The best electric turkey fryer is one whose current manual clearly matches where you plan to use it, the size of turkey you intend to cook, and your available space and electrical setup. “Electric” does not automatically mean indoor-safe. The specific models documented here have older specifications, so use them as examples—not as a current ranked buying list—and confirm current manuals and availability before choosing a fryer.
What to compare before buying an electric turkey fryer
Do not choose on bird capacity alone. Check each point against the current manual for the exact model; specifications and approved use can differ even among electric fryers.
- Approved location: Confirm whether the fryer is intended for indoor or outdoor use. The word “electric” is not enough to determine this.
- Maximum turkey size: Look for the manufacturer’s limit and keep it distinct from USDA’s separate recommendation to deep-fry a turkey of 12 lb or less.
- Oil capacity and fill method: Check the stated amount, fill line, and method for preventing overflow. Follow the manual rather than estimating.
- Temperature controls: Confirm how the fryer regulates temperature and what settings the manual specifies.
- Handling and cleanup: Check whether it has a basket or lifting system, how oil is drained, and which parts can be removed and cleaned.
- Electrical and safety details: Verify cord and circuit requirements and any safety switch or breakaway cord in the exact model documentation.
Two examples illustrate why model-specific checks matter. A legacy manual for the Masterbuilt Model 20010106 describes indoor-only use, while National Park Service guidance says fryers designed for outdoor use should be used outdoors in a suitable location. Neither statement establishes where another model may be operated.
What the available model documentation says
The following figures come from older documentation, not a verified current product comparison. They do not establish present-day availability, price, certification, ranking, or performance.
#1 Best Overall
- 3-in-1 electric fryer lets you fry, steam, or boil your favorite foods for the entire family without having to clutter your kitchen with multiple appliances
- Extra-large, 10.6-quart electric cooking pot capacity with the ability to fry up to a 20-pound turkey, crawfish boil, or a family-sized portion of steamed veggies
- Healthier design reduces fat with 1.3 times less oil needed than used in a traditional deep fat fryer; Magnetic breakaway cord for safety
- Drain clips and a cooking basket with a lifting hook ensure safe food management when removing your creation from the multicooker
- Removeable hinged lid and built-in drain valve with dishwasher-safe components remove excess oil, water, and other liquids for quick and easy cleanup
| Documented model or listing | Turkey capacity | Oil amount | Location and notable details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masterbuilt Model 20010106, legacy manual with a 2006 revision code | Up to 14 lb, as stated in that model’s manual | Approximately 1.5 gallons, as stated in that model’s manual | Manual says indoor use only; describes a control-panel safety switch and breakaway cord. Read the manual. |
| Presto Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, 2020–2021 catalog listing | Up to 15 lb, as described in the catalog listing | 5 liters (5.3 quarts), as described in the catalog listing | Catalog identifies it as an indoor fryer; current product status and availability were not verified. View the catalog. |
These appliance limits are not food-safety recommendations. USDA FSIS recommends deep-frying a whole turkey that is unstuffed, completely thawed, and 12 lb or less. For that reason, a larger capacity printed in a manual should not be read as a USDA endorsement of frying a larger bird.
Where an electric turkey fryer can be used
Follow the current manual for the exact fryer. The Masterbuilt Model 20010106 manual says “indoor use only” and does not recommend outdoor use; that instruction applies to that model, not electric fryers generally. Conversely, the National Park Service’s outdoor-fryer advice applies to fryers designed for outdoor use: place them on a flat surface away from structures, wooden decks, covered patios, and garages. Keep children and pets away. The National Park Service’s safety guidance does not supersede a model’s manual.
Rank #2
- CAPACITY: 16 pound turkey or chicken, 8 pound roast or 6 pound pork shoulder
- COOKING TECHNOLOGY: Patented infrared cooking technology for even heat and no flare-ups. Cook large cuts of meat faster than a traditional oven without sacrificing flavor.
- PORTABLE: With handles for easy lifting, The Big Easy is not only great for your backyard, but also for camping and tailgating.
- SAFER: No hot oil means safer frying, less money spent and no stress about disposal
- RELIABLE: Piezo ignition for quick and easy starts with the turn of the knob
How to fry a turkey more safely
USDA FSIS recommends reading the owner’s manual and following its operating instructions alongside general food-safety guidance. USDA advises frying outdoors, while the fryer’s own approved-use instructions determine where that particular appliance may be operated.
- Thaw the turkey completely and do not stuff it. USDA’s guidance is for a whole, unstuffed, fully thawed turkey of 12 lb or less. Never lower a frozen or partly frozen bird into hot oil.
- Determine the oil amount before heating. USDA recommends using water to test the amount needed to submerge the bird without overflow. Dry the vessel completely afterward. Keep the fryer off and dry while filling it with oil, and use the model’s fill line and filling directions.
- Set up the fryer as directed. Use the location, surface, electrical setup, oil, and operating settings specified by the current manual. Keep people and pets clear of the cooking area.
- Heat and monitor the oil. USDA recommends frying at 350°F and monitoring oil temperature constantly. If the fryer manual specifies operating instructions for that model, consult it rather than treating one setting as universal.
- Lower and raise the turkey slowly. USDA and the National Park Service advise slow handling to reduce splashing. Do not leave hot oil unattended or overcrowd the fryer.
- Check doneness with a food thermometer. USDA lists 165°F for poultry. The time estimate of about 3–5 minutes per pound is approximate; cooking time alone does not establish that the turkey is safe to eat.
- Let the oil cool according to the manual. Hot oil remains hazardous after cooking. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cooling, draining, cleaning, and storage.
USDA warns that water must not get into hot oil and must never be used on a grease fire. Keep an appropriate fire extinguisher ready; USDA also identifies covering the fryer with a metal lid as a response to a grease fire. Call 911 if a grease fire occurs. The National Park Service likewise recommends having a suitable extinguisher ready. USDA FSIS deep-frying guidance.
Rank #3
- CAPACITY: Fry whole turkeys, chicken, or roasts up to 16 pounds
- COOKING TECHNOLOGY: TRU‑Infrared cooking technology for even heat and no flare-ups
- RELIABLE: Rotary ignition for quick and easy starts with the turn of a knob
- CLEANING: Front-access grease tray for easy clean-up
- SAFER: No hot oil means safer frying, less money spent and no stress about disposal
Questions to ask before choosing a fryer
- Does the current manual explicitly approve the place where I plan to use it?
- What maximum turkey size does the manufacturer specify, and how does that compare with USDA’s recommendation?
- What oil level, fill line, and procedure does the manual require?
- How will I lower and lift the bird, monitor oil temperature, and verify internal doneness?
- What electrical setup, cooling, draining, cleaning, and storage instructions apply?
- Are the model, specifications, and current availability confirmed by the manufacturer or a current retailer listing?
There is no verified current ranking, price comparison, customer-rating comparison, or hands-on test result behind the examples above. Choose only after checking current manufacturer documentation and a current listing; older catalog or manual figures should not be assumed to describe a product currently for sale.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- FRY FOR THE FAMILY: Great for a hungry crowd, this fryer’s 4.5-liter capacity fries large portions of French fries, doughnuts, fried chicken, homemade chips, mozzarella sticks, and more. Throwing a party, having the holidays at your house or just have a love fried food. Make sure this fryer is a part of your cooking plans.
- BRING RESTAURANT-QUALITY HOME: Skip takeout and long lines – make restaurant-style appetizers for the whole family in minutes right in your own kitchen. The temperature control dial adjusts easily for precise frying – no extra tools needed. The 1700-Watt heating element and air filter fries your favorite foods quickly and evenly.
- MESS-FREE MEALS: Frying foods at home no longer means a splattered mess and lingering oily smell. With this fryer, the frying basket clips to the side so oil can drain easily. Plus, the basket is removable and dishwasher safe for easy clean-up.
- CONVENIENT AND SAFE: Excited to see how your food is coming along. With the fryer’s lid, complete with a viewing window, you can check the crispiness of your food without opening the fryer. The magnetic breakaway cord prevents spills and accidents, so you can worry less about safety and concentrate more on what you’re cooking up
- RESOURCES: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability, & 1-year assurance provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free - we've got your back. For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 1700 Watts/120 Volts
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
