As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
Our top picks
Short on time? Our top recommendation is the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL.
Compare
At a glance
The traits that separate these picks, side by side.
| # | Product | Best for | Key feature | |
|---|
| 1 | | — | Rated for turkeys up to approximately 18 to 20 pounds | Check ↗ |
| 2 | | — | 4.5-liter / 19-cup oil capacity | Check ↗ |
| 3 | | — | 1-gallon removable stainless steel oil container | Check ↗ |
In depth
The 3 best, explained
Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
Top pickMasterbuilt
The only fryer on this list actually sized to submerge a whole turkey
- Rated for turkeys up to approximately 18 to 20 pounds
- 1650W heating element
- Porcelain-coated inner pot and basket
- Uses roughly 33% less oil than a comparable outdoor fryer
- Certified for indoor countertop use
✓ Pros
- The only fryer on this list actually sized to submerge a whole turkey
- Certified for indoor use removes the propane and tip-over risks of outdoor turkey fryers
- Porcelain-coated pot and basket clean up easier than bare metal after a full bird
- Doubles as a steamer and boiler for other large-batch holiday cooking
✕ Cons
- Single-purpose appliance that mostly sees use around the holidays
- Large size still needs dedicated storage space for the rest of the year
Hamilton Beach
5-liter / 19-cup oil capacity and 1800W immersed heating element. One caveat, cannot fit a whole turkey regardless of oil volume.
- 4.5-liter / 19-cup oil capacity
- 1800W immersed heating element
- Two baskets included
- View-window lid
- Easy-detach magnetic cord
✓ Pros
- 4.5-liter capacity comfortably submerges turkey breast pieces or a couple of legs per batch
- 1800W element keeps temperature steady with dense turkey cuts
- Two baskets let you fry legs and breast pieces separately since they cook at different rates
- Dishwasher-safe tank and baskets simplify cleanup after a big meal
✕ Cons
- Cannot fit a whole turkey regardless of oil volume
- Large footprint for a fryer that isn't purpose-built for turkey
Cuisinart
2.3-pound food capacity handles a good-sized batch of turkey wings or drumsticks
- 1-gallon removable stainless steel oil container
- 1800W immersion heating element
- 2.3-pound food capacity
- Pour-spout container for oil disposal
- Adjustable temperature dial with viewing window
✓ Pros
- 2.3-pound food capacity handles a good-sized batch of turkey wings or drumsticks
- Doubles as a general-purpose fryer the rest of the year, unlike a dedicated turkey fryer
- Removable oil container with a pour spout simplifies disposal after a greasy holiday cook
- 1800W element matches the Hamilton Beach for consistent recovery
✕ Cons
- Same as any countertop fryer here, no whole-bird capacity
- Single basket means more sequential batches for a large amount of turkey parts
How we chose these picks
Every pick below earned its place through documented strengths, verified specifications, consistent praise in reputable reviews, and owner-feedback patterns. We don't sell placements, and we don't invent test scores.
Mistakes buyers often make
- Buying on brand name alone instead of matching features to your actual use case.
- Overpaying for headline specs you'll never use, define must-haves first.
- Ignoring size — compatibility, and ongoing costs (filters, accessories, refills).
- Trusting star ratings without reading what owners compla in about after 6 months.
How to choose: the factors that matter
- Capacity and sizing — Measure your space and your actual use before falling for bigger-is-better. The right size is the one that fits your routine, not the spec sheet's maximum.
- Build quality and materials — Heavier-gauge materials, tight tolerances, and solid joints outlast thin, rattly construction. In reviews, look for longevity comments over first-impression praise.
- Ease of use and setup — Clear instructions, intuitive controls, and minimal assembly separate daily drivers from garage ornaments.
- Maintenance and cleaning — Whatever you buy will need cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe, or wipe-clean parts get maintained; fiddly ones get neglected.
- Warranty and support — A multi-year warranty signals the manufacturer expects it to last. Check what's actually covered, motors and frames matter more than accessories.
The bottom line
If you want the short answer: the top pick above suits most buyers, the value pick suits tight budgets, and the specialist picks suit specific needs. Match the pick to your use case, not to the hype.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the best deep fryers for turkey right now?
Our top pick is the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL (top pick), because the only fryer on this list actually sized to submerge a whole turkey. The runner-up is the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Electric Deep Fryer 35036, followed by the Cuisinart CDF-200P1 Professional Deep Fryer.
Is the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL worth it?
For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our deep fryers for turkey research, though single-purpose appliance that mostly sees use around the holidays.
Can I fry a whole turkey in a standard countertop deep fryer?
Standard countertop fryers like the Cuisinart CDF-200P1 or Hamilton Beach 35036 hold at most a few quarts of oil and a couple pounds of food, now here near enough to submerge a whole turkey. A whole bird needs a dedicated turkey fryer, like the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, built specifically for that volume of oil and food.
Is an indoor electric turkey fryer safer than an outdoor propane one?
Indoor electric turkey fryers like the Masterbuilt Butterball use a fixed, enclosed oil volume and an electric element rather than an open propane flame, which removes the tip-over and oil-fire risk associated with outdoor propane turkey fryers. They're also rated for indoor use, unlike propane units which produce carbon monoxide and must stay outdoors.
What size turkey fits an indoor electric turkey fryer?
The Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer XL is rated for turkeys up to roughly 18 to 20 pounds, covering the large majority of holiday birds. Always check the specific model's weight rating before buying if you regularly cook oversized turkeys.
Can a countertop fryer handle turkey parts instead of a whole bird?
Yes, and it's a good option if you don't want to buy a dedicated turkey fryer. A 4-quart or 4.5-liter countertop fryer like the Cuisinart CDF-200P1 or Hamilton Beach 35036 comfortably fries turkey breast pieces, legs, or wings in batches, even though it can't take a whole bird.
Keep researching
Related guides & comparisons
