Best turkey fryers 2024: for the ultimate bird this holiday season

Best turkey fryers 2022: Indoor and outdoor electric turkey fryers
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Best turkey fryers 2024: Jump Menu

A Masterbuilt Butterball turkey fryer

(Image credit: Masterbuilt)

1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Barton 99905-H Turkey Fryer
3. Best oil-less: Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer
4. Best electric: Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Fryer and Steamer
5. Best outdoor: King Kooker 1265BF3 Turkey Fryer
6. Best large outdoor: Bayou Classic 4225 42Qt Turkey Fryer
7. Best large indoor: Masterbuilt XL electric fryer
8. How we choose
8. Buying advice

If you're thinking of spatchcocking a turkey, hold up! There's another way to cook a great bird for Thanksgiving or Christmas - the best turkey fryers. If you haven't tried deep-fried turkey, you're really missing out. This Cajun-inspired cooking technique produces a crispy exterior and a moist, juicy interior. It's delicious and time-saving - you may never want to roast your turkey again.

When it comes to turkey fryers, there are two main types: electric and traditional 'deep fryers.' Both can cook your turkey centerpiece in less time than a traditional oven. Most cooking sites recommend cooking your turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound. For instance, a 12-pound bird would take a maximum of 48 minutes, which is a lot less time than hours in a standard oven.

At around $200 on average, it's also good to know that a turkey fryer isn't just for Thanksgiving. As with the best air fryers or best deep fryers, turkey fryers can be surprisingly versatile. You don't always have to spend big, either.

The quick list

The best turkey fryers we recommend in 2024

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

We're on a mission at Top Ten Reviews to review everything we feature in our buyer's guide. While we haven't been able to test every entry in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best turkey fryers to help you make the right decision.

The best turkey fryer overall

Barton 99905-H Turkey Fryer review

(Image credit: Home Depot)

1. Barton 99905-H Turkey Fryer

The best turkey fryer overall

Specifications

Power (BTU): 100,000
Capacity (quart): 52
Features: Pot, regulator, temperature thermometer, hanger and marinade syringe

Reasons to buy

+
 Extra large capacity 
+
 Good price 

Reasons to avoid

-
 No timer 
Buy it if

✅ You need a lot of capacity: If you need a lot of space for cooking a large turkey (or whatever you want to use a turkey fryer for), this one is surprisingly big.

✅ You need something powerful: To go along with that size, it can ensure consistent results, no matter what you’re cooking.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something small: The Barton 99905-H Turkey Fryer’s size is generally a boon, but if you want something you can store in a cupboard, then this isn’t the turkey fryer for you.

❌ You want an indoor turkey fryer: In the same vein, this turkey fryer was made for outdoor use. You need some decent outdoor space to use this model.

The bottom line

🔎 Barton 99905-H Turkey Fryer is ideal for the job thanks to its large capacity and amount of power, whether frying a gigantic bird or cooking too much chili. It’s light on accessories, such as a safety timer, but that’s a small quibble. ★★★★★

Behemoth may or may not be the right word for the Barton Turkey Deep Fryer, but this outdoor cooking appliance absolutely is. Its large capacity is more than enough for a large turkey, seafood boils, chili (you know, enough for a cook-off), and the like.

Since it’s made of aluminum, it’s ideal for outdoor use. And, with all its accessories, you don’t have to worry about investing in too many extras. For most people, this might be the best outdoor turkey fryer available.

Features: The Barton 99905-H Turkey Fryer is the best propane turkey fryer. The Barton 99905-H Turkey Fryer kit has a powerful 100,000 BTU gas stove, burner stand, and an extra-large 52-qt. Pot. This turkey fryer also has a regulator, temperature thermometer, poultry rack and lifter, and marinade sauce syringe, though it doesn’t come with a safety timer.

The Barton 99905-H Turkey Fryer’s most impressive feature is its versatility to cook almost anything. It cooks a crisp and succulent turkey and can also be used as a steamer, burner, barbecue, or boiler. It’s also designed to hold high temperatures, resulting in even better cooking results. 

Performance: This turkey fryer is capable of a lot, thanks to its large capacity and power. Food comes out cooked consistently, whether it’s a turkey or seafood boil. Of course, having a poultry rack is also key in ensuring even cooking when frying a turkey.

Really, the versatility of the Barton 99905-H Turkey Fryer comes from its size. However, the aluminum construction, which can be a concern for longevity with some turkey fryers, helps ensure even results.

User Reviews: Users have been pleasantly surprised by how big the Barton 99905-H Turkey Fryer is. They also were impressed by the end results regardless of what they used it for, and they used it for quite a few different foods – seafood boils are popular for this model. 

The best turkey fryer for the health-conscious

Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer review

(Image credit: Amazon)

2. Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer

The best turkey fryer for the health-conscious

Specifications

Power (BTU) : 16,000
Capacity (lbs): 16
Features: Oil-less system, TRU Infrared technology, meat thermometer

Reasons to buy

+
 Uses infrared heat eliminating use of oil  
+
 Compact size 

Reasons to avoid

-
 Difficult to assemble 
-
 Expensive 
Buy it if

✅ You care about your health: Since you don’t have to submerge your food in a vat of oil, just a light coating, this turkey fryer offers a healthier way to get similar results.

✅ You want something easy to clean: Thanks to its front-access grease tray, clean-up is a cinch, requiring just a wipe-down.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You’re on a budget: This turkey fryer from Char-Broil is not cheap, most likely due to its TRU Infrared cooking technology. If you’re on a budget, there are much cheaper options.

❌ You want to cook large quantities: if a certain type of person would not suit this product, you can mention it here and then suggest a product on the page that would be more suitable for this persona.

The bottom line

🔎 Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer is not easy to set up and is expensive. Still, it produces fantastic and healthy results with a minimal amount of oil, thanks to its TRU Infrared technology. It’s also easy to clean. ★★★★★

The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer is a mouthful to say, but that’s because those are all important points with this model. You don’t need large quantities of oil to cook, just enough to coat that bird. And it’s otherwise powered by propane. But, just because it’s doing things differently doesn’t mean you won’t get that crispy outside and moist inside as it does so consistently, efficiently, and with minimum cleanup.

Its capacity is a bit small compared to other models, but its oil-less design is versatile. You can cook chicken wings, fish, and more. Just be aware that its unusual approach also means a higher price point, so be ready to spend if this one piques your interest.

Features: Features include a lifter to drop and remove your food safely and a meat thermometer to give you precise temperatures. It also comes with a handy front-access grease tray to collect meat drippings. This makes it much easier to clean with a simple wipe-down.

However, that TRU Infrared technology takes the cake… or bird. It’s able to eliminate hot and cold spots so that you get consistent results. Plus, it’s the reason why whatever food you cook only needs an oil coating instead of gallons to get great results.

Performance: In short, the results are great. You get consistent and delicious food, and it cooks efficiently. You don’t have to use a lot of propane per session so a single tank will last a long while. And clean-up is easy thanks to that front-access grease tray.

The only real issue with its cooking ability is that you’re limited to up to a 16 lb turkey. While that’s a decent size, it's not enough if you’re hoping to cook for a large gathering. After all, you can easily get one that’s 20+ lbs.

User Reviews: Most users were very happy with their results using words like juicy and delicious to describe their turkey or roasts. Many were pleased by its easy cleaning and the fact that it’s a healthier way of cooking. And, considering it has a 4.7 out of 5 rating from almost 7,000 reviews on Amazon, you can be sure that many users have had similar experiences. Conversely, assembly was a chore for most, particularly lining up screws. And some felt the drip tray could have been bigger.

The best turkey fryer for indoor use

Best turkey fryers

(Image credit: Amazon)

3. Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Fryer and Steamer

The best turkey fryer for indoor use

Specifications

Power(w): 1800
Capacity (lbs): 14lbs
Features: Two cooking settings of fry and steam, adjustable temperature control, large stainless mesh basket with cool-touch handle

Reasons to buy

+
Very versatile 
+
Steam and Fry function 
+
Speedy cooking time 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not great for heavier birds 
Buy it if

✅ You need multiple functions: Not only can this appliance fry a turkey, but it can also steam and rotisserie, making it incredibly versatile.

✅ You want something storable: Many turkey fryers are too bulky to put away in your kitchen. You need extra space for them. That’s not the case here, as it will easily tuck away in a cupboard.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need a large-capacity turkey fryer: While it can do a lot, it’s still on the smaller side. Consider one of the larger capacity options to cook a big bird.

❌ You want something to use outdoors: Whether you like the pomp and circumstance of frying a bird in your driveway or prefer doing things outside for cleanup and safety’s sake, you should skip this one as it’s more of an indoor appliance.

The bottom line

🔎 Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Fryer and Steamer might have limited capacity, but this turkey fryer is very versatile. You can cook many different things with or without oil. Plus, it’s easy to store when not in use and to use, thanks to features like that cool-touch handle and adjustable temperature control. ★★★★

If you're concerned about versatility, the Cuisinart CDF-500 is the model. Yes, it can fry a turkey in under an hour (hurrah!), but it's also much more. You can fry potatoes, onion rings, seafood or steamed vegetables, dumplings, or clambake. It can even make donuts!

Use the rotisserie function, and you'll need a lot less oil than a traditional turkey fryer, meaning you’ll end up with crisp results without all the fat and high calories. 

Features: Onboard, you'll find a 120-minute timer, an adjustable temperature control, and a large stainless mesh basket with a cool-touch handle. It's easy to switch between the fry and steam cooking settings. Designed to be compact and user-friendly, this fryer can fit into any space or countertop without the hassle, and the stainless-steel finish is both smart and robust.

Performance: With 1800 watts of power, this multi-functional device can cook whatever you want to chuck inside. Whether frying a turkey or using one of the other multi-functions on hand, you’ll have delicious results.

Since it can only cook up to a 14lb turkey, you’ll have to consider if it’s up to the task for your needs. That said, the cooking results are impressive, and its versatility means it's likely to be in regular use, making it a worthwhile purchase in our eyes. 

User Reviews: Most users share our experience with this fryer, with Amazon reviews giving an aggregate score of 4.3 out of 5. While there were some frustrations with quality control here and there, not to mention some found the digital controls a pain, most found this turkey fryer easy to set up, use, and clean up. And, of course, they liked the end results.

The best turkey fryer for outdoor use

best turkey fryers

(Image credit: Amazon)

4. King Kooker 1265BF3 Turkey Fryer

The best turkey fryer for outdoor use

Specifications

Power (BTU): 33,000
Capacity (quart): 29
Features: Extra 11-qt fry pan, lifting rack and hook, deep fry thermometer, timer

Reasons to buy

+
Has two pots
+
Easily portable 

Reasons to avoid

-
 Timer needs to be set often 
-
 Prone to wear and tear 
Buy it if

✅ You need to cook a large turkey: Its 29-qt capacity can hold a bird big enough for the whole family. Or, you can use it for a shrimp boil.

✅ You want something easy to use: Assembly is so easy, it will take you no time before you stuff a turkey there.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need something that will last: Aluminum is not as durable as stainless steel, so you must maintain this turkey fryer if you don’t want to be on the market two years from now.

❌ You want a better safety timer: While a seemingly minor quibble, resetting the safety timer every fifteen minutes somewhat negates its usefulness. If you put safety first, that should be a concern.

The bottom line

🔎 King Kooker 1265BF3 Turkey Fryer may have an annoyingly quick safety timer, and the aluminum construction is a concern for long-term use. However, this turkey fryer is still highly worth considering. Not only do the results speak for themselves, but there’s a lot of capacity here. ★★★★

If you are a serious outdoor cook and enjoy frying up a feast, you would benefit from the King Kooker 1265BF3 Turkey Fryer. It has enough capacity to fry up a 20 lb bird with enough power to do the job right. 

It might be a bit pricey, considering it’s aluminum, and the safety timer is a pain to use to the point some owners have said that they don’t use it all. Still, if you’re looking for power, capacity, and great results, the King Kooker Turkey Fryer has everything you need to do the job.   

Features: It has a handy fill line inside the pot to prevent oil overspills, a thermometer, and a safety timer with an automatic shut-off function.  Unfortunately, this is because the timer needs to be activated every 15 minutes, meaning you’ll be unable to leave the fryer unattended for long periods. However, the timer is optional, and many users have decided not to.

It also comes with a turkey rack and lifting hook to handle your bird safely without fear of getting scalded.

Performance: Equipped with a 29-qt capacity, it can handle turkeys up to 20 lbs and even comes with another 11-qt fry pan and basket. With 33,000 BTU of power, it provides evenly-cooked and golden-brown results in less time, keeping its high temperature inside.

Since this is made of aluminum, it’s great for use outdoors. However, it’s prone to wear and tear if not maintained correctly.

User Reviews: Many users loved not only the King Kooker 1265BF3 Turkey Fryer’s results, whether they used it for turkey or a shrimp boil, but also its capacity and ease of use. The handy fill line was another feature that I greatly appreciated. Of course, that safety timer was a pain for most, so many just avoided using it altogether.

The best turkey fryer for large capacity use

Bayou Classic 4225 42Qt Turkey Fryer review

(Image credit: Amazon)

5. Bayou Classic 4225 42Qt Turkey Fryer

The best turkey fryer for large capacity use

Specifications

Power (BTU): 100,000
Capacity (quart): 42
Features: Patented poultry rack and lift hook, stainless 12-inch fry thermometer, Seasoning Injector

Reasons to buy

+
 Versatile to use all year 
+
 Large capacity 

Reasons to avoid

-
 Uses a lot of oil 
-
 Can take longer for oil to heat 
Buy it if

✅ You want to cook large turkeys: Thanks to its large capacity, it can handle large birds. You can even cook two turkeys at once with it.

✅ You want plenty of extras: One of the other factors in this turkey fryer’s favor is the amount of extras included, from the protective glove and thermometer to the lift hook, poultry rack, and seasoning injector.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need something for indoors: You’ll use a lot of oil with this, and it will take a bit to heat up. As such, not to mention its size, it’s not safe to use indoors.

❌ You don’t want to use so much oil: For better or worse, the Bayou Classic 4225 42Qt Turkey Fryer requires a lot of oil that you’ll have to eventually dispose of. Other models minimize the need for so much oil if that’s a concern.

The bottom line

🔎 Bayou Classic 4225 42Qt Turkey Fryer is ideal for anyone wanting to cook a lot of food or large turkeys. It also comes with plenty of extras. However, it uses up a lot of oil, which can be costly in the long run. Also, it can take a little longer to heat up. But for those who regularly cook up a turkey feast or enjoy big family meals, this is an ideal versatile fryer.  ★★★★★

If you're looking for the best large turkey fryer money can buy, you can't go wrong with the Bayou Classic 4225. There is a reason it's called the ‘Grand Gobbler’ – open it up, and it will happily house extra-large turkeys of up to 25 lbs. In the 42-quart cavity, you could cook two turkeys at once if needed. Of course, you’ll have to use a lot of oil for this.

Like many of our best-pick turkey fryers, the Grand Gobbler is versatile all year. Take out the rack and hook, and you can use it as a stockpot to cook up a tasty stew or clam chowder. 

Features: A patented poultry rack, lift hook, vented lid, and heavy-duty handles are all designed with safety in mind. And there are lots of extras not seen on budget fryers. For instance, there's a 12-inch fry thermometer so you know your oil is up to temperature, plus a 'seasoning injector' – a stainless steel needle that lets you infuse your meat with a marinade.

Since safety is always a concern with these types of devices, a handy leather glove to protect from hot oil is also included, though it’s right-handed only.

Performance: Its large capacity and patented poultry rack help create a circular flow of oil for even and succulent results. It uses quite a bit of oil, which will take some time to heat up thoroughly, up to 35 minutes specifically. But this turkey fryer does a good job holding heat once it reaches the desired temperature.

All of this translates well into other areas as well. If you want a large stockpot for soups, seafood boils, chili, etc., this will more than do the trick. Remember, with all the oil required for this, it’s an outdoor-only affair.

User Review: Users of this Bayou Classic turkey fryer echo many of our review's sentiments, namely that its size is impressive, and the quality of its cooking is as well. Unlike some smaller models, the construction is another point in its favor, as many find it to be solidly built and appreciate that it’s not prone to overflowing. Some find the thermometer to lack accuracy and note that the oil takes a while to heat up. However, they appreciate the inclusion of a protective glove.

The best large capacity turkey fryer for indoor use

best turkey fryer

(Image credit: Walmart)

6. Masterbuilt XL Electric Fryer

The best large capacity turkey fryer for indoor use

Specifications

Power (w): 1650W
Capacity (quart): 10.6 quarts
Features: Removable hinged lid, dishwasher safe parts,

Reasons to buy

+
Great capacity for an electric fryer
+
Dishwasher safe parts and removable lid for easy cleaning
+
Looks smart on a countertop

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as big as propane fryers
-
No vented lid
Buy it if

✅ You want something for indoors: Since it’s powered electrically, you can safely cook a turkey indoors and not worry about using a propane tank inside.

✅ You want easy cleanup: Thanks to its drain valve and removable spout, getting oil out of this turkey fryer is simple and doesn’t require any dangerous tipping maneuvers.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a multi-functional turkey fryer: While you can fry a decent-sized bird here, it can’t be repurposed for a seafood boil like other turkey fryers, though you should be able to make soup.

❌ You want to ensure crispy results with bigger birds: This Masterbuilt fryer isn’t as powerful as some other options, so you could potentially end up with good results but not crispy skin.

The bottom line

🔎 Masterbuilt Butterball XL MB23010618 electric fryer will save you money on propane and space as you can easily and safely use it on your countertop. There are plenty of helpful safety features, though we do wish there was a vented lid. ★★★★

If you're after a reasonably sized fryer but don't want a propane fryer, this electric model will give you space to fry a 20lb turkey indoors because not all of us will want to be popping outside to fry a turkey (or cook anything else for that matter) once the temperature really drops.

It’s also easy to clean and comes with some safety features, though the lack of a vented lid is a bit of a concern. That said, not everyone wants to or can cook outside. Plus, you can skip paying for propane with this model.

Features While there’s no vented lid, many safety features are available here. To start, there’s a minimum and maximum fill line, so you don’t end up with overflow. There’s also an auto shut-off and a magnetic breakaway electrical cord to avoid accidents.

A lifter and cooking basket are also included, making inserting or removing your food a safe and easy process. A thermometer and timer help you keep a close watch. A drain valve and removable spout make cleanup easy, and many parts are dishwasher safe.

Performance This turkey fryer doesn’t have as much power as some other turkey fryers listed, specifically just a 5,630 Btu capacity (1,650 watts), and can only go up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This should be enough for most as it does a great cooking job. However, if you cook a larger bird, you might have trouble getting that crispy outside skin.

At least, cleanup is very easy. A drain valve and removable spout mean you don’t have to tip the unit over to remove the oil. This somewhat makes up for the fact that there isn’t a vented lid, which can blast you with a whole bunch of hot air when opening it up if you’re not careful.

User Reviews With a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon, it’s clear that many people enjoy using this turkey fryer. Generally, the results are moist inside with crispy outside. However, some have found that they don’t have crispy skin, especially with bigger birds, as filling up to the maximum fill line wouldn’t completely submerge said turkey in oil.

How we chose the best turkey fryers

When we researched turkey fryers, we read manufacturer websites, cookbooks, cooking blogs, and various articles related to frying turkeys to see what characteristics fine cooks appreciate in a fryer. 

We also watched user videos to see how real people work with these devices, requiring care to avoid accidental burns or fires. For more, take a look at our page on how we test.

How to choose the best turkey fryer for you

Frying capabilities: In our research, we checked the overall capacity of each fryer, which is measured in quarts, along with the maximum turkey size, in pounds, that each fryer could handle. We also examined the amount of oil needed each time you use the fryer and the heating ability, measured in British Thermal Units.

Safety features: Turkey frying can be quite dangerous because you’re working with a lot of hot oil, but many turkey fryers are equipped with safety features. We looked to see whether each unit had an auto shutoff, a vented lid, a lifter to help remove the turkey after cooking it, a cooking basket, and a stand. Most turkey fryers will have some of these features, while the best will have all. The most significant safety feature you should seek in a turkey fryer is an auto shutoff function, which keeps it from overheating and potentially causing a fire and injuries.

Convenience: Many turkey fryers come with useful features that make cooking much easier. Some fryers have built-in extras such as a timer, a thermostat, indicator lights, or a drain valve, all of which help with cleanup during the cooking process or, in the case of the drain valve.

Turkey fryer FAQs

How much does a turkey fryer cost?

A good turkey fryer will cost you between $50 and $200, depending on its capacity and the number of extra features and accessories that come with it. There isn’t much price difference between propane and electric turkey fryers, though if you choose a propane model, you’ll need to refill the propane continually. The price of a propane tank varies depending on where you live, but it’s usually between $5 and $10 and holds enough gas to fry four turkeys.

Can I mix different oils in a turkey fryer?

It is possible to mix different oils together – like peanut oil and vegetable oil – for deep frying any foods, including turkeys. However, you must set your turkey fryer to a lower cooking temperature to avoid burning the oil, which will also affect the overall cooking time.

It all has to do with the smoke point of each oil or how hot it has to get before it starts to smoke, burn, and become dangerous. Vegetable oil has a smoke point of 428 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius); peanut oil, however, has a smoke point of 320 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).  Because of the higher smoke point, you cook your turkey at a higher temperature in vegetable oil, reducing the cooking time.

Combining vegetable and peanut oils requires setting the fryer at a lower temperature to avoid reaching the peanut oil’s smoke point. You will also want to adjust the cooking time slightly since it will take longer to fry – about 5 minutes more per pound – at the lower temperature. Most recipes recommend frying your turkey for 3.5 minutes per pound, assuming you are using vegetable oil.

Cynthia Lawrence

Cynthia Lawrence is a freelance lifestyle and interiors journalist, writing for national publications and websites. Obsessed with homes and garden content, she spends her time writing about interiors inspiration, savvy solutions, buying guides, and exciting product reviews. In more recent months she has written about dishwashers and other home appliances for Top Ten Reviews.