Turkey fryer

BobDanger

What do you got and what would you recommend? Just thinking of trying something different this Thanksgiving.

Thanks.

RichH

I bought the turkey fryer kit from Bass Pro Shop. It's a pretty decent burner and I think it's around $60 for the whole deal.

Jeremiah

There’s really no huge difference in any of them, aside from the option valve to empty the oil. IMHO it’s just not worth the effort and expense to deep fry a turkey once you factor in the cost of oil too. 

milesvdustin

Cajun fryer would be my choice

fishlessman

i like the burners that sit flat on top without the hoop that wraps the pot.  it makes it easier to use other pots and pans without that hoop in the way

Photo Egg

Jeremiah said:

IMHO it’s just not worth the effort and expense to deep fry a turkey once you factor in the cost of oil too. 

I agree but it seems like it's a thing every guy has to try once. Thanksgiving right of passage.lol
To me, the only way to make it worth while and fun is to fry several turkeys for a big gathering. Just not worth it for 1 bird. 

buzd504

A friend of mine sets up his rig thanksgiving morning and anyone is welcome to bring over a turkey to fry.  So he ends up frying turkeys (and drinking) until 2:00 or so.  It's a good system.

cookingdude555

This has cooked a very good bird for me the last two years, and I am using it again next week for one of the birds:

https://www.amazon.com/Char-Broil-Oil-less-Liquid-Propane-Turkey/dp/B071VT9RRR/



27 page thread on its use:

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200865

Jeremiah

@BobDanger not sure your budget, but if you’re exploring options other than the egg, the PitBarrel cooks awesome turkeys. Even better than fried in my opinion. 

fishlessman

to reiterate not having that hoop on top of the burner, i use a 17 inch ci pan on the burner top for searing sometimes, also a big dutch, and my homemade lobster steamer box that also gets used for canning. fits 18 quarts for canning and about 20 good size maine lobsters or clams or corn on the cob. you can brew beer on it

you want the burner to be multifunctional.

johnnyp

I can't remember the brand name, but my frying vessel has a flared mouth, which provides surge capacity in the event of a boil-up.  It's a really nice safety feature and If all other things are equal, I would lean that way.

BobDanger

cookingdude555 said:

This has cooked a very good bird for me the last two years, and I am using it again next week for one of the birds:

https://www.amazon.com/Char-Broil-Oil-less-Liquid-Propane-Turkey/dp/B071VT9RRR/



27 page thread on its use:

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200865

Have my eye on that one.

GATraveller

Whatever you use........TURN THE FLAME OFF BEFORE LOWERING THE TURKEY INTO THE OIL!!!!!

fishlessman

GATraveller said:

Whatever you use........TURN THE FLAME OFF BEFORE LOWERING THE TURKEY INTO THE OIL!!!!!

wheres the fun in that

Webass

I'm also a  fan of the oil less "fryer."  I've had mine for 4 years and don't miss the oil, cleanup, etc.  Bought mine at HD on sale for $69 as I remember.  I checked and HD has the Butterball brand for $78.  

OshawaDave

We've done one on Canadian Thanksgiving for the last 10 years. I agree with the cost.....but, it's a tradition, so not too concerned. We usually save the oil and cook homemade fries, blooming onion and fish & chips the day after.

Only advice is to buy a stainless steel model (Bass Pro has a nice model, with drain spigot) rather than aluminum. IMO, better to cook with stainless than aluminum.

BobDanger

Well had to get one...I can never walk out of Lowes without something.



Now I just need some quality advise...not sure I should start a thread though. 

SGH

BobDanger said:

Now I just need some quality advise.

Make loins and tenderloins in it as well. Trust me on this one. 

YukonRon

Used to fry a turkey or two every year, and I had a pretty good set up to do so.
It was an electric fryer, with removable heating coil, A pan with a drain spigot, thermostatically controlled with an automated timer. It also came with all the turkey handling accessories; Drain pan, hooks, handles etc.
Turned out the best Turkey I have ever had.
Bought it at first sight in a Sporting Goods store in  Northern Michigan, for 60 bucks.

RedSkip

YukonRon said:

"Used to fry a turkey or two every year, and I had a pretty good set up to do so."

Why did you stop?

GrillSgt

I think he's a vegetarian now.

BobDanger

SGH said:

BobDanger said:

Now I just need some quality advise.

Make loins and tenderloins in it as well. Trust me on this one. 

I’ve got some deer back straps in the freezer I’ll give a try too.

REB17

Love fried turkey and have fried more than my share over the years for neighbors, friends, and customers. If looking to get most mileage out of the oil, highly suggest throwing in a few whole cornish game hens later. Better than the turkey

cookingdude555

Congrats on the big easy purchase, I think you will like it. I finished setting it up at my moms last night to get ready for Thursday. We are also hanging one pit barrel style on the WSM. I can’t decide between the two methods, so both is a good idea . 

Toxarch

We usually fry 2 turkeys when possible. If someone wants baked, then we have 3 turkeys. Yes, the oil is expensive but fried is the best. Quick and juicy. We usually mess around with homemade fries after just because. 
One of the local restaurants does fried turkeys for pickup. You can preorder and pick it up Thursday. They do a few dozen for local customers. 
You don't have to turn off the flame to lower the turkey in, you just have to make sure your oil is not too hot. Oil at 375 doesn't catch fire. Oil at 550 does catch fire. And no frozen turkeys. 

johnnyp

Toxarch said: 
You don't have to turn off the flame to lower the turkey in, you just have to make sure your oil is not too hot. Oil at 375 doesn't catch fire. Oil at 550 does catch fire. And no frozen turkeys. 

Turning the flame off isn't to prevent the oil from overheating.  It's to prevent any potential boil-over from contacting the flame directly, resulting in a fireball.