Turkey Fryer Buying Guide: Electric, Oil-Free or Propane
Choose an electric turkey fryer for an outlet-based setup, an oil-free model to cook without a vat of oil, or a propane fryer for outdoor cooking with oil. Match the method to your cooking space, the turkey size you plan to prepare and the maker's instructions.
On this page (7 sections)
- Which turkey fryer type fits your cooking space?
- What should you check before buying a turkey fryer?
- Which electric turkey fryer should you consider?
- When does an oil-free turkey fryer make sense?
- What do propane turkey fryer kits include?
- How do you use a turkey fryer with care?
- Which turkey fryer should you choose?
Choose an electric turkey fryer for an outlet-based setup, an oil-free fryer to cook without a pot of hot oil, or a propane turkey fryer for outdoor cooking with oil. Your space, preferred cooking method and turkey size should decide the style.
Capacity needs a close check. A countertop fryer may suit smaller foods but be too small for a whole turkey, so compare the exact model's stated limit with the bird you plan to cook.
This guide compares four options across the three styles. For a broader look at fryer types and household sizes, see our deep fryer buying guide.
Which turkey fryer type fits your cooking space?
Electric models need a suitable outlet and placement that follows the manual; propane models belong outdoors. Oil-free turkey cookers also have their own setup rules, so check the maker's instructions for the exact model.
| Type | What it does | Consider it if | Check before choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Uses an electric heating element, often with a pot of oil | You want an appliance that can sit near a suitable outlet | Turkey weight limit, electrical requirements and placement rules |
| Oil-free | Cooks without immersing the turkey in oil | You want to avoid managing a pot of frying oil | Cooking chamber capacity, fuel requirements and outdoor placement |
| Propane with oil | Heats a pot of oil over a propane burner | You want an outdoor setup for turkey frying and other cooking | Outdoor-only use, pot capacity, turkey limit and all manual directions |
These are different cooking methods, not interchangeable versions of the same appliance. A fryer that can boil seafood or fry smaller foods may not be intended for a whole turkey.
If your choice is between electric and propane for general frying, our propane vs electric deep fryer comparison covers that decision.
What should you check before buying a turkey fryer?
Confirm the exact turkey weight limit and setup instructions before comparing extras. A pot's quart capacity or a cooker's size does not tell you how large a turkey it can handle.
Check these details for the model you are considering:
- Turkey capacity: Look for a stated weight limit for a whole bird. Do not infer it from pot volume.
- Placement: Follow the manual's required location and clearances. Propane fryers are for outdoor use only.
- Power or fuel: Confirm the electrical requirements for an electric model or the propane setup for an outdoor cooker.
- Included equipment: Check whether it comes with a basket, lifting hook, turkey rack, lid or other parts you need.
- Cleanup: Look for features such as a drain valve or a removable grease tray, then check the manual's cleaning instructions.
- Other cooking uses: Some models are also described for steaming, boiling, seafood or other outdoor cooking. Make sure those functions matter to you.
Size the cooking method to your routine. If you need a general home fryer rather than one for a whole turkey, our deep fryer size guide can help narrow the capacity.
Which electric turkey fryer should you consider?
The Masterbuilt 10 L XL is the electric option here with a stated whole-turkey capacity of up to 20 lb. Masterbuilt also describes it as a fryer, boiler and steamer.
Its breakaway magnetic cord, drain valve and lifting basket are useful features to compare. The removable hinged lid and dishwasher-safe components may also matter when you plan cleanup.
Choose it if you want electric operation and expect to use its extra cooking functions. Before buying, check the manual for electrical requirements, placement and the maker's directions for preparing and cooking a whole turkey.
Most countertop fryers are too small for a whole turkey. For more detail on that distinction, read can you fry a turkey in an electric deep fryer.
When does an oil-free turkey fryer make sense?
An oil-free model fits cooks who want a turkey cooker without a pot of frying oil. The Char-Broil Big Easy uses propane, so its outdoor placement and fuel instructions still matter.
Char-Broil gives this model a 16 lb capacity and describes its cooking technology as infrared. It includes a cooking basket and lifter, lid, meat thermometer and a front-access grease tray.
Choose it if avoiding a pot of hot oil is your main priority. It still requires propane and outdoor use, and you should follow the manual for placement, setup and cooking.
Oil-free cooking does not mean there are no handling or fire precautions. Compare the trade-offs in our oil-free vs deep-fried turkey fryer guide.
What do propane turkey fryer kits include?
Propane fryer kits suit outdoor cooks who want a pot, burner and related accessories in one package. Their included parts and capacities vary, so check each kit against the turkey and other foods you plan to prepare.
The GasOne set also includes a thermometer and marinade injector. Its 30 qt pot gives you a volume figure for comparison, but no whole-turkey weight limit is stated, so confirm capacity with Gas One before choosing it for a bird.
The King Kooker package includes a turkey pot, lid, basket, lifting rack and hook, plus a separate fry pan and basket. King Kooker says it can fry a turkey up to 20 lb; follow the manual for setup and use.
Choose a kit based on the complete setup you want, not burner output alone. For more outdoor options, see our best propane turkey fryers.
How do you use a turkey fryer with care?
Follow the model's manual from setup through cleanup, and use propane fryers outdoors only. A short checklist can help you spot missing steps, but it cannot replace the instructions for your cooker.
Before using any turkey fryer, read its manual for the required location, assembly, power or fuel, turkey preparation, capacity and cooking steps. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area, and use the protective equipment and handling method the maker specifies.
With an oil fryer, follow the manual's directions for oil amount and handling. Keep water away from hot oil, and do not add a wet or frozen turkey to hot oil.
For a propane cooker, choose an outdoor location as directed by the maker, away from buildings and combustible materials. Never run one in a garage, enclosed patio, tent or other enclosed space.
Our deep fryer safety tips cover general precautions for home cooks. For outdoor electric models, check the manual first; our guide on using a deep fryer outside explains why placement rules depend on the appliance.
Which turkey fryer should you choose?
Pick electric if you want an outlet-based appliance and the model's stated turkey limit fits your plans. Choose oil-free if you want to cook without immersing a bird in oil, or a propane pot kit if you want an outdoor oil-frying setup and its accessories.
For an electric model with a stated 20 lb turkey limit, compare the Masterbuilt 10 L XL. The Big Easy is the oil-free option here, while the GasOne and King Kooker kits offer outdoor propane cooking with pots and accessories.
Before you buy, confirm the exact capacity and follow the maker's manual for placement, setup, cooking and cleanup.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fry a turkey in an electric turkey fryer?
Some electric turkey fryers are designed to handle a whole turkey, but capacity varies by model. Masterbuilt says its 10 L XL electric fryer can fry a turkey up to 20 lb; check your model's manual for its limit, setup instructions and required clearances before use.
Is an oil-free turkey fryer the same as an air fryer?
An oil-free turkey fryer cooks with heat rather than immersing the bird in a pot of hot oil. The Char-Broil Big Easy uses propane and infrared cooking; follow its manual for setup, turkey preparation and cooking guidance.
Can you use a propane turkey fryer indoors?
No. Use propane turkey fryers outdoors only, following the manufacturer's instructions and local fire guidance.
Keep the cooker away from buildings, overhead cover and combustible materials as directed, and never use it in a garage, tent or other enclosed space.
How do you choose a turkey fryer size?
Start with the turkey's weight and compare it with the maker's stated limit for that exact model. Leave room for the basket or cooking chamber and follow the manual's directions; pot volume alone does not tell you the maximum turkey weight.
What should you check before frying a turkey?
Read the exact fryer's manual before setup, including placement, fuel or electrical requirements, turkey preparation, capacity and cleanup. For oil frying, use the maker's fill and handling directions, keep water away from hot oil, and follow local fire safety guidance.
