Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
​(Please note that our website is supported by commissions earned when products are sold through the provided links.)

​Compare Turkey Fryers: Bayou Classic or Char-Broil?

Photo Credits: Char-Broil

If you have never tried to fry a turkey outdoors, you have been missing out on one of the great gastronomical experiences one can have! Frying a turkey at high temperature not only keeps the meat moist and juicy, but it also locks in all the flavors. Though most people fry turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is an outdoors pleasure you could indulge in on any nice day of the year. Traditionally, the frying is done in hot oil and using propane powered cookers. As such, it is an activity recommended to do strictly outdoors to avoid any safety hazards. 

The best two methods to fry a turkey   and the most popular model that we recommend for each method are listed below:

• In hot oil using a propane powered vessel.
  (our recommended product: Bayou Classic 44-quart)
  
  

• Without oil using infrared heating in a propane powered vessel.
  (our recommended product: Char-Broil The Big Easy

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​The two recommended turkey fryers are shown below:

(Photo Credits: Bayou Classic)

(Photo Credits: Char-Broil)

The rest of this article will describe in more detail and compare the two selected turkey fryers which are very popular among Amazon customers who have bought them and tested them.

If you are in a hurry and wish to see price information for to help you decide which would be best for your own needs. selected turkey fryers, please click below:
Selected Turkey Fryers on Amazon.

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Detailed Description of the Two Selected Turkey Fryers:

Bayou Classic 44-Quart  Deep Fryer (frying with oil)   

Bayou Classic (Photo: Bayou Classic)

The Bayou Classic 44-quart Deep Fryer is definitely the top outdoor propane powered deep fryer (with oil) available on the market. Not only can you deep-fry your turkey to perfection, but you can also use it to deep-fry chicken and fries as well as to steam or boil seafood and vegetables.

The deluxe turkey fryer's stock pot is made of stainless-steel for optimal durability and easy cleaning, and it is equipped with heavy duty handles for easy transport.   It comes with an elevated perforated basket for steaming and boiling, a stainless brew thermometer and 24 inch stainless stir and mash paddle.

Also included is a stainless-steel cooker stand with a rust-free cast aluminum high pressure burner providing 58,000 BTU's of heat and powered by a 10psi LPG regulator hose assembly.

The 44-quart capacity pot can easily hold a 20-lb. turkey. It can steam, boil and fry seafood, poultry, vegetables, tamales, etc.

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Char-Broil The Big Easy Infrared Propane Fryer  (oil free frying)

Char-Broil The Big Easy
(Photo Credits: Char-Broil)

The outdoor Char-Broil Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-less Turkey Fryer measures 16.3 x 20.8 x 23.5 inches, weighs 28.9 pounds and is also powered by propane, but it does not need any oil to fry your turkey!  The fully-enclosed 16,000 BTU propane burners sit inside of a double-wall cylindrical cooking chamber which generates infrared heat that circles the cooker to penetrate and cook the meat evenly, sealing in juices. The result is a bird that’s moist inside and crispy outside, just as fried turkey should be, without the the addition of any oil.

With no cooking oil to purchase, and no hot oil to splatter or dispose of, the Char-Broil Big Easy gives you a delicious, safe, and simple alternative to frying with oil. The Infrared technology used here eliminates hot and cold spots, and delivers juicy, crisp, and flavorful results every time. In addition, because your bird is cooked with infrared heat and not with heated oil, you can prepare it with seasoned rubs or injectable marinades, both of which are not an option with traditional fryers.

​The Big Easy allows you to safely cook a turkey (up to 16 lbs.) or chicken in about 8 to 10 minutes per pound, or use it to prepare a variety of other items including roasts, ribs, pork tenderloin, or other large cuts of meat.

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So which Turkey Fryer is best to buy?

If you are looking for the authentic outdoors fried chicken experience, then you should be considering the Bayou Classic 44-Quart fryer. This is truly a superior quality product very safe to use, and you will not be disappointed with the results. It is true that frying in oil is not very healthy, but as long as you indulge in the gastronomical pleasure only once a week or a month, you should not have to worry too much about its adverse effect on your health.

However, if you are totally against foods that are deep fried in oil, then you have the option of choosing the Char-Broil The Big Easy. This one does not need any oil to fry your turkey. Note that it is powered by propane.

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Above Turkey Fryers Are All Offered on Amazon

The above two turkey fryers are available below on Amazon.
Please click the Amazon US link image below for the turkey fryer of your choice to see exact price information or to purchase.
​Please Note: For non-US customers, when you click the links below, you will be provided with the Amazon links for your country (such as Canada or UK), if the product is available in your country.​
​

Bayou Classic
44-qt Set

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Char-Broil Big Easy
Electric (infrared oil-less)

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You might also be interested in a comparison of regular deep fryers:

Please click below for a comparison of two of the most popular deep fryers:

Compare Best Deep Fryers T-fal FR8000 and Cuisinart CDF-200

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