6 Best Turkey Fryers for a Crispy and Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Indoor and outdoor picks for a crisp and juicy bird.
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We updated this guide in September 2022 to remove an out-of-stock item and to ensure our other picks were in stock and reflected current pricing. The recommendations from the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab remain the same.
There's no denying the appeal of a perfectly roasted turkey, but the crispy skin and juicy meat of a deep-fried turkey are hard to beat. The size of an average turkey makes it hard to deep fry with conventional cookware or a standard deep fryer — and it can be dangerous to construct a makeshift frying rig. That's why a dedicated turkey fryer — either an outdoor or an indoor model — comes in handy and keeps everyone as safe as possible.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we test everything you need to make a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, from meat thermometers to cast iron skillets to pie plates and more. To find the best turkey fryers, we evaluated those with high user ratings and reasonable ease of use. We considered the temperature increments they reach, versatility, size, ease of cleaning and, critically, safety features. We included a mix of indoor and outdoor fryers at a variety of price points.
Our top picks:
Read on for more information on how we chose these turkey fryers, what to consider when shopping for one and advice on ways to stay safe when deep-frying your bird.
Bayou Classic 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer
Pros
- Can be used for steaming and boiling as well
- Comes with a grab hook and 12-inch thermometer
Cons
- Propane cooker sold separately
This outdoor cooker is made of stainless steel, which lends plenty of durability. It comes with a versatile perforated insert that can be used for steaming, boiling and, of course, frying. And we love that it can handle up to a 20-pound bird. To use, place your turkey upside down on the poultry rack and carefully lower it into the hot oil. This pick features a grab hook for easy retrieval and includes a 12-inch thermometer so you can monitor your cook. One caveat: The propane cooker is sold separately.
| Turkey capacity | Up to 20 pounds |
| Dimensions | 14" x 14" x 18" |
| Weight | 12.22 lbs. |
| Power source | Not applicable |
Masterbuilt XL Electric Fryer
Pros
- Indoor fryer with fairly small footprint
- Also works as a steamer and boiler
Cons
- Heating element should be cleaned off in-between uses
This affordable indoor turkey fryer has a sleek design and a reasonably small footprint considering it can still fit a 20-pound turkey! The hinged lid is removable for easy cleaning, and it features a drain valve to help empty used oil. It heats up to 375ºF and includes a lifting hook to help raise and lower the cooking basket, which can also be used as a steamer and boiler.
| Turkey capacity | Up to 20 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16.46" x 18.43" x 14.80" |
| Weight | 20.48 lbs. |
| Power source | Electric |
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
Pros
- Infrared technology replaces oil
- Suitable for cooking other meats as well
Cons
- Propane sold separately
Unlike deep fryers that use large vats of oil to cook the turkey, this Char-Broil model uses infrared cooking technology to crisp up your bird. That means you don't need to worry about splattering or potential spilling and oil burns, and infrared cookers are known to heat up quickly, reach high temperatures and cook evenly, according to our Lab experts. This cooker can handle up to a 16-pound turkey and can also be used for other large pieces of meat like chicken or beef roasts. It includes a cooking basket and a lifter to help maneuver your turkey.
| Turkey capacity | Up to 16 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16" x 16" x 24.5" |
| Weight | 30 lbs. |
| Power source | Propane |
Pros
- Unparalleled heating time and temperature maintenance
- Generous size accommodates large pots for turkey frying
Cons
- Fryer sold separately
This heavy-duty burner is made of cast iron and is designed to last for a very long time. It can burn up to 200,000 BTUs, which means it will heat oil quickly, even in large batches. It's suitable for holding large pots, and while it doesn't include one, the company does sell suitable 30-quart and 40-quart cookware that can handle big turkeys. The legs detach for easy storage.
| Turkey capacity | Does not include frying vessel |
| Dimensions | 16.5" x 16.5" x12" |
| Weight | 20 lbs. |
| Power source | Propane |
King Kooker Turkey Pot with Lid, Rack and Hook
Pros
- Draining spigot makes for easy cleanup
- Aluminum construction is lightweight
Cons
- Propane cooker sold separately
This King Kooker Turkey Pot is made of aluminum so it heats up quickly and isn't too heavy, which is great for its 30-quart size. But what our pros appreciate most is the built-in spigot that makes cleanup easier — just don't forget to let oil or other cooking liquids cool completely before emptying! The pot also comes with a lid, lifting hook and rack for added safety and ease of use.
| Turkey capacity | Up to 20 pounds |
| Dimensions | 12.5" x 12.5" x 16.5" |
| Weight | 9.2 lbs |
| Power source | Not applicable |
Pros
- Cooks turkeys quickly using rotisserie setting
- Works for a variety of fried foods and can be used to steam
Cons
- Not ideal for large turkeys
A rotisserie deep fryer? Yes, you read that right. Position your 14-pound bird in the rotisserie basket and let it do its thing for even cooking and coloring in about an hour. This Cuisinart deep fryer also comes with a separate fry basket for all your fried food needs (onion rings or donuts, anyone?) and doubles as a steamer if you choose to use it without oil. The dials are easy to use, the thermostat monitors the temperature and the timer shuts off the heating element when done. Cleanup is easy, too, with a drain valve and dishwasher-safe parts.
| Turkey capacity | Up to 14 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16" x 20.2" x 16.4" |
| Weight | Not listed |
| Power source | Electric |
What to consider when shopping for a turkey fryer
✔️ Safety is the most important consideration when purchasing a turkey fryer. These features are key for keeping yourself safe: A vented lid ensures that no steam is trapped inside during cooking, a poultry rack with a sturdy lifting hook is a must-have to move the turkey in and out of hot oil safely and prevent dangerous splattering, an oil thermometer to keep track of temperature since most oils can catch fire over 400˚F and protective cooking gear such as goggles and oven mitts.
✔️ Indoor vs. outdoor fryers: Indoor fryers tend to be more convenient since they do not require a propane tank and can simply be plugged into an outlet. Indoor turkey fryers aren't impacted by weather and are generally safer due to the lack of added propane which can be a fire hazard next to boiling oil. Outdoor fryers reduce the need to clean up any splatters and provide natural ventilation. They also may be available in more sizes.
✔️ Propane vs. electric vs. oilless fryers: The right fryer for you will depend on your needs and indoor/outdoor space. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Propane turkey fryers function similarly to your outdoor gas grill. They're usually heavy-duty with a hose that connects to a propane tank (not included) so you can ignite the propane burner. The propane burner then heats a large pot filled with oil. Once the oil reaches the proper temperature, it can be used for frying. It's important to note that these propane turkey fryers can be used only outdoors — not on porches or in garages or on balconies where they can pose a serious risk of injury or severe property damage.
- Electric turkey fryers are akin to deep fryers and, depending on the model and brand, may be suitable for indoor use. Electric turkey fryers tend to be safest: They often feature a built-in thermostat that manages the temperature so you don't have to, and they may include an auto shut-off feature to help prevent the oil from getting too hot.
- Oilless turkey fryers are connected to a propane tank, but do not require oil and take a bit longer to cook. Similar to an air fryer, they rely on circulating hot air to cook a crispy and juicy turkey. While brushing the turkey with some oil is required to help brown the skin, this is considered the healthiest of the three options because it uses the least amount of oil. Some people prefer a true deep-fried turkey due to its crispy exterior and juicy interior, but an oilless fryer gets pretty close without the hassle of cleanup. Like propane turkey fryers, oilless turkey fryers also can be used only outdoors.
✔️ Size: When frying, it's important for the turkey to be fully submerged in oil, so consider the size of turkey you usually buy to feed your crowd. For example, if you're used to buying a 20-pounder, an outdoor cooker is probably your best bet; indoor turkey fryers tend to be a bit smaller and can usually handle 15 or fewer pounds.
✔️ BTUs: BTU is an acronym for British thermal unit, and it's defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1°F. The higher the BTU, the more powerful the fryer, which generally equates to a quicker heating time for the oil and cooking time for the turkey. Higher BTUs also usually mean better control of the oil temperature.
✔️ Convenience: Frying a turkey is a big job, so you want to make the process as easy as possible with handy accessories and features like a built-in timer and an auto-shut-off function. Our pros also recommend you look for a turkey fryer with an oil drain: Once the cooked turkey is out of the fryer and the oil has completely cooled, you can use the drain to empty out the tank instead of tipping the big pot over, which can be dangerous and very messy.
How we chose the best turkey fryers
The pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab focused on turkey fryers with high user ratings. We considered ease-of-use factors like how nuanced the temperature adjustment is, the versatility of use with other foods and overall capacity. Most importantly, we assessed how safe each is to use with features like oversized and well-labeled knobs, lids and pull-away plugs. Our favorites included features that make them easier to clean.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As director of the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, Nicole Papantoniou has overseen the testing of deep fryers and air fryers for Good Housekeeping. She is a trained cook with a grand diplome in classic culinary arts from the former French Culinary Institute and a certificate in culinary nutrition from the former Natural Gourmet Institute, now both known as the Institute of Culinary Education. Fariha Ahmed was a former intern in the Kitchen Appliances Lab. She worked with Nicole to research and write this article.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
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