Char-Broil Big Easy Safely Cooks That Deep-Fried Turkey You Crave

Let’s be real. You’ve seen the viral videos. The overflowing pot of boiling oil, the frozen turkey, the inevitable fireball that engulfs someone’s entire deck on Thanksgiving. It’s high drama. But you’ve also tasted a deep-fried turkey, and my god, it’s incredible.

That crispy, golden skin and unbelievably juicy meat is a holiday dream. So how do you get the reward without the fiery risk? For years, I was too scared to even try. Dropping a giant bird into a vat of 350-degree oil just felt like a bad idea waiting to happen.

Then I found the Char-Broil Big Easy. This isn’t your uncle’s questionable setup from 2005. It’s an oil-less infrared turkey fryer that gives you that deep-fried texture and flavor without a single drop of cooking oil. It completely changed my Thanksgiving game, and it’s my top pick for the best turkey fryer in 2026.

 

 

The ‘Fried’ Turkey Without the Terrifying Vat of Oil

If the thought of managing gallons of hot oil makes you sweat, these are for you. They use infrared heat or powerful convection to cook the bird, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s the safest way to get that “fried” result.

 

 

Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Infrared Turkey Fryer

For $139, this is the one that converted me. The Char-Broil Big Easy is my go-to because it’s just so foolproof. You literally season your bird, pop it in the basket, turn on the propane, and walk away. No splattering, no temperature monitoring, no terrifying oil disposal.

The TRU-Infrared technology cooks the turkey from all sides, creating skin that’s crackling-crisp while the inside stays ridiculously moist. I was skeptical, but it truly mimics the results of a deep fry. Plus, the little grease tray makes cleanup a breeze. It handles up to a 16-pound bird, which is perfect for most family gatherings.

The Downside: It only runs on propane, so if you’re looking for an electric option to use on a covered patio, this isn’t it.

 

 

Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill

This one’s a steal at $135. Think of it as the Big Easy’s overachieving cousin. It does everything the original does—crispy turkey, no oil—but it also has a smoker box. You can add wood chips to give your turkey (or ribs, or a pork shoulder) a subtle smoky flavor that’s just divine.

It’s incredibly versatile. I’ve used this for way more than just Thanksgiving. The adjustable heat gives you more control than the base model, and it still fits a 16-pound turkey. If you want a deep-fried turkey cooker that does more than one job, this is the one to get.

The Downside: It’s a bit bulkier, so you’ll need a little more storage space in your garage or on your patio.

 

 

For the Traditionalists: Real Deep-Fried Turkey Cookers

Okay, so you want the real deal. The bubbling oil, the super-fast cook time, the authentic flavor. I get it. These are the best deep fry turkey kits I’ve tested that will get the job done, as long as you promise to be careful.

 

 

Butterball XL Electric Turkey Fryer

At just $90, this is the perfect entry point for nervous beginners. Because it’s electric, you can use it *inside* (on a safe surface like your countertop, away from everything!). No open flames, no unpredictable weather ruining your plans. It’s brilliant.

It can handle a massive 20-pound turkey and has smart safety features, like a magnetic cord that detaches if someone trips over it. The built-in drain valve is also a lifesaver for cleanup. Seriously, dealing with used oil is the worst part, and this makes it so much easier.

The Downside: If you’re frying a huge, very cold turkey, it can take a bit for the oil temperature to recover after you drop it in.

 

 

King Kooker SS12RTF Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer

This $83 rig is a classic for a reason. It’s a no-frills, sturdy outdoor setup that just works. The square welded frame is way more stable than some of the flimsy tripod models I’ve seen, which is a big deal when you’ve got a pot of boiling oil.

The stainless steel pot heats up fast and is way easier to clean than aluminum. This is the kind of turkey fryer you take tailgating or camping. It’s tough, reliable, and will cook a 20-pound bird to perfection.

The Downside: This is a fully manual experience. You have to watch the oil temperature like a hawk to make sure it’s safe.

 

 

Bayou Classic 30-qt Aluminum Turkey Fryer Kit

For $90, you get an entire kit. This Bayou Classic setup comes with the pot, burner, rack, hook, thermometer, and even a seasoning injector. You just need to supply the propane and the turkey. It’s an amazing value.

It cooks fast—I’m talking a beautiful, golden-brown bird in about 45 minutes. It’s also great for seafood boils or frying up a massive batch of wings for game day. A true multi-tasker.

The Downside: The pot is aluminum, which is a great heat conductor but can dent more easily than stainless steel if you’re rough with it.

 

 

Barton 30 Qt Aluminum Turkey Deep Fryer

Priced at $96, the Barton fryer is a solid, affordable workhorse. What I liked most was the included detachable basket. It’s perfect for frying up a ton of french fries, onion rings, or chicken wings when you’re not cooking a whole turkey.

The burner is powerful, the stand feels secure, and it gets the oil hot in a hurry. It’s a great choice if you want a multi-purpose outdoor deep fryer without a huge price tag.

The Downside: The accessories are pretty basic. You get what you need, but don’t expect a fancy injector or anything extra.

 

 

Masterbuilt Propane Fryer with Thermostat Control

Okay, at $150, this one’s a bit more of an investment, but that thermostat is worth it. Instead of constantly fiddling with the propane valve, you just set the temp you want, and the burner will automatically cycle to maintain it. It takes so much guesswork out of the process.

It also comes with half-baskets, so you can fry two different things at once. And that drain valve? A must-have for easy cleanup. This is the fryer for someone who hosts big parties and wants maximum control with minimum fuss.

The Downside: It’s one of the more expensive propane models on the list.

 

 

Bayou Classic 32-qt Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer Kit

If you’re ready to upgrade, the $200 Bayou Classic in stainless steel is gorgeous. It’s heavy-duty, cleans up beautifully, and won’t hold onto flavors from previous cooks. This thing is built to last for many, many Thanksgivings.

It can handle a giant 22-pound bird and still get it cooked in under an hour. The perforated basket is also great for steaming veggies or boiling a ton of seafood. It’s a premium piece of outdoor cooking equipment.

The Downside: It’s pricey, but you’re paying for quality stainless steel that will last forever.

 

 

How I Picked the Best Turkey Fryers

My number one priority was safety. Look, I love a crispy turkey, but not at the expense of my eyebrows or my back porch. That’s why the oil-less Char-Broil Big Easy is my top pick. It delivers the results you want with none of the risk. It’s the perfect deep fried turkey cooker for anyone who’s a little intimidated by the traditional method.

But if you are going with oil, I looked for stable bases, reliable burners, and features that make the process less terrifying. Things like thermostats, drain valves, and sturdy pots made a huge difference. Electric indoor options like the Butterball are also a fantastic, safer choice for beginners.

Finally, I considered cleanup. Nobody wants to spend hours after a feast dealing with a giant pot of greasy, sludgy oil. Models with drain valves and easy-to-clean stainless steel pots scored major points. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.