cord
• Easy-to-clean removable fry tank comes out for clean up.

Cons:

• The bottom of the fryer gets very hot.
• The odor still escapes even with the odor reduction system.

10. Waring TF250 Electric Digital Rotisserie Turkey Fryer

Fry up a juicy and delicious turkey no time with the Waring Digital Rotisserie Turkey Fryer which is the only one of its kind on the market. Waring takes a classic cooking technique to new levels of innovation with this rotisserie deep fryer. Putting precise control at your fingertips with a digital full digital interface, it deep fries all your favorite foods, from cooking an 18-lb. turkey to quickly frying up French fries, onion rings, wings and more. The fryer rotates the turkey to cook evenly, while keeping all the natural juices inside. To transform the fryer into a steamer large enough for an indoor clambake, just fill the steel reservoir with water instead of oil.

Features:

• Holds up to an 18-pound turkey
• Cooks at approximately 3-1/2 minutes per pound
• 1800-watt heating element
• 2.5-gallon stainless steel reservoir
• Aluminum frying/rotisserie basket
• 120-minute timer
• Rotisserie function uses 1/3 less oil
• Stainless steel vented lid
• Power and Ready indicator lights
• Great for clambakes
• Thermometer adjusts frying temperature from 175-375 degrees

Pros:

• State-of-the-art digital machine is a large-capacity rotisserie fryer, basket fryer and steamer – all in one.
• Rotisserie alternates direction for even cooking that retains the poultry’s natural juices.
• Rotisserie frying a turkey uses 1/3 less oil to cook than traditional deep fried turkeys because the turkey is constantly rotating in and out of the oil.
• Remove the rotisserie for deep frying or steaming a wide variety of favorite foods.
• Digital control pad includes a 99-minute countdown timer and a precise thermometer that adjusts frying temperature from 175°F to 375°F.
• Indicator light lets you know when the oil has reached the proper frying temperature.
• Spacious 2.5-gal. Stainless-steel reservoir resists corrosion.
• Fries a whole turkey at a rate of approximately 3 1/2 minutes per pound.
• Durable stainless-steel lid is vented to prevent fried foods from becoming soggy.
• Includes rotisserie with spits, aluminum frying/steamer basket, meat thermometer and butcher’s twine.

Cons:

• The turkey doesn’t come out very crispy compared to high temperature propane cooking.
• Designed for single use.
• The lights don’t display well in direct sunlight.

Final Thoughts

Turkey fryers can be a new and exciting way to cook turkey or other types of fried meat. Each of our top choices provides a safe and effective way to fry turkey, as well as an array of other foods, giving you delicious results. Yet they are all distinctly different.