The Best Turkey Fryers to Cook Your Festive Meal
The best turkey fryers to create a delicious meal.
Deep frying a turkey has become a more popular way of cooking for festive occasions thanks to the crispy but moist results it produces in a much shorter period of time. The best turkey fryer will provide a quick and delicious way to cook your favorite bird to perfection. If you want to change up your culinary repertoire, you might just want to invest in a propane turkey fryer.
How to Pick the Best Turkey Fryer
Since deep frying a turkey is quite different from cooking it in the oven, there are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the best turkey fryer.
Safety: Above all, safety is paramount. You are going to be working with hot oil, propane, and an open flame.
- Choose a turkey fryer stand that is solid and sturdy enough to hold the pot.
- Make sure you have a poultry rack or fryer basket with a hook attachment to allow you to slowly lower and easily remove the turkey from the oil.
- You also need a deep fry thermometer to track the oil temperature and ensure it doesn't go over 400°F, as most oils will catch fire at this heat.
Tip!
Make sure you know exactly what you are doing by reading our guide, Learn How to Fry a Turkey & Amp Up Your Festive Flavors.
Size: A turkey is by nature a large bird, but depending on the size of your family and/or the number of guests you plan to serve, you will need to ensure your pot is large enough to fit enough oil and the appropriately sized turkey safely.
BTUs: BTU stands for British thermal unit – a measurement of the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1°F. The higher the BTU, the quicker your turkey fryer will be able to heat up the oil in the pot.
Accessories: It is possible to purchase a complete turkey frying kit, or the individual components – depending on what you need. The bottom line is that you need the following to correctly fry a turkey.
- Propane tank
- Frying pot
- Poultry rack/basket
- Stand
- Deep fry thermometer
- Grab hook
1. Barton All Purpose Aluminum Turkey Fryer
Get the most bang for your buck with the Barton All Purpose Aluminum Turkey Fryer. This turkey fryer kit comes with the works, including a 52 qt. deep fryer pot, burner stand, deep fry thermometer, and grab hook, among other accessories. This propane turkey fryer has an impressive 80,000 BTU output, along with a sturdy stand with a built-in flame guard to ensure quick and effective cooking this season.
If you are in search of the best turkey fryer for tackling a variety of cooking tasks, look no further than the Creole Fest 30 Qt. Turkey Fryer. This turkey fryer kit comes with a 30 qt. frying pot, a 10 qt. pot, and a perforated steamer basket to help you fry, steam, and boil a number of delicious foods. Thanks to the 50,000 BTU cast iron burner and an all-welded durable steel turkey fryer stand, you will be able to produce flavorful food safely and efficiently.
The best turkey fryer for safe cooking and easy cleanup is the LoCo Cookers 30 qt. Turkey Fryer. This heavy-gauge aluminum pot can cook turkeys up to 18 lbs., comes with a SureSpark electronic ignition which allows you to light the fryer with the push of a single button, and offers smart temperature technology which monitors the oil temperature to prevent overheating. When you are done cooking, this versatile fryer has twist and drain technology that allows you to remove the used oil without too much hassle.
The Bayou Classic Turkey Fryer, comes with a 32 qt. stainless steel pot that is durable and easy to clean. It is designed to fry an entire 18 lb. turkey in as little as 45 minutes, making it one of the best turkey fryers for smaller and quicker meal making. It also comes with a 12 in. thermometer which will allow you to measure the temperatures up to 400°F.
For a smaller model, pick the California Outdoor Designs Turkey Fryer. This low profile 30 qt. aluminum propane turkey fryer is designed to help you save oil, while the 38,000 BTUs will help you cook smaller turkeys much quicker. Additionally, the flame thrower ignition and automatic safety shut-off will keep you as safe as possible while creating delicious fried food.
A fantastic stainless steel turkey fryer is the XtremepowerUS 30 qt. Turkey Fryer. This model comes with a painted steel turkey fryer stand that has both a solid frame and foundation, which makes for safer outdoor cooking. For ease of use, it comes with a clip that is designed to secure your thermometer in place so you can monitor your cooking temperature at all times.
The best turkey fryer for heavy duty cooking is the LoCo Cookers 36 qt. Turkey Fryer. With a powerful 54,000 BTU burner, this propane turkey fryer is up to the task of frying turkeys up to 20 lbs. – which is no small feat. The turkey stand and lifting hook will help ensure you can remove your perfectly cooked bird safely and easily.
Should you prefer a healthier option, the ChairBroil Big Easy Turkey Fryer is the best turkey fryer to go with. This 16,000 BTU electric turkey fryer uses TRU-Infrared cooking technology, meaning you don't need to use oil to get that crispy and juicy deep-fried style turkey. The propane-fueled oil-less frying in turn means less calories and easier cleanup, making for a quick and pain-free festive meal preparation.
If you are only in need of the fryer itself, the ARC Single Burner Propane Turkey Fryer is a good investment. This impressive 200,000 BTU high-pressure burner can easily match almost any cooking task, while the all-welded 10 in. cast burner and stainless steel frame are extremely durable and are both wind-and water-proof.
The Bayou Classic Banjo Deep Fryer is the best deep fryer for large groups of people. Thanks to its 16 in. cooking surface that can support sizable pots, 164,000 BTU, and 14 in. diameter, this propane turkey fryer can safely hold a 122 qt. pot, allowing you to cook up a true feast. As an added bonus, the braided steel hose guard will protect the rubber hose from any potential damage caused by hot oil.
For just the turkey fryer accessories, opt for the Bayou Classic Complete Poultry Rack Set. This collection includes a perforated rack that can support a turkey, or up to three chickens at a time, a grab hook, a 12 in. stainless steel deep fry thermometer, a marinade injector, and a skewer set that allows you to alternate between the turkey and chicken frying capabilities. These components are high quality and will last you for years to come.
Using the best turkey fryer, now you too can make the crispiest and juiciest turkey on the block.
