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The 7 Best Turkey Fryers of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Like your bird crispy and moist? Try one of these machines

Testers examining a fried turkey in the King Kooker turkey fryer

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Deep-frying a whole turkey: It's a serious cooking challenge but perhaps the most delicious way to cook a large bird. (That's especially true if you're ordering a high-quality mail-order turkey.) The results are incredibly flavorful, with crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat on the inside. It'll also cook the turkey much faster than traditional roasting, while also leaving the oven free to cook other Thanksgiving dishes.

But frying a turkey requires plenty of pre-planning, along with specialized equipment including a large pot, powerful outdoor burner, meat thermometer, safety gear, and lots of oil. Now that deep-fried turkey has expanded outside its homeland in Louisiana's Cajun Country to become popular nationwide, there are a lot of options available. Some turkey-frying kits include every last item you need, while other brands let you pick and choose to assemble the different items you need. Below, we found the best ones for you.

Safety Tip

Frying a turkey involves lots of hot oil and an open flame, which means spills or spatters can be very dangerous. (Fire departments around the country demonstrate what can go wrong every year.) Before you get started, make sure to read through our guide to frying turkey, make a timeline, thaw your bird completely, and assemble all your tools and ingredients.

Best Overall

King Kooker 29-Quart Turkey Frying Cooker Package

King Kooker 29-Quart Aluminum Turkey Frying Cooker Package

Amazon

What We Like
  • Large capacity

  • Includes both burner and pot

  • Integrated timer

What We Don't Like
  • Pot is prone to dents

This complete set includes everything you need for turkey frying and more. The sturdy propane burner assembly puts out 38,000 BTU of power, which is more than enough to fry up to a 20-pound turkey in the 29-quart pot. The kit comes with a simple rack and lifting hook to slowly lower the turkey into the oil and remove it when it's done as well as an extra-long oil thermometer.

Though you won’t need the lid while frying turkey, it will come in handy while you’re preheating the oil or cooking other foods. In a helpful feature, the gas regulator has a battery-operated timer (the two AAA batteries aren't included) that reminds you to check the turkey and cuts off the fuel in case you forget.

The major negative with the King Kooker kit is its aluminum pot. Compared to the stainless steel many brands use, aluminum doesn't hold heat as well and isn't as heavy-duty. Some reviewers report their pots getting dented or damaged easily.

Dimensions: 13.4 x 13.4 x 27.5 inches | Empty Weight: 15.6 pounds | Capacity: 29 quarts | Maximum Turkey Size: 20 pounds | Power: 39,000 BTU | Includes: 29-quart pot, lid, 38,000-BTU burner, rack, lifting hook, timer, thermometer

Best Without Burner

Bayou Classic 1118 32-Quart Turkey Fryer

Bayou Classic 32-Quart Turkey Fryer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Heavy-duty construction

  • Versatile accessories included

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Burner not included

  • Expensive

If you already have an outdoor burner, there’s no need to spend extra money on a full kit or an all-in-one machine—just buy our favorite turkey-frying pot. The Bayou Classic includes a 32-quart stainless steel pot that's non-reactive, extremely durable, and easy to keep clean. When you’re not using it for turkey, it's great for a seafood boil or fish fry, or as an enormous stockpot for party-sized batches of soup, chili, or Sunday sauce.

But that excellent pot also comes with everything you need for success at the complicated process of deep-frying a turkey. The perforated basket sits on an indentation in the bottom of the pot to avoid uneven heating, includes a rack to hold the turkey upright, and then lifts out (using the included lifting hook) and drains at the same time. The pot has heavy-duty handles, so you can move it even when it’s full, and the vented lid avoids issues with boiling over. Plus, you get an indispensable clip-on oil thermometer and a seasoning injector syringe to ensure every bit of meat is juicy and delicious.

The basket and indented pot can be used for steaming (like, say, a huge batch of tamales), and there's also a skewer set for frying up to three chickens at once. If you're an outdoor-cooking aficionado, this is probably the choice for you.

Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 18 inches | Empty Weight: 12.2 pounds | Capacity: 32 quarts | Maximum Turkey Size: 18 pounds | Includes: 32-quart pot, lid, perforated basket, lifting hook, poultry rack, skewer set, clip-on thermometer, seasoning injector

Best Burner

Bayou Classic High-Pressure Propane Burner

Bayou Classic High-Pressure Propane Burner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Powerful

  • Wide, sturdy legs

  • Large cooking surface

What We Don't Like
  • Windscreen doesn't always work

In order to heat multiple gallons of oil to turkey-frying temperature, you need a burner with serious power as well plenty of stability to hold a heavy pot of fat and bird. Bayou Classic's burner delivers both, with a list-leading 59,000 BTU and low, wide-set legs that can handle a pot of up to 62 quarts—much bigger than you'll need for even the largest of turkeys.

The round cooking surface the pot sits on is an extra-large 14 inches wide, so there's plenty of room for a wide pot to rest comfortably. There's a windscreen around the burner itself that's supposed to make it easier to light on windy days, but some users report that it's not very effective. (Just make sure the flame is lit before you walk away; once it's going, it shouldn't blow out.)

You will, of course, need a separate cooking vessel to use with this burner. It can hold basically any pot (as long as it's smaller than 62 quarts), but we say it'll work especially well with its Bayou Classic sibling above, which includes all the turkey-frying equipment you need, as well.

Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 13 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Power: 59,000 BTU

Best Large-Capacity

Bayou Classic 44-Quart "Big Bird" Kit

Bayou Classic 44-Quart "Big Bird" Kit

Amazon

What We Like
  • Large capacity

  • Includes burner, pot, and accessories

  • Heavy-duty pot and burner

  • Multifunctional

What We Don't Like
  • Low-quality accessories

  • Too big for smaller cooks

  • Expensive

If your Thanksgiving guest list stretches two or three pages, this turkey-frying kit might be the right one for you. It includes a 44-quart pot that can handle a 25-pound bird, plus a 58,000-BTU burner that brought 5 gallons of oil to frying temperature in just 20 minutes when we tested it. The pot and burner are both made from heavy-duty stainless steel, with sturdy legs and a wind shield on the latter that had no trouble lighting or heating up even on a blustery cold Colorado day.

The huge container is great for boiling and steaming as well as frying, and the easy-to-sterilize material is ideal for boiling wort, the first step in home-brewing beer. It's also non-reactive to acidic ingredients, making it perfect for that giant batch of tomatoes you’ll be canning. The included 48-inch propane hose will ensure you can position your tank conveniently (and far away from the burner for safety). While the pot is dishwasher safe, it’s unlikely to fit in your home dishwasher.

Problem is, the pot might be too big. You'll need to fill it most of the way with costly oil whether you're frying a 25-pound turkey or just a 3-pound chicken, and it'll heat unevenly if you try to use it with small amounts of food. We were also a little disappointed with the extensive set of accessories included: The poultry rack and skewers are made of aluminum that bends easily and made the test birds less secure during frying. The included thermometer is also only 12 inches long, too short to insert at middle depth for a truly accurate rating. That said, those accessories do encompass everything you need to fry a turkey safely and successfully.

This kit's price is generally fairly high, but make sure to check multiple sellers, as its cost varies widely from retailer to retailer, and it goes on sale often.

Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 21 inches | Empty Weight: 35 pounds | Capacity: 44 quarts | Maximum Turkey Size: 25 pounds | Power: 58,000 BTU | Includes: 44-quart pot, lid, 58,000-BTU burner, perforated basket, lifting hook, poultry rack, skewer set, clip-on thermometer, seasoning injector

Best Budget

Bayou Classic 30-Quart Aluminum Turkey Fryer Pot

Bayou Classic 30-Quart Aluminum Turkey Fryer Pot

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Includes frying accessories

  • Inexpensive

What We Don't Like
  • Small capacity

  • Burner not included

If you’ve already got a propane burner or other method for heating a large volume of oil, all you need to fry your turkey is a pot that’s large enough. And if you'll only be using it a few times a year, this 30-quart pot might be a good deal. It's commercial-grade aluminum that’s lighter and less expensive than stainless steel.

The Bayou Classic Turkey Fryer Pot comes with a full set of turkey-frying tools and accessories, but it's also versatile. The pot will come in handy for boiling, steaming, or cooking large quantities of just about anything. However, since aluminum is a reactive metal, it shouldn’t be used for cooking acidic foods like tomatoes.

This kit includes a 12-inch stainless steel thermometer that reads from 50 to 750 degrees, a vented lid, a perforated poultry rack, a grab hook, and a 1-ounce trial seasoning injector.

Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 17 inches | Empty Weight: 7 pounds | Capacity: 30 quarts | Maximum Turkey Size: 18 pounds | Includes: 30-quart pot, lid, poultry rack, lifting hook, clip-on thermometer, seasoning injector

Best Indoor

Masterbuilt Electric Fryer Boiler Steamer

Masterbuilt-mb20012420-electric-fryer-boiler-steamer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Can fry, steam, or boil

  • Easy to clean

  • No propane or burner needed

What We Don't Like
  • Underpowered

When using one of the propane-based turkey fryers above, you need to be outdoors for safety, no exceptions: High-powered burners, huge pots of bubbling oil, and even a roomy kitchen space do not mix. But this electric machine can sit right on the countertop. It uses 2.5 gallons of oil for frying, somewhat less than most outdoor models, though it can still accommodate up to a 20-pound turkey. (You can of course use it outdoors, too—assuming you have access to an outlet.) Its 1,650 watts of power is equivalent to just 5,630 BTU, but the enclosed space heats more efficiently, and the unit controls the heat and temperature all by itself.

Users rave about how easy the setup and cooking process are, with a single simple control dial and ready-to-cook light that turns on when it's hit the correct temperature. The basket has a lifting hook to pull it out of the hot oil, along with clips to hold it in place above the reservoir for safe and secure draining. Cleanup is a breeze, as well, thanks to a built-in-valve for draining off the oil, and a removable lid, pot, and basket that are all dishwasher-safe.

When you aren't using it for frying, this appliance can also be put to work for steaming or boiling: Just fill it partially or all the way with water instead of oil. Whether you want to host a classic Low Country boil, throw a dim sum dumpling feast, or just steam some veggies, the Masterbuilt can do it all.

Dimensions: 18.4 x 16.5 x 14.8 inches | Empty Weight: 20.5 pounds | Capacity: 10 liters | Maximum Turkey Size: 20 pounds | Power: 1,650 watts | Includes: Cooking basket, lifting hook, drain clips

Person holding basket of chicken tenders above Masterbuilt MB20012420 Electric Fryer Boiler Steamer

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Best Oil-Less

Char-Broil Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer

Amazon Char-Broil "The Big Easy" Oil-Less Turkey Fryer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Oil-free design

  • Easy to use and clean

  • Even heating

What We Don't Like
  • Small capacity

  • Slow cooking

Does it count as fried turkey if it's not actually cooked in hot oil? We'll leave that existential question for another day, but whatever you call this machine's cooking method, it achieves similar results to "true" deep-frying, with crisp skin and juicy interior, but with less mess and more safety. The Char-Broil Big Easy is based on infrared technology; it uses propane to heat the whole exterior of the cooking pot and transfer heat through the air to all surfaces of the food inside at once.

It can hold up to a 16-pound turkey, which is a bit smaller than others on this list but still large enough for a Thanksgiving feast. And since there's no oil to dissolve seasoning, you can coat your bird with a rub for unique flavor without having to worry about spatters or boil-over. Users report excellent results, though cooking is slower than traditional deep-frying. You need eight to 10 minutes per pound, which means a 16-pound turkey might take more than two hours to cook fully.

Like other propane-powered appliances, you'll need to use this machine outdoors, but it can handle lots of foods beyond turkey: Try it with roasts, ribs, tenderloins, chickens—really any large items. There's also a package of accessories sold separately that adds custom-sized parts for kebabs and lots of other recipe options.

Dimensions: 21.1 x 21.1 x 24.5 inches | Empty Weight: 30 pounds | Capacity: 8.7 quarts | Maximum Turkey Size: 16 pounds | Power: 16,000 BTU | Includes: Cooking basket, lifting hook, thermometer

Final Verdict

Including a pot, burner, and all the other bits and pieces you need for great results, the King Cooker 29-Quart Turkey Frying Cooker is our top pick for frying a turkey of up to 20 pounds. For a larger feast, go with the Bayou Classic 44-Quart Big Bird Kit, which can accommodate up to 25 pounds of bird.

How We Tested

As part of our general testing of deep-fryers, we included six outdoor turkey fryers and one indoor model capable of holding a whole turkey. With each fryer, we followed the manufacturer's directions to cook a whole turkey, recording the time needed for the oil to reach temperature, for the temperature to recover after adding the turkey, and for the turkey to cook to the 165 degrees at the deepest part of the thigh. We also performed a blind taste-test on the cooked turkeys, and made notes on any difficulties or safety issues we ran into in the process. After cooking, we emptied and cleaned each model according to the user manual, observing the ease of the process as well as any accessories that help strain the oil for reuse. We only revealed retail prices and rated value after all the other tests were complete.

What to Look for in a Turkey Fryer

Capacity

Is a small fried turkey sufficient, or do you want to feed a larger group? Check the listed capacity for your fryer. Some models can only handle a bird of well under 20 pounds, while the biggest ones can cook a 25-pounder. (As a general rule, you'll want roughly 1.5 pounds of turkey per guest.) You should never try to fry a turkey larger than your equipment can handle, as this can lead to overflowing oil and a huge fire.

Accessories

You can't just fill a pot with oil, heat it, and throw in the turkey; you need equipment to lower and remove it carefully and to monitor the temperature of the oil. A long thermometer and fryer basket with a lifting hook are necessities that some fryer kits include and others do not. Another useful tool is a flavor injector, which is essentially a large syringe that lets you flavor the bird from the inside with spices and marinades.

Power

In order to deep-fry a turkey, you need to maintain several gallons of oil at a temperature of 325 degrees. That takes a lot of heat. The propane burners used with turkey-frying pots put out tens of thousands of BTU, several times higher than a standard gas stove or grill. A more powerful burner can heat more oil more quickly, but it'll also need close monitoring to make sure the oil stays at the right temperature: If the oil is too hot, it'll start to burn the outside of the turkey before the inside is fully cooked.

Fried turkey from Bayou Classic 44-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer Kit on cutting board next to thermometer

The Spruce Eats / Justin Park

FAQs

How much oil do you need for a turkey fryer?

The amount of oil you need depends on the size of your pot and how large of a turkey you're frying. A general rule of thumb is that 4 to 5 gallons of oil are needed to fry a 10- to 15-pound turkey. The turkey should be completely submerged in oil, with a few inches of clearance from the top of the pot so nothing can spill out and ignite. A quick way to measure how much oil you'll need is to put your bird in the pot and fill with water to the right level. Next, remove the turkey and mark the water level; when you fill with oil and add the bird, it'll rise to the correct level.

How do you use a turkey fryer?

Set your turkey fryer up outdoors on a level surface, well away from walls, furniture, decks, or anything else that can't handle high heat. (Read the directions that came with your fryer carefully and follow those, too.) Then fill the pot with oil to the correct level and turn the heat on. Use a frying thermometer to check the oil temperature. When it reaches 325 to 350 degrees, turn the burner off and use the basket to slowly lower the turkey into the pot.

Turn the burner back on and cook for three to four minutes per pound, carefully monitoring the oil temperature and adjusting the burner to keep it in the 325 to 350 range. As the bird gets close to done, check the internal temperature; white meat is cooked when it reaches 165 degrees and dark meat at 175. When the turkey's finished, shut off the heat and take it out of the oil to drain and rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.

What do you do with frying oil after cooking?

Turkey fryers require quite a bit of oil, which is not cheap in large quantities. Luckily, turkey-frying oil can be reused.

The first step is to let the oil cool completely, then strain it through cheesecloth or a fine sieve to remove bits of food. (It's easiest to strain the oil back into its original container for storage, so don't throw the bottles out!) Some fryers have a drain spout, but most don't; you can pour off the oil slowly and carefully by hand or use a food-safe electric oil pump.

The strained oil will keep for up to six months in a cool, dry cabinet. Before you reuse it, take a sniff; oil can go rancid over time and shouldn't be used if it smells off or turns a very dark color. When you're ready to dispose of cooking oil, pour it into a container and put it in the trash. Large volumes of cooking oil should never be poured down the sink, toilet, or any other plumbing since it can clog pipes. (You can also check with your local waste management company; many have disposal programs that ensure used oil is handled properly.)

Person lowering raw turkeys into Bayou Classic 44-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer Kit

The Spruce Eats / Justin Park

What else can you use a turkey fryer for?

Since turkey fryers are essentially extra-large stockpots, they can be used to cook large batches of almost anything, like soups, stews, chilis, or seafood boils. Fill the pot with water instead of oil to boil potatoes or corn on the cob, or fill it partway and use a steamer basket for large batches of tamales or other vegetables.

You can use also the fryer to fry other meats, like roasts and whole chickens, as well as traditional deep-fried recipes including chicken wings and fries. Note that you should fill the pot with the recommended amount of oil regardless of how much food you're frying; an under-filled pot can heat unevenly and make the oil smoke and taste burnt.

Can you use a turkey fryer indoors?

For the most part, no. Any turkey fryers that use propane as their power source, including oil-free models, must always be used outdoors for safety. There are some electric fryers that are meant to be used indoors—they're basically extra-large deep-fryers—but you should always check the manual for instructions and safety protocols.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie is a cookbook author, as well as a writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats, specializing in all the latest kitchen gadgets. She's tested over 90 products for the brand.

This roundup was updated by Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor who has nearly a decade of experience as a professional chef; Katrina Munichiello, a writer and editor who specializes in the tea and food industries; and Jason Horn, who's been writing about cooking for almost 20 years but is still intimidated by the idea of frying a whole turkey.

Additional reporting by
Katrina Munichiello
Katrina Munichiello The Spruce Eats
Katrina Munichiello is a freelance writer and editor whose career began in the tea industry. Her work has appeared in Yankee Magazine, Connecticut Magazine, and the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. A highlight of her career was covering a Mother’s Day tea event at the White House.
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