Well-cooked turkey breasts have been a symbol of Thanksgiving and other celebrations for many years. When deep-fried with the best turkey fryer, you’d have to muster your willpower to resist its delicious, wild and flavorful taste. Not only would you get the right skin tone using this method, but the tasty white meat would also make your friends and guests begging for more.

Well, if you need the best turkey fryer out there, then count your lucky stars. This article contains hand-picked reviews of indoor/outdoor turkey fryers, electric turkey fryers, and turkey deep fryers in the market.

We’ve also included the answers to all the questions you might have about using, maintaining, and buying a turkey fryer. So, let’s dive in and find out what products are in our turkey fryer reviews.

Why Should I Buy a Turkey Fryer?

If you want to cook a delicious turkey by yourself, then you need a turkey fryer. Here are some of the people that these units are best suited for:

Outdoor Lovers: A delicious and flavorful turkey might just be the last bit of the puzzle for outdoor adventurers. So, compact and portable turkey fryers work well for such users.

Thanksgiving and Xmas: It’s a tradition to cook a turkey on Thanksgiving Day. And what better way to satisfy the appetite for turkey than to make it at home and share it with other family members?

Cooking enthusiasts and Large Families: People who love turkey and want to eat healthily might find turkey fryers, especially the oil-less type, handy. The enthusiasts are also not left out. Given the versatility these units provide, they might not be able to resist the urge to get one for themselves.

Ultimate Buying Guide Before Considering A Best Turkey Fryer

The turkey fryers we’ve reviewed above are excellent units. So, here is what you look when getting one for yourself.

Type of Turkey fryers:

There are two types of turkey fryers based on how they are powered; propane fryers and electric fryers.

Electric fryers are made for indoor use. On the other hand, propane turkey fryers are designed to be used in the open.

In propane fryers, a hose connects the burner to the tank. Once this burner is ignited, you can start frying your turkey. But in electric fryers, as the name implies, all you have to do is connect the cord to a power outlet.

While electric fryers will slightly increase your utility bills, you’d need to refill a propane tank occasionally.

Oil vs. Oil-less Fryers:

Another factor you should consider is whether the fryer uses oil or it’s oil-less. Conventional turkey fryers use oil. In these units, the turkey is dropped into the pot of oil and fried until it is ready.

On the other hand, there are also oil-less fryers. These units use hot air instead of oil to cook pieces of turkey. However, you’d still need to rub the turkey with some oil before you drop it in an oil-less turkey fryer.

Turkey made from oil, and oil-less fryers have almost the same taste, with oil fryers having the upper hand. However, oil-free fryers are generally easy to clean up after use.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Fryers:

Some turkey fryers are made specifically for indoor use, while others can be used in the open. As we mentioned, electric fryers are generally used indoors, and propane fryers should be used outside.

While indoor fryers are easy to use, outdoor turkey fryers require you to assemble parts and set up for frying. However, they can handle larger pounds of turkey than indoor fryers.

Cooking Space and Capacity:

The cooking capacity of a fryer is measured in quartz, which is equivalent to liters and the size of turkey it can take.

With turkey fryers, the larger the quartz rating, the bigger the turkey size it can take. For example, a 30-quartz turkey fryer should be able to fit a 20-pound turkey.

Any fryer with a cooking capacity of less than five quartz might not help fry your turkey.

BTU ratings:

The best turkey deep fryer would have a large cooking capacity. But more importantly, it would heat up quickly. The heating capacity depends on its BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. This rating is measured by the heat needed to raise a pound of water, and it is a characteristic of burners.

Again, with this factor, a high value (for example, 50,000 BTU) is usually preferable. However, more safety risks are involved with using burners that have high BTU ratings than those with lower BTU ratings.

Generally, electric fryers do not have burners. However, their power consumption per hour can be converted to BTUs. Most electric fryers have a rating of 5,500 to 5,700 BTU per hour, whereas propane fryers can have as high as 200,000 BTU.

Safety features:

Following safety procedures goes a long way in keeping you safe. However, you should also consider the safety features that are included in the turkey fryers.

Some units have features like a magnetic breakaway cord, while others have timers that you have to reset frequently. Still, you’d find some that’d shut-off when the temperature reaches dangerous levels. Many electric fryers have a safety interlock, which makes sure the heating element doesn’t start until the fryer is well seated.

Ensure that the fryer you go for has many features that would keep you safe.

Accessories:

When thinking of the turkey fryer to choose from, it might also be important to check for the accessories it has. The common ones that most units have are:

• A poultry rack
• A drop or lift hook
• A thermometer
• A crisp basket
• A seasoning injector

These make it easier for you to fry your turkey. So, we’d recommend that you consider units that come with many accessories.

Convenience:

Another question you should consider asking before you go ahead to buy a fryer is ‘How convenient is it to use?’

Does it have a stand, so you don’t have to bend to use it? Can you use it on your kitchen countertop? Does it have dishwasher safe drip parts?

Positive answers to these questions and others like it should reveal whether the fryer is convenient to use or not.

Warranty:

It helps if there’s a warranty for the deep fryer you intend to get. So, you should find out what if the product has a warranty, and what it covers.

Most deep fryers have a one to three-year warranty cover.

Durability:

Although there’s no definite measure of the durability of even the best turkey fryer, it is worth considering before going to the market. The closest way to know if the unit will last for long is to look at what it is made from.

We’d recommend stainless steel fryers because they are easy to clean. But there are also aluminum units. The choice is yours.

The 10 Best Turkey Fryer Reviews

1. Char-Broil Big-Easy Oil-Free Turkey Fryer

Top of the list is this large-capacity, oil-less turkey fryer. The Char-broil Big-Easy unit deep-fries delicious turkey breasts quickly. It’s an easy-to-use unit, with only two control knobs. And thanks to its compact design, you can easily store it after each use.

The Char-broil Big-Easy turkey fryer is one of the best you’d find in the market. It heats food with infrared technology to produce juicier meat and can take a 16-pound turkey easily. The unit comes with a thermometer, a guide, touch handles, and a basket lifting tool, which we figured makes deep-frying a lot easier.

The only concern we had about this fryer is that the bottom of your turkey may not get cooked. But we figured that if you preheat it to 40 degrees F and flip it after a few minutes, you should have no problem.

The Char-Broil Big Easy is a decent unit and definitely worth considering if you are looking for a top-quality fryer.

2. Masterbuilt MB23010618 Butterball Electric Turkey Fryer

Who says you have to roast your turkey? With this Masterbuilt Butterball unit, you can fry it instead. It works on electric power and is one of the most compact turkey fryers on this list.

The fryer is safe to use and suitable for frying tasty turkey indoors.

There’s no question about it. This turkey fryer is a robust and useful unit. The fact that you can use it indoors is brilliant and one of the reasons it has made this list.

The MB23010618 has many features that make it safe to use. The top ones we found are the auto shut-off feature, its cooking basket, and lifter. While the unit’s auto shut-off prevents it from getting hot, the lifter and basket make it easy to place and drop your turkey. However, the magnetic breakaway cord is also a handy feature to have.

With this fryer, you can prepare your turkey with steam. So, we are a bit surprised that it doesn’t have vented lids, which will prevent the unit from getting hot. But we guess when you have a unit with top-notch cooking performance and several safety features, these little things might not matter much.

Overall, there’s everything to like about the MasterBuilt Butterball MB23010618 fryer, our best electric turkey fryer.

3. Chard TFP30A Aluminum Turkey Fryer Pack, 30 Quart

If you are at crossroads between getting an affordable or functional deep fryer, then consider this product. It’s a 30-quarts pot with side handles and a cover.

The Chard TFP30A comes with almost everything you need to deep fryer finger-licking turkey breasts within minutes.

The Chard TPF30A is a durable and powerful deep fryer. There are many reasons why we like this unit, and its burner rating is definitely one of them.

Liquid propane powers this deep fryer. So, it is suitable for outdoor use. Unlike other deep fryers, you’ll need to assemble some components. But this should only take you a few minutes.

The deep fryer can reach impressive temperatures. But with features like an adjustable regulator and a timer, you should feel safe when using it.

We would have loved this deep fryer more if it had a deep tray. But with its cooking performance and large-capacity, we’d recommend it as one of the most affordable turkey fryers.

4. Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer

If you know a thing or two about fried, grilled or BBQ foods, you’d agree that Cuisinart is one of the top manufacturers of cooking products. This turkey fryer is the largest in its series, and one we think might make your turkey taste better.

It’s an electric unit that’s easy to maintain.

This Cuisinart unit is a versatile turkey fryer. That’s because you can use it to basket fry, Rotisserie fry, or steam your turkey. But what impressed us the most was the crunchy crust and delicious white meat of the turkey fried with it.

The CDF-500 has four safety features, which include an interlock, a breakaway cord, a thermostat overload protection, and a 450 degrees cut-off system. Although the short cord on this unit is not something we like, it is a safety precaution to prevent you from tripping.

You’d have to assemble a couple of parts, but the user guide contains everything you need to know about putting the parts together.

The Cuisinart CDF-500 turkey fryer might be the unit you’ve been searching for to prepare the 14-pound turkey your family and friends would love.

5. King Kooker 1265BF3 Portable Propane Outdoor Deep Frying

The King Kooker 1265BF3 is our best outdoor deep fryer. Impressively, the heavy-duty 29-quartz deep fryer should fit a 20-pound turkey easily. It works on liquid propane and has the conventional elongated look of a turkey fryer.

If you’re thinking of getting the best turkey fryer in the market, then this unit’s features might convince you to go for it.

• Color: Silver
• Weight: 18.8 pounds
• Brand: King Kooker
• Model Number: 1265BF3
• Material: Aluminum
• Cooking space: 29 quartz
• BTU rating: 33,000 BTU
• Fuel Used: Liquid Propane
• Dimensions: 14 x 18.2 x 14 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

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• It cooks turkeys evenly, making the insides tender and tasty.
• It has a thermometer to help you check when your food is ready.
• The elongated design, turkey lifting hook, and rack makes it easy to drop and remove turkeys.

• You have to reset the timer several times while deep frying.

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The King Kooker 1265BF3 is well-designed and easy to use. Little wonder why it has gotten a lot of positive reviews from users. It comes with not only a 29-quartz pot but also an 11-quartz pan. With the relatively high BTU rating, this unit should evenly cook your turkey and make the crust crunchy and delicious.

Like other deep fryers, there are several safety features in place to make sure no accident occurs, and the timer is one of such measures. That leaves us with only the aluminum body as a concern. We think stainless steel would have been a better choice. However, you should expect the deep fryer to last for many years.

As an outdoor deep fryer, we found that it was convenient to use in cooking huge turkeys in no time.

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6. Enterprises Turkey Deep Fryer Oversized 44 Quart

Small deep fryers might not always work for you. Sometimes, you’d need an extra-large unit like this Bayou Classic 44-quartz turkey fryer. It’s big enough to take a 25-pound turkey and has impressive features that might persuade you to get the unit.

[features_start]

• Color : Silver
• Weight : 35 pounds
• Brand : Bayou Classic
• Model Number : N/A
• Material : Stainless steel
• Cooking space : 44 quartz
• BTU rating : 50,000 BTU
• Fuel Used : Liquid Propane
• Dimensions : 16 x 16 x 21 inches
• Warranty : N/A

[features_end]

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• It has a large cooking capacity.
• It’s a durable deep fryer.
• Easy to clean and safe to use.
• It has a vented lid that allows steam to escape

• It is quite substantial. So, you might have to keep it permanently outdoors.

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If you think you’d be having your family over, then you might want to take your chance with this turkey fryer. It comes with a complete kit that includes a glove, a rack, a grab rook, and a small pot.

Assembling this deep fryer should take only a few minutes. The stainless-steel body is rigid, so you can expect to use it for a long time. Turkey made with this deep fryer turns out flavorful most times, which is one of the things we look out for in a deep fryer.

This Bayou Classic deep fryer is an outside deep fryer. Hence, the weight of the unit shouldn’t bother you much. That’s because you might not need to move it around.

There’s hardly any doubt that this product is one of the best turkey fryers you’d find.

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7. Bayou Classic 1118 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer Pot

The 1118 turkey fryer is the second product from Bayou Classic on this list of the best turkey fryers of 2021. It’s another large capacity unit offering a generous 32-quartz of space for frying turkey.

This model is one of the premium choices for people who want to cook a feast, and its elongated shape would fit a 20-pound turkey with ease.

[features_start]

• Color: Silver
• Weight: 14 pounds
• Brand: Bayou Classic
• Model Number: 1118
• Material: Stainless steel
• Cooking space: 32 quartz
• BTU rating required: 45,000 BTU
• Fuel Used: Liquid Propane
• Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 18 inches
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

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• It is lightweight.
• A sturdy and well-constructed unit.
• It is also easy to use and clean.

• You might find that the bottom of the pot gets holes after a while.

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When we first researched this product, we were pleasantly surprised to see that a lot of users gave it a positive review. The turkey fryer is one of the best-constructed ones we’ve seen in the market, and we think this is one of its selling points.

Moving away from its build, the Bayou Classic 1118 works well in frying pieces of turkey. As a heavy-duty unit that heats up quickly, you should expect your turkey to come out flavorful and tasty.

Our only concern was that the bottom could start leaking after a while. But you’d have used it for several years before that happens.

The deep fryer has excellent safety features, which include a 12-inch thermometer, a vented lid, and a grab hook. Overall, we see many reasons why you should consider getting this best turkey deep fryer in your home.

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8. Bayou Classic 3025 30Qt Turkey Fryer Pot

Next, we have the Bayou Classic 3025. If you are thinking of getting a multi-function fryer that can heat a 20-pound turkey in no time, then this might be the unit for you. It comes with a 12-inch thermometer, a poultry rack, a lifting hook, and an aluminum pot with riveted handles.

[features_start]

• Color: Silver
• Weight: 7 pounds
• Brand: Bayou Classic
• Model Number: 3025
• Material: Aluminum
• Cooking space: 30 quartz
• BTU rating: N/A
• Fuel Used: Liquid Propane
• Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 17 inches
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

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• It is safe to use.
• Heats well and evenly.
• It’s a tall turkey fryer that can fit almost any turkey.

• The bottom may crack after several months of use.

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This package from Bayou Classic is excellent and worth your money if you’re looking for a deep fryer that can cook your turkey thoroughly. You’d need oil to cook this deep fryer, but only a gallon should do.

The Bayou Classic 3025 is suitable for backyard cooking and you should have no problems setting it up. We don’t think the deep fryer is made from the best material. However, the bottom won’t start leaking from the get-go. You’d most likely have used it for quite some time first.

There’s no question that this unit will help you get tender and juicy pieces of turkey in only a few minutes. We found the turkey stand to be useful. But that’s not all. The safety features might also come in handy.

In a nutshell, we think this unit should be worth your money if you need only the best turkey deep fryer.

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9. Masterbuilt MB23012418 Butterball XL Electric Fryer – Extra Large

Next is our second product from MasterBuilt. It’s an extra-large unit that can fit a 20-pound turkey in no time. As an oil turkey fryer, this unit has a 10-liter capacity. But with its drain valve, it is also easy to clean up.

The temperature of your turkey can get up to 375 degrees F, which might get you the well-cooked turkey you’ve always wanted.

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• Weight: 25.1 pounds
• Brand: MasterBuilt
• Material: Stainless steel
• Cooking space: 11 quartz
• Fuel Used: Electric Power
• Warranty: 1-year warranty
• Dimensions: 16.3 X 18.3 x 14.8 inches

We think this unit is a great fryer to make delicious turkey breasts. Unlike other turkey fryers, the MB23012481 has intuitive controls that make it easy to use. While our favorite feature is the dishwasher-safe components, we think the compactness of the unit is pretty impressive.

This model might take a longer time to get your food ready. However, we believe this is not a big ask since you’d often get a well-cooked turkey using it.

It just might be the best turkey fryer you’ve been looking for.

10. Bayou Classic 4225 Turkey Fryer

Finally, we have this masterpiece from Bayou Classic. It’s a unit with impressive features, which is why it has made this turkey fryer reviews. Although it’s an extra-large turkey fryer, we were still surprised to find that it can fit a 25-pound turkey.

There’s everything to love about the 4225 Bayou Classic model. It comes with a thermometer, a rack, a right-handed glove, a rack, and a rack. So, it’s definitely safe to use. We found that it fried a 25-pound turkey well, although there’s no way to control the cooking temperature.

If we had to pick an extra-large unit from the lot, then this one might just be what we’d go for. Aluminum isn’t the best choice for the body, but it’d likely last for many years.

The 4225 Bayou Classic is an oil fryer, and most likely one of the best turkey fryers you can get.

Are Turkey Fryers Safe?

Frying your turkey seems like a better option to roasting it. However, it can be dangerous, especially if you don’t follow the frying guidelines.

The risk primarily comes from getting burnt by the high-temperature oil or steam. That’s because oil vapor can ignite at high temperatures and steam burns are some of the most severe injuries to recover from. So, putting too much oil, or frying a wet or frozen turkey can cause accidents.

Operating a turkey fryer without the safety features that come with it is one of the things to avoid doing. Another is not using the turkey fryer in the location it is meant for. For example, deep frying with an outdoor fryer while indoors. This could lead to catastrophic effects if the pot tips over.

Tips for Using Turkey Fryers Safely

Here are some tips you should keep in mind when using a turkey fryer:

• Make sure you read the instructions and user guide. Different units have different instructions. Don’t assume anything.
• You shouldn’t overfill the fryer with oil.
• Avoid deep frying frozen or partially defrosted turkeys. Ensure that it is dry before putting it in the fryer. Water doesn’t mix with oil.
• Ensure you use personal protective equipment like hand gloves and mitts. Also, don’t touch the handles or sides without wearing these protections.
• Make sure you use the turkey fryer on flat surfaces. Avoid wooden decks. They can catch fire easily.
• Ensure your burner is turned off before placing the turkey in the pot.
• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby.
• You shouldn’t stuff pieces of turkey you want to deep fry.
• Do not use propane-fueled fryers indoors.
• Pick the right oil. Different oils have unique temperature ranges.

Why Should You Trust Us?

We know that some products don’t do what the manufacturer says. So, we put in much effort in getting a comprehensive guide just to make sure you get top-quality for your money. The technical specifications of products have been sourced from the official website and reconfirmed by our team of experts.

With years reviewing indoor grills, turkey fryers, indoor smokers, outdoor grills, and other cooking products, we know exactly what to look for and have your best interests at heart.

How we picked and tested

We have a team of home-made turkey enthusiasts and professionals who are chefs in restaurants. This team worked tirelessly and scanned through almost all the products, and it took well over 30 hours to get this comprehensive guide. As you can see, they have an eye for spotting quality products.

But being able to identify top fryers isn’t all that matters. This team also went through the effort of testing some of these units and rechecking the technical specifications. This was done to make sure the manufacturer’s instructions matches what the products actually do.

Pitmaster’s Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Here are tips to help you maintain your turkey fryer:

• Make sure you use the right type of oil in your turkey fryer. If you don’t, the body of the unit can wear-off after some time.
• Change the oil used in frying. Also, do not store the oil in the fryer.
• Clean the body and parts of the fryer often.
• For electric fryers, always unplug the cord the unit before detaching the breakaway cord.
• If the unit has a digital panel, do not use water or any liquid to clean it.

Bottom line

A well-prepared turkey will make you lick your fingers. Getting the right seasoning is important. But you might not be able to pull it off without a turkey fryer.

There are many options to choose from. But we’ve helped you out by selecting the top ones in this turkey fryer reviews. Now, all that’s left is to pick the best turkey fryer for you, summon your inner chef, and start making delicious and flavorful turkey meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to Turkey Fryers

What is the best turkey fryer to buy?

Our best turkey fryer is the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less unit.

How much does a turkey fryer cost?

The price of the turkey fryers in this review ranges between $50 and
$200.

What is the best turkey deep fryer?

Our best turkey deep fryer is the King Kooker 1265BF3.

Can I mix different oils in a turkey fryer?

No. You should not mix two oils in your fryer. Stick to one.

Should I upgrade my turkey fryer?

If your fryer doesn’t cook turkey as you want, then you should consider changing it for any of the products we’ve included on this list.