Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Char-Broil Big Easy oil-less turkey fryer suits outdoor cooks who want to cook a turkey without a pot of frying oil. It runs on liquid propane, holds a turkey up to 16 pounds and has a front-access grease tray.
On this page (8 sections)
- What does the Char-Broil Big Easy do?
- How does the oil-less cooking method compare with deep frying?
- Is 16 pounds enough turkey capacity?
- What should you know about setup and fuel?
- How does cleanup work?
- Which Big Easy model is this review about?
- How does the Big Easy compare with the alternatives?
- Is the Big Easy the right turkey fryer for you?
The Char-Broil Big Easy oil-less turkey fryer cooks turkey up to 16 pounds outdoors with liquid propane. It uses TRU-Infrared cooking technology and needs no frying oil.
This review covers model 17102065. It has rotary ignition, a cooking basket and lifter, a lid, a meat thermometer and a front-access grease tray.
It is a focused turkey cooker, while an electric model or a propane pot kit may suit cooks who want other cooking modes.
What does the Char-Broil Big Easy do?
The Big Easy cooks turkey, chicken or roasts with TRU-Infrared cooking technology and liquid propane. Its capacity is up to 16 pounds, so check whether that limit fits the food you plan to cook.
Char-Broil The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer: Best for oil-less turkey cooking
- Up to 16 lb turkey capacity
- TRU-Infrared cooking
- Liquid propane power
- Front-access grease tray
An outdoor propane cooker for turkey, chicken or roasts up to 16 pounds. It uses no frying oil and includes a front-access grease tray.
Pros
- No frying oil needed
- Rotary ignition
- Front-access grease tray
- Includes cooking basket, lifter, lid and meat thermometer
Cons
- Limited to 16 lb foods
- Requires liquid propane and outdoor space
The cooking basket holds the food, and the lifter helps raise it from the cooker. A lid and meat thermometer are also included.
Char-Broil says the infrared system provides even heat.
Who should consider this Big Easy?
Consider it if you want an outdoor cooker for a turkey or roast up to 16 pounds and prefer a setup that does not use frying oil. It has rotary ignition operated with a turn of the knob, and a grease tray accessed from the front.
Look elsewhere if you need a larger turkey capacity or want one appliance to fry, boil and steam. The Masterbuilt 10 L XL handles those three modes and has a capacity of up to 20 pounds for turkey.
How does the oil-less cooking method compare with deep frying?
The Big Easy cooks without a pot of frying oil, while a traditional deep fryer submerges food in oil. The Big Easy uses propane and collects grease in a tray, while an oil fryer requires managing cooking oil.
“No oil” describes the cooking method. The cooker still has hot surfaces and operating risks, so follow the manufacturer's instructions and keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
For a fuller comparison of cooking methods, see oil-less turkey fryer vs. deep-fried turkey. If you're weighing a countertop appliance against a larger cooker, our turkey fryer buying guide covers electric, oil-less and propane options.
Is 16 pounds enough turkey capacity?
A 16-pound limit works if the turkey you plan to cook weighs no more than that. Weigh the bird before cooking, and follow Char-Broil's instructions for preparing and positioning it in the basket.
If you often cook larger birds, the Big Easy may not fit your needs. The Masterbuilt 10 L XL electric model has a capacity of up to 20 pounds for turkey, though its cooking method and power source differ.
Capacity alone doesn't tell you how much food will be served. Consider the number of guests, side dishes and whether you want leftovers, then choose a cooker that fits the turkey you expect to prepare.
What should you know about setup and fuel?
The Big Easy runs on liquid propane, so it needs a suitable outdoor setup and fuel supply. Follow the manual for placement, assembly, lighting and shutdown.
The rotary ignition starts with a turn of the knob. Check the manual for operating steps and instructions for inspecting the cooker before each use.
A propane cooker may suit a patio or backyard better than an indoor kitchen. For a broader look at outdoor and indoor options, read propane vs. electric deep fryers.
How does cleanup work?
The front-access grease tray collects drippings. Let the cooker cool as directed, then remove and clean the tray according to Char-Broil's care instructions.
Because the Big Easy does not use frying oil, you won't need to drain a pot of used oil after cooking. The basket and other parts still need care, so check the manual for cleaning methods and which parts can be washed.
For a pot-style fryer, cleanup involves handling used oil as well as the cooking vessel. Our guide explains how to dispose of fryer oil at home.
Which Big Easy model is this review about?
This review covers Char-Broil model 17102065. It is a different model from 24102165.
Model numbers matter when comparing products with similar names. Before ordering, confirm the model number and check that the unit includes the parts you expect, such as the basket, lifter, lid and thermometer.
Char-Broil provides a one-year limited warranty for model 17102065. Read the warranty terms and keep your purchase records in case you need service.
How does the Big Easy compare with the alternatives?
The Big Easy cooks without frying oil, while the other options use electric or propane pot-based setups. Pick based on cooking method, capacity and whether you want focused turkey cooking or a more flexible kit.
| Product | Cooking method | Stated capacity or setup | Consider it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt 10 L XL Electric Turkey Fryer | Electric; fry, boil or steam | Up to 20 lb turkey | Multiple cooking modes |
| Char-Broil The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer | TRU-Infrared, liquid propane | Up to 16 lb turkey | Oil-less outdoor turkey cooking |
| GasOne 13-Piece Turkey Fryer and Seafood Boil Set | Propane burner and pots | 30 qt and 10 qt pots | Outdoor frying and seafood boils |
| Pipopa 30 Qt and 10 Qt Turkey Fryer Set | Propane burner and pots | 30 qt and 10 qt pots | A multi-pot outdoor kit |
The best propane turkey fryers guide can help if you want to compare outdoor pot kits. For a general look at cooking styles and sizes, start with the deep fryer buying guide.
Is the Big Easy the right turkey fryer for you?
Choose the Big Easy if you want an outdoor propane cooker for a turkey up to 16 pounds that uses no frying oil. It includes a cooking basket, lifter, lid and thermometer, plus a front-access grease tray.
Choose the Masterbuilt if you want electric power, three cooking modes and a turkey capacity of up to 20 pounds. Pick a GasOne or Pipopa kit if you prefer a propane burner with pots for turkey, seafood and other outdoor cooking.
For more choices by fuel and format, use the turkey fryer buying guide to narrow down the setup that fits your cooking plans.
Frequently asked questions
What size turkey fits in the Char-Broil Big Easy?
The Char-Broil Big Easy is rated for a whole turkey up to 16 pounds. It can also cook chicken or roasts up to that weight.
Check the food's size and the manufacturer's instructions before cooking, and don't assume a larger bird will fit because it weighs only slightly more.
Does the Big Easy use oil?
No. The Big Easy uses TRU-Infrared cooking technology and does not need a pot of frying oil.
It still collects cooking grease in a front-access tray, so let the cooker cool and follow Char-Broil's care instructions when cleaning it.
Is the Char-Broil Big Easy electric?
No. This Big Easy model is powered by liquid propane and uses a rotary ignition.
Plan for an outdoor cooking location and follow the owner's manual for setup, fuel connection and operation.
Is this the same as Char-Broil model 24102165?
This review covers model 17102065, the older Big Easy oil-less turkey fryer. Char-Broil has a separate model number, 24102165, so check the model identifier and included features when comparing products.
