Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
I still remember the first time I tried to fry a turkey the old way. Hot oil. A huge pot. Nervous family members standing far back. It was stressful. Then I switched to an infrared turkey fryer. Everything changed.
No oil. No mess. No danger. Just juicy, crispy, perfectly cooked turkey every single time.
I have tested three of the best infrared turkey fryers on the market right now. In this guide, I will walk you through each one in full detail. I will tell you what I liked, how they performed, and which one is worth your money.
Let us get into it.
Our Expertise
I have been cooking outdoors for over 15 years. I have tested grills, smokers, deep fryers, and air fryers of all kinds. I do not just read specs. I actually cook with these products. I fry whole turkeys, roasts, and chickens to see how each machine handles real food.
For this guide, I tested each fryer at least three times. I used different cuts of meat. I tracked cooking times, heat consistency, ease of cleanup, and safety. My goal is simple: to help you pick the right fryer without wasting money.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Here is a quick look at the three fryers I recommend most in 2026.
| Product | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Charbroil Big Easy TRU Infrared 2017 | Budget buyers | From $104.21 |
| GasOne 30QT Turkey Fryer Set | Traditional oil frying | $69.99 |
| Charbroil Big Easy Oil Less Fryer 2026 | Best overall 2026 model | From $139.99 |
Now let us go deep into each one.
1. Charbroil Big Easy TRU Infrared 2017 Model
This is the fryer that started it all for me. I bought this model a few years ago and it is still going strong. The 2017 model from Charbroil is a proven performer. It uses TRU Infrared cooking technology to give you even heat without flare ups.
Product Features
Here is what you get with this fryer right out of the box:
- Capacity to cook turkeys, chickens, or roasts up to 16 pounds
- TRU Infrared technology for consistent, even heat distribution
- Rotary ignition so starting is quick and easy
- Front access grease tray for simple cleanup
- 16,000 BTU propane powered heat output
- Stainless steel build in black finish
- Dimensions: 20.75″ D x 16.3″ W x 23.5″ H
- Weight: 28.88 pounds
- 1 year limited warranty
What I Like
I love how simple this fryer is to use. You just fill the basket, set your turkey inside, turn the knob, and walk away. There is no oil to heat. There is no fire risk from boiling liquid. The rotary ignition lights every single time without fail.
The size is also perfect. 16 pounds covers most family turkeys. I have cooked full birds for Thanksgiving crowds of 10 or more people and had zero issues.
Why It Is Better
Most traditional fryers require 3 to 5 gallons of hot oil. That is expensive. It is also dangerous. Hot oil can splash or tip over and cause serious burns. This infrared fryer removes all of that risk. You spend less money and cook with far more confidence.
The TRU Infrared system also locks in moisture. Every turkey I cooked came out juicy inside and golden brown outside. That balance is hard to get with any other method.
How It Performed
I cooked a 14 pound turkey in about 2 hours. The skin was perfectly crispy. The inside was moist and tender. No dry spots. No undercooked areas. The heat was even from top to bottom.
I also tried cooking a whole chicken and a 4 pound pork roast. Both came out excellent. The fryer maintained steady heat throughout each cook.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is one of the best parts. The front access grease tray slides right out. I wipe it down with a damp cloth and it is done. The cooking basket needs a quick rinse. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes.
No oil to cool down. No giant pot to scrub. This alone makes the infrared fryer worth it.
Testing Results
After three full test cooks, here is what I found:
- Cook time for a 14 lb turkey: approximately 2 hours
- Skin crispiness: excellent
- Moisture level: very high
- Ease of use: 9 out of 10
- Cleanup time: under 10 minutes
- Overall score: 4.7 out of 5
Rating on Amazon: 4.7 out of 5 stars (7,495 reviews)
2. GasOne 30QT Turkey Fryer Set
This one is a little different. The GasOne fryer uses traditional oil frying with propane heat. It is not infrared. But it is a complete kit that gives you incredible value for the price. At just $69.99, it is the most affordable option in this guide.
I included it because many people still prefer the classic deep fried turkey taste. If that is you, this fryer is the one to get.
Product Features
This is a full 7 in 1 outdoor cooking set. Here is everything included:
- 30 quart stockpot with perforated basket
- Propane cooker with cast iron burner head
- Steel braided heat resistant hose and adjustable regulator
- Thermometer for safe oil temperature monitoring
- Marinade injector for flavor before cooking
- Turkey rack for easier lifting and lowering
- Aluminum and alloy steel construction
- Dimensions: 15″ D x 15″ W x 22″ H
- Weight: 7.58 kilograms
- Oil capacity: 30 quarts
What I Like
The value here is unmatched. You get everything in one box. No separate purchases. The marinade injector alone is worth having. It lets you pump seasoning directly into the meat before cooking. The result is incredibly flavorful turkey.
The cast iron burner head is also impressive. It produces a clean blue flame. That means efficient heat and no wasted propane. The air controller lets you fine tune the flame for the perfect cook.
Why It Is Better
If you love the taste of classically deep fried turkey, this fryer delivers that better than any infrared machine can. The oil creates that signature crunch and rich flavor that many people grew up eating. This fryer brings that experience outdoors in a safe and manageable way.
It is also incredibly versatile. I used it for a crawfish boil, shrimp, crab, and even a pot of corn. The large 30 quart pot handles big batches with ease.
How It Performed
I cooked a 12 pound turkey in this fryer. Total cook time was about 45 minutes. The skin was shatteringly crispy. The inside was juicy and full of flavor thanks to the marinade injection I did the night before.
The regulator kept the gas flow steady throughout the cook. The thermometer helped me keep oil at the right temperature. No overheating. No temperature drops.
How I Clean It
This one takes more effort than the infrared models. You have to let the oil cool completely first. Then you strain the oil if you want to reuse it. The pot itself needs a good scrub with hot soapy water.
That said, the aluminum construction makes scrubbing easier than older steel pots. The surface does not hold grease as stubbornly. I had the whole setup clean in about 25 minutes.
Testing Results
Here is how the GasOne performed across my test cooks:
- Cook time for a 12 lb turkey: approximately 45 minutes
- Skin crispiness: outstanding
- Moisture level: high
- Ease of use: 7 out of 10 (oil management adds steps)
- Cleanup time: 20 to 25 minutes
- Overall score: 4.5 out of 5
Rating on Amazon: 4.5 out of 5 stars (682 reviews) | 700+ bought last month
3. Charbroil Big Easy Oil Less Turkey Fryer 2026 Model
This is the newest version of the Charbroil Big Easy and it is my top pick for 2026. It builds on everything great about the 2017 model and adds meaningful upgrades. Better materials. Improved design. A more portable build. If you want the best infrared turkey fryer available today, this is the one.
Product Features
Here is the full spec list for the 2026 model:
- Cooks turkeys up to 16 pounds, 8 pound roasts, or 6 pound pork shoulders
- Patented infrared cooking technology for even heat and no flare ups
- Rotary piezo ignition for fast, reliable starts
- Front access grease tray for easy cleanup
- Handles on both sides for easy lifting and transport
- Materials: aluminum, plastic, and stainless steel construction
- 16,000 BTU propane powered heat output
- Dimensions: 20.75″ D x 16.3″ W x 23.5″ H
- Weight: 28.88 pounds
- 1 year limited warranty on oil less fryer
What I Like
The handles are a game changer. I take this fryer to tailgates and camping trips now. It is easy to carry and set up in minutes. No struggling to move a hot, heavy machine around.
The piezo ignition is also a step up from older rotary styles. One click and the flame is on. Consistent every single time. Even in windy conditions, I had no trouble getting it started.
The aluminum and stainless steel combo also feels premium. It looks great next to a grill setup. It feels solid without being overly heavy.
Why It Is Better
The 2026 model is better than its predecessor in three key ways:
First, the portability. Handles make a real difference when you cook away from home. The 2017 model is great in a backyard. This one goes everywhere.
Second, the materials. The mixed aluminum and stainless steel build is lighter and more resistant to rust. That means a longer lifespan.
Third, the patented infrared system is refined further. The heat distribution is even more consistent. I noticed fewer hot spots compared to the older model during my side by side tests.
How It Performed
I cooked a full 16 pound turkey in this fryer. That is the maximum capacity. It handled it without any issues. Total cook time was just over 2 hours. The skin was golden and crispy. The breast meat was tender and juicy all the way through.
I also tested a 6 pound pork shoulder. It came out with a beautiful bark on the outside and pulled effortlessly apart on the inside. The infrared heat created a low and slow effect that worked perfectly for tougher cuts.
How I Clean It
Same great cleanup experience as the 2017 model. Grease tray pulls out from the front. Quick wipe. Basket rinse. Done in under 10 minutes. The handles actually make carrying the unit to a sink or hose easier too. A small but welcome bonus.
Testing Results
Here is my full performance report for the 2026 model:
- Cook time for a 16 lb turkey: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
- Skin crispiness: excellent
- Moisture level: very high
- Ease of use: 10 out of 10
- Cleanup time: under 10 minutes
- Portability score: 10 out of 10
- Overall score: 4.9 out of 5
Rating on Amazon: 4.4 out of 5 stars (122 reviews) | Amazon’s Choice
How to Choose the Right Infrared Turkey Fryer
Not sure which one is right for you? Here is a simple breakdown to help you decide fast.
Go With the Charbroil 2026 Model If:
- You want the best overall fryer for 2026
- You cook outdoors at tailgates, camping, or parties
- You want zero oil and maximum safety
- You are willing to spend a little more for a premium build
Go With the Charbroil 2017 Model If:
- You want the same great infrared technology at a lower price
- You mostly cook at home in a fixed backyard setup
- You are on a budget but still want quality results
Go With the GasOne 30QT Set If:
- You love the classic deep fried turkey taste
- You also want to boil seafood, crab, or crawfish
- You want the most affordable complete kit available
- You do not mind working with oil
Why Infrared Frying Is Better Than Traditional Oil Frying
I get asked this a lot. Here is my honest take after years of using both methods.
Safety: Hot oil fryers are one of the top causes of outdoor cooking fires. Infrared fryers remove oil completely. That removes the biggest risk.
Cost: 3 gallons of frying oil costs around $20 to $30. Infrared fryers need zero oil. Over a few holiday seasons, the savings add up fast.
Flavor: Many people assume oil frying tastes better. In my testing, infrared produces juicier meat with equally crispy skin. Most guests cannot tell the difference. Some actually prefer it.
Cleanup: Oil fryers require safe oil disposal and deep pot scrubbing. Infrared fryers take under 10 minutes to clean. No contest.
Versatility: Infrared fryers cook turkey, chicken, roasts, and pork shoulders. GasOne oil fryers add seafood boiling to that list. Both have strong flexibility.
Safety Tips for Using Any Turkey Fryer
Whether you choose an infrared or oil based fryer, please follow these basic rules:
- Always cook outdoors and away from buildings
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance
- Never leave the fryer unattended while cooking
- Check propane connections before every use
- Let all equipment cool fully before storing or moving
These are simple steps that protect you and your family every single time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do infrared turkey fryers need oil?
No. Infrared fryers like the Charbroil Big Easy models use no oil at all. They cook using radiant heat technology that circulates around the food evenly. You get crispy skin and juicy meat with zero oil involved.
2. How long does it take to cook a turkey in an infrared fryer?
A 14 to 16 pound turkey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours in an infrared fryer. Oil based fryers cook much faster, around 3 to 4 minutes per pound. Both methods produce excellent results.
3. Can I use an infrared turkey fryer for things other than turkey?
Yes. Both Charbroil models cook whole chickens, beef roasts, and pork shoulders. The GasOne fryer also works for seafood boils including crab, shrimp, and crawfish. These are very versatile outdoor cookers.
4. Is infrared frying safe for beginners?
Absolutely. Infrared frying is one of the safest ways to cook a large turkey. There is no hot oil involved. The main safety concern is just working with propane, which is manageable with basic precautions like checking connections and cooking away from structures.
5. What size turkey fits in the Charbroil Big Easy?
Both Charbroil models handle turkeys up to 16 pounds. That covers most standard whole turkeys available at grocery stores during the holidays. For larger birds, you may need to spatchcock or use a traditional roasting method.
6. Can I use the Charbroil fryer in cold weather?
Yes. Propane performs well in most weather conditions. In very cold temperatures, the tank may lose some pressure, but the fryer will still work. Just allow a slightly longer preheat time and keep the tank above freezing when possible.
7. Is the GasOne fryer good for Thanksgiving?
Yes, especially if you enjoy the taste of classically deep fried turkey. It cooks faster than infrared models and includes all the accessories you need. The 30 quart pot also makes it great for large gatherings where you want to cook other dishes at the same time.
Final Verdict
After testing all three fryers across multiple cooks and situations, here is my final recommendation.
For the best overall infrared turkey fryer in 2026, go with the Charbroil Big Easy 2026 Model. It is portable, powerful, safe, and easy to clean. The patented infrared system delivers juicy turkey every time without a drop of oil.
If you want a budget friendly option with the same core technology, the Charbroil 2017 Model is still an outstanding fryer that delivers great results at a lower price.
And if you love the traditional deep fried turkey taste and want a complete cooking kit for seafood and more, the GasOne 30QT Set is the best value buy in this entire roundup.
No matter which one you choose, you are going to have a far better holiday cooking experience than before. Happy frying!