Are you looking to cook the perfect turkey? Let’s face it; there’s nothing worse than overcooking or undercooking your meat.
If you have a room full of hungry guests to prepare for, you’ll want to deliver nothing short of perfection.
If your oven isn’t cutting it anymore, it may be time to invest in a turkey fryer.
If you want to guarantee perfect results every time, a turkey fryer may be the best option for you.
However, you don’t need us to tell you that one quick google search will throw up thousands of potential options.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, this can be a bit of a headache.
Thankfully, choosing the right fryer doesn’t have to be a chore.
We’ve put together this list of the best turkey fryers on the market; plus, our handy buyer's guide will run you through the things you need to look for in a quality fryer.
Ready to inject some new life into your kitchen? Keep reading to discover the best turkey fryers.
Best Turkey Fryer
OUR TOP PICK
Let's kick things off with the Creole Feast TFP1030 Turkey and Fish Fryer.
The TFP1030 is a 10" deep fryer that comes equipped with a removable heating element, an adjustable thermostat, a stainless steel cooking basket, a grease tray, a non-stick surface, and a lid.
This unit has a capacity of 1.5 gallons and can be used for both turkey and fish.
It also includes a temperature probe to monitor the internal temp of your food while it cooks.
The TFP1030 features a digital display screen showing how long it will take to cook your food.
You can choose from 3 different settings: low (180°F), medium (200°F), or high (225°F).
The TFP1030 also includes a timer so you know exactly when your food is done.
The TFP1030 is made out of heavy-duty 304-grade stainless steel and measures 12.25 x 11.75 x 9.5 inches. It weighs about 19 pounds and includes a 5-year warranty.
When we tested this fryer, we found that it was easy to put together. It's also a great size, and it cooked incredibly well.
Our turkey came out perfectly cooked, juicy, and ready to eat. So it's safe to say we were impressed!
Our only complaint is that the metal used on this fryer is a little on the weak side.
It feels lighter than we anticipated, and although it's fully functional, we had concerns that it may weaken, wear, or break with prolonged use.
However, this wasn't an issue for us during immediate testing.
Pros
- Digital Display Screen - This shows how long it will take for your food to cook.
- Different Heat Settings - You can choose from low, medium, or high, so there's a temperature to suit almost any meat.
- Timer - So you'll have more control over cooking times, and you'll be alerted when your turkey is ready.
Cons
- Not Dishwasher Safe - This product is not dishwasher safe, so you'll have to hand clean it only.
- Limited Safety Features - It doesn’t have any built-in safety features like auto-shutoff or heat-resistant glass.
- Inconvenient Design - The lid does not come off easily, and the metal feels a little weak during use.
EDITORS CHOICE
Now, it's time to review the GasOne B-5155-Red Burner with Steamer Pot.
The B-5155 is a gas burner that comes with a steaming pot. It has a capacity of 2 quarts and can be used for making soups, stews, and sauces.
It also includes a pressure valve, which allows you to adjust the steam output. There are four levels of steam: low, medium, high, and maximum.
It also includes a vent hole in the base of the pot, which helps prevent smoke build up inside the pot.
This model is made out of cast aluminum and measures 8.25 x 6.25 x 16.5 inches. It weighs about 18 pounds and includes a one-year warranty.
When we tested this product, we found it to be very sturdy and easy to assemble.
It's also extremely versatile because it can be used for many different types of foods.
For example, we tried using it to make a turkey soup, and it worked beautifully.
We also liked its versatility as a steamer. It makes quick work of boiling water without having to worry about burning anything.
Our only complaint is that the handle is too small. It's hard to hold onto, especially if you're wearing gloves. That said, it still works just fine.
Pros
- Pressure Valve - This can be adjusted to change the steam output, making cooking much easier.
- 4 Steam Levels - The four steam levels of low, medium, high, and maximum make cooking different meats a breeze.
- Easy to Assemble - This product is easy to put together, requiring minimal effort or expertise.
Cons
- Small Handle - This can make the product difficult to hold, which can be risky when dealing with hot food.
BEST VALUE
Next up, we have the Masterbuilt MB20012420 Electric Fryer.
This electric fryer has a capacity of 1.8 gallons and is designed for home cooks who want to prepare fried foods at home.
It has a stainless steel finish and weighs around 20 pounds. It features two adjustable heating elements, which allow you to set the desired temperature.
These heating elements also help keep your food warm while they cook. The timer lets you know when your food is done.
This model has an automatic shut-off feature, which is nice because it prevents burns from happening.
It also has a removable drip tray, which means you don't need to wash the pan every single time you use it. You can choose between three different settings:
10 minute on/10 minute off, 15 minute on/15 minute off, and 20 minute on/20 minute off.
Our biggest issue with this product was that the cord was too short. It barely reached our countertop, so we had to constantly move the unit back and forth to get it plugged into power.
If you live in a smaller space like ours, then this may not be a problem. However, we recommend getting a longer cord if possible.
Pros
- Automatic Shut Off - This prevents your turkey from burning.
- Timer Settings - So you have more control over cooking times. Paired with the automatic shut-off feature, this model delivers a very hands-off approach to cooking turkey.
- Removable Drip Tray - This means you won't have to wash the pan every time you use it, making this quick and convenient to use.
Cons
- Short Cord - Unfortunately, we found the power cord of this model was extremely short. If you have a larger kitchen, you may need to invest in a longer adapter cable.
RUNNER UP
Now, let us introduce you to the Barton Deluxe 30 QT Aluminum Turkey Deep Fryer.
This deep fryer is designed for those looking for a professional-grade deep fryer. It comes equipped with a heavy-duty base, which helps prevent tipping over.
It also has a large capacity, allowing you to cook multiple batches at once. It's made out of aluminum, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
It also has a non-stick coating, which allows you to remove any stuck food easily.
It has a total capacity of 30 quarts, which is enough to cook a whole Thanksgiving dinner. Pretty cool, right?
The lid is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup much easier. It also has a safety lock, which keeps the lid closed until you are ready to open it. It has a built-in thermostat for easy and accurate temperature readings.
And, there are four different heat settings available: high, medium, low, and defrost.
Our biggest concern with this product was that there were no instructions included. We called customer service several times before finding someone who could answer our questions.
They did eventually send us some information via email, but it wasn’t detailed enough for us to understand what we needed to do with our new deep fryer.
Pros
- Heavy-Duty Base - To prevent any accidents from happening during cooking.
- Non-Stick Coating - This helps prevent burning, keeps your turkey fresh, and makes cleanup much easier.
- Different Heat Settings - These different heat settings make it easier than ever to cook your turkey or other meat.
Cons
- Unclear Instructions - Despite contacting customer service, assembly and usage instructions for this fryer were still unclear.
RUNNER UP
Last but not least, we have the Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer.
This product is perfect for anyone wanting to add an extra layer of convenience to their kitchen, as it can help you prepare delicious meals without having to worry about cleaning up after yourself.
It has a rotisserie rod, which lets you rotate your turkey while it cooks. It also has a removable drip tray, so you don’t have to clean the bottom of the unit as often.
You can even set the timer on this model, so you will know when your meal is done.
It has a capacity of 5 gallons, which is more than enough to cook a full Thanksgiving dinner. It has a stainless steel finish, making it durable and easy to clean.
It has a total weight limit of 500 pounds, which means you won't be able to overload it, and it also has a dual heating element system, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly every time.
It even has variable speed control, which allows you to choose between slow and fast speeds.
If you want to use this in conjunction with another appliance, such as a microwave oven, then you can.
It also features a convenient automatic shut-off feature, which prevents overheating, and thanks to the digital display, you’re never left out of the loop in regard to key cooking info.
This product seems like a great option if you plan on using it frequently. However, we noticed that the manual provided by the manufacturer doesn’t include many details.
For example, it doesn’t tell you where to put the turkey's legs. We also didn’t see any clear directions on how to operate the device.
Pros
- Variable Speed Control - So you can choose between slow or fast speeds when cooking.
- Auto Shut-Off - The auto shut-off feature keeps cooking safe and convenient. You won't have to worry about keeping an eye on your turkey at all times because this model will shut off automatically for you to prevent burning or overheating.
- Rotisserie Rod - The rotisserie rod lets you move your turkey while it's cooking to ensure an even heat distribution all over.
Cons
- Unclear Manual - Unfortunately, we found the instructions provided in this manual difficult to understand. Operating this device was not as straightforward as it should have been.
Best Turkey Fryer Buying Guide
If you are looking for a new turkey fryer, then you need to consider several factors before purchasing one. Let's take a look at the most common things you'll need to explore below.
Turkey Size
First, you need to figure out what size turkey you will be cooking. The larger the bird, the longer it takes to cook, so you may want to opt for a smaller turkey or a more powerful/spacious fryer.
Deep Fryer Or Roaster?
Next, you need to decide whether you want to buy a deep fryer or a roaster. A roasting pan usually comes with a lid, which makes cleanup easier.
Some people prefer roasters because they can easily remove the turkey from the cooker once it's finished.
On the other hand, deep fryers tend to be larger, which makes them better suited for large turkeys. They also come with a built-in thermostat, which helps you maintain a consistent temperature throughout the entire process.
The best part is that you can use both types of units together. That way, you can roast your bird first, then transfer it into the deep fryer to get crispy skin.
Turkey Weight Limit
You may also want to check out the maximum weight limit of different models of turkey fryers. This will help you determine what size unit you need to purchase and how large a turkey you can fry.
Turkey Cooking Time
Variable cook times are a must in a turkey fryer if you ask us. They’ll allow you to cook, not just turkeys of different sizes, but loads of other foods too!
Turkey Temperature
Deep fryers typically work at temperatures ranging from 350°F to 450°F. This range works well for most foods, but some items might require higher or lower temperatures. For instance, breaded chicken nuggets need to be fried at 375°F.
Turkey Basket & Rotisserie
Do you want to add a basket to hold your food? Or would you rather use a rotisserie instead? These two options are available on most deep fryers.
Make sure you know exactly what you're getting yourself into before making a decision.
Turkey Placement
Where do you want to place your turkey? Many models come with special holders that let you keep your turkey upright during cooking.
It's important to note that these holders aren't always compatible with every type of meat. So if your turkey has wings, legs, or other parts, you may need to find another holder.
Turkey Fryer Features
What features does your turkey fryer offer? Look for a model that includes a timer, thermometer, and automatic shutoff feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Clean My Turkey Fryer?
It’s not hard to clean a deep fryer, but there are certain steps you need to follow in order to ensure that you have a good cleaning experience. Here’s how:
1) Remove the cover plate.
2) Unplug the machine.
3) Turn off the power switch.
4) Drain all oil by removing the drain plug.
5) Fill the reservoir with water.
6) Plug the machine back in.
7) Allow the machine to heat up for about 30 minutes.
8) Run the machine through a thorough cycle.
9) Rinse thoroughly.
10) Dry completely.
11) Replace the cover plate.
12) Reattach the drain plug.
13) Plug the machine back on.
14) Test the machine.
15) Enjoy your new deep fryer!
How Long Should I Fry A Turkey?
The length of time you cook your turkey depends on several factors, including the size of your bird and the desired level of crispiness.
In general, we recommend frying a whole turkey between 20 and 25 hours. However, you can adjust this time based on your personal preference.
What Is The Oil Temperature For Frying A Turkey?
You will need to monitor your oil temperature carefully when using a deep fryer. For example, when cooking poultry, you generally want to maintain an oil temperature of around 360°F.
You can check your oil temperature by placing a thermometer inside the pot.
Final Thoughts
If you want to cook the perfect turkey, you should know that the process begins with the right turkey fryer. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
We hope that our guide on the best turkey fryers has filled you with inspiration, so you can go into your next purchase feeling confident and well-prepared!
