Masterbuilt XL Electric Turkey Fryer Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Masterbuilt XL electric turkey fryer fits cooks who want to fry, boil and steam in one large electric appliance. It is designed for turkeys up to 20 lb, with a built-in drain valve.
On this page (10 sections)
- Is the Masterbuilt electric turkey fryer right for you?
- What should you check before buying the Masterbuilt?
- How much turkey can the Masterbuilt XL hold?
- What does 3-in-1 cooking add?
- How do you set up and use an electric turkey fryer?
- What care and safety steps matter most?
- What common mistakes should you avoid?
- How does the Masterbuilt compare with other turkey fryers?
- How do you choose among these turkey fryers?
- Should you buy the Masterbuilt XL electric turkey fryer?
The Masterbuilt electric turkey fryer suits cooks who want one large appliance for frying, boiling and steaming. It is designed for turkeys up to 20 lb and has a drain valve for oil, water and other liquids.
This review compares it with three outdoor alternatives so you can choose by cooking method, turkey size and available space. The Masterbuilt makes the most sense if you want an electric multicooker; it is a poor fit if you want a compact appliance or prefer cooking outdoors.
Is the Masterbuilt electric turkey fryer right for you?
The Masterbuilt XL is a strong fit for households that will use its fry, boil and steam modes beyond a holiday turkey. Its basket, lifting hook, drain clips and valve also make food handling and liquid removal part of the appliance design.
Skip it if you have limited counter or storage space, need a portable cooker, or want to avoid hot frying oil. The body measures 16.5 x 18.4 x 14.8 in and weighs 20.5 lb, so it calls for a planned home rather than a quick pull from a crowded cabinet.
Masterbuilt 10 L XL Electric Turkey Fryer: Best for multi-mode cooking
- 10.6 qt cooking pot
- Fry, boil or steam
- Up to 20 lb turkey
- Built-in drain valve
An electric multicooker with room for a turkey up to 20 lb. Its basket, drain clips and built-in drain valve support food removal and cleanup.
Pros
- Three cooking modes in one appliance
- Stated capacity for a turkey up to 20 lb
- Magnetic breakaway cord
- Built-in drain valve
Cons
- Large 16.5 x 18.4 x 14.8 in footprint
- 20.5 lb appliance weight
- Electric setup needs a suitable counter and outlet
Which cooks should choose a Masterbuilt electric turkey fryer?
Choose it if you expect to use a large pot for several kinds of cooking and have a suitable electrical setup. It can fry a turkey, boil a seafood batch, or steam vegetables, according to the listed functions.
Choose a different model if the main goal is an oil-less turkey or a dedicated outdoor setup. The Big Easy uses propane without a pot of frying oil, while the King Kooker and ROVSUN kits provide outdoor pot cooking.
What should you check before buying the Masterbuilt?
The key checks are bird fit, counter space, outlet setup and how often you will use its extra modes. A 20 lb stated limit is useful, but weight alone does not guarantee a particular turkey will fit the basket or pot.
Measure the available work surface and storage area, allowing space for the hinged lid and for handling the basket. The unit weighs 20.5 lb, so choose a location that makes setup and storage manageable.
It uses 1,650 W. Review the manual's electrical requirements, including outlet and extension cord guidance, before deciding where it can operate.
Think about the other jobs you would give it. If you only plan to fry one turkey each year, the size and weight may be hard to justify; if boiling and steaming also matter, the three modes add practical use across the year.
How much turkey can the Masterbuilt XL hold?
The Masterbuilt is designed for a turkey up to 20 lb, and the cooking pot holds 10.6 qt. Check the bird's dimensions and shape against the manual and basket before cooking, especially if you plan to serve a bird near the stated limit.
Follow the manual for the fill level, oil amount, setup and cooking steps. Do not use another fryer's instructions as a substitute, since pot sizes and operating directions differ.
If you are deciding whether an electric fryer suits a whole bird, see our guide to frying a turkey in an electric deep fryer. The turkey fryer buying guide compares electric, oil-less and propane approaches.
What does 3-in-1 cooking add?
The three modes let you fry, boil or steam in the same appliance. That flexibility is useful if you also make crawfish boils or steamed vegetables, rather than keeping a large fryer for one holiday meal.
For frying, the basket and lifting hook help you raise food from the pot. The manual should guide the amounts and method for boiling and steaming, as liquid levels and handling needs vary by task.
The cooking modes also affect how you clean the unit. The drain valve handles oil, water and other liquids, while the removable hinged lid and dishwasher-safe components can make cleanup more direct.
How do you set up and use an electric turkey fryer?
Start with the manual's setup instructions and a stable, clear work area. Place the appliance where the cord reaches the proper outlet without crossing a walkway, and keep the work area away from water and anything that could interfere with handling hot food.
Before adding food, confirm the required liquid level and fill amount in the manual. Use the stated oil instructions for frying, and avoid estimating the amount or adapting directions from a different model.
Use the basket and lifting hook as directed when lowering or removing food. The drain clips help manage the basket, but its contents and the pot can remain hot, so keep hands and face clear while working.
The magnetic breakaway cord can detach if pulled. Route it where it is less likely to catch on a person or object, and follow Masterbuilt's directions for connecting and disconnecting it.
What care and safety steps matter most?
Let the appliance cool as directed before draining or cleaning it. Hot oil and water can cause severe burns, so move slowly, use the valve only as instructed, and keep children and pets away from the work area.
Use the drain valve to empty liquids into an appropriate container, following the manual's sequence. Clean the removable parts according to their care instructions; only components identified as dishwasher-safe should go in a dishwasher.
Check that the appliance, cord and work area are dry before setup, and follow the manual's electrical and placement directions. For broader advice on hot oil, cords and fryer placement, read our deep fryer safety tips.
What common mistakes should you avoid?
The most common planning error is buying by turkey weight alone. A bird at or below 20 lb still needs to fit the pot and basket with the clearances and fill instructions in the manual.
Another mistake is treating every cooking mode like deep frying. Follow the model's specific directions for oil, water, steaming and draining, and do not fill the pot by guesswork.
Don't overlook the appliance's footprint or electrical needs. Measuring first helps avoid a fryer that has no safe working area or practical storage spot once it arrives.
Finally, don't drain or wash the fryer while hot. Let it cool as directed, then handle oil and water with care and follow the included cleaning instructions.
How does the Masterbuilt compare with other turkey fryers?
The Masterbuilt is the electric, oil-based option in this group, while the alternatives are outdoor propane cookers. The Big Easy avoids frying oil; the pot kits offer separate cookware for turkey, fish or other batches.
| Model | Cooking setup | Stated turkey capacity | Useful distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt 10 L XL | Electric; fry, boil and steam | Up to 20 lb | Multicooker with drain valve |
| Char-Broil The Big Easy | Propane; oil-less | Up to 16 lb | Outdoor cooker with grease tray |
| King Kooker Fry Boil Package | Propane; pot cooking | Up to 20 lb | Turkey pot plus a separate fry pan |
| ROVSUN 30 Qt Turkey and 10 Qt Fish Fryer Kit | Propane; pot cooking | Under 20 lb | Separate pots for turkey and fish |
Char-Broil The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer: Best for oil-free outdoor cooking
- Propane powered
- Up to 16 lb turkey
- TRU-Infrared cooking
- Front-access grease tray
An outdoor propane cooker for turkeys up to 16 lb, with no frying oil to drain. Char-Broil says it uses TRU-Infrared cooking technology.
Pros
- No frying oil required
- Stated turkey capacity up to 16 lb
- Rotary ignition
- Front-access grease tray
Cons
- Outdoor propane setup
- Smaller stated turkey capacity than the Masterbuilt
- Grease tray needs cleaning
The Big Easy suits cooks who want outdoor propane cooking without a pot of frying oil. Its stated turkey limit is 16 lb, so it is less suitable for a larger bird.
King Kooker Fry Boil Package With 2 Pots: Best for backyard pot cooking
- Propane outdoor cooker
- 29 qt turkey pot
- Separate fry pan
- 33,000 BTU cast burner
An outdoor propane package with a turkey pot and a separate fry pan. It fits cooks who want pot cooking for turkey, frying and boiling.
Pros
- Two pots included
- Turkey pot includes lid and basket
- Turkey rack and lifting hook included
- LP hose and regulator included
Cons
- Outdoor propane setup only
- Requires managing a separate cooker and cookware
- Follow the included instructions for setup and use
The King Kooker package is aimed at backyard cooks who want two pots: a 29 qt turkey pot and a separate fry pan. It includes a turkey rack, lifting hook and baskets.
ROVSUN 30 Qt Turkey and 10 Qt Fish Fryer Kit: Best for mixed backyard batches
- 30 qt turkey pot
- 10 qt fish pot
- Propane burner
- Turkey rack and lifter
An outdoor propane kit with separate pots for turkey and fish. It includes baskets and a turkey rack for cooks planning different backyard batches.
Pros
- Separate turkey and fish pots
- Turkey pot fits turkey under 20 lb
- Rack, lifter and thermometer included
- Steel stand included
Cons
- Outdoor propane setup only
- More parts to assemble and store
- Turkey capacity is stated as under 20 lb
ROVSUN pairs a 30 qt turkey pot with a 10 qt fish pot. Its stated turkey fit is under 20 lb, making it a useful match for cooks who plan separate fish and turkey batches.
To compare fuel and placement choices in more detail, read propane vs electric deep fryers. If you want to skip oil altogether, compare oil-less turkey frying with deep frying.
How do you choose among these turkey fryers?
Pick the Masterbuilt if electric cooking and three modes matter more than portability, and your bird fits its pot. Choose the Big Easy if you want an outdoor propane cooker with no frying oil and your turkey is within its 16 lb limit.
Pick the King Kooker if you want a turkey pot plus a separate fry pan for outdoor cooking. Choose ROVSUN if two dedicated pots for turkey and fish match your planned batches and you can store the extra equipment.
The score reflects how each option's stated features fit common turkey-fryer needs, including capacity, cooking method and included accessories. The Masterbuilt ranks highest here for its combination of electric operation, multiple modes and stated 20 lb turkey capacity.
Should you buy the Masterbuilt XL electric turkey fryer?
Buy the Masterbuilt XL electric turkey fryer if you want an electric appliance for frying, boiling and steaming, have room for its large footprint, and will follow its manual for bird fit and operation. Skip it if you want a smaller appliance, an oil-less cook, or a dedicated outdoor propane setup.
Before you decide, measure the counter and storage area, check the electrical directions, and confirm that your turkey fits the basket. For more outdoor alternatives, see our guide to the best propane turkey fryers.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Masterbuilt XL electric fryer cook a whole turkey?
The Masterbuilt XL is designed to fry a turkey up to 20 lb. Check the turkey's weight and shape against the manual before cooking, and follow its fill, setup and cooking directions.
A turkey below the weight limit may still not fit the basket or pot.
Can you use the Masterbuilt XL fryer indoors?
The Masterbuilt is an electric fryer with a 10.6 qt cooking pot. Follow the manual's setup directions, including instructions for the surface, clearance, cord and outlet.
Confirm the permitted setting in the manual before choosing where to use it.
What can the Masterbuilt 3-in-1 fryer cook?
It has fry, boil and steam modes, with a cooking basket and drain valve. Those modes can suit turkey, crawfish boils and steamed vegetables.
Follow the manual for amounts, setup and handling hot food or liquids.
How does the Masterbuilt XL compare with an oil-less turkey fryer?
The Masterbuilt uses oil and offers fry, boil and steam modes, with a stated turkey capacity up to 20 lb. The Char-Broil Big Easy uses propane and an oil-less cooking method for turkeys up to 16 lb.
Choose based on your preferred cooking method and planned batch size.
