Fried turkey is a holiday classic. But hot oil is messy. It can also be unsafe.
That’s why infrared turkey fryers are so popular now. They cook with heat, not oil. You get crispy skin and juicy meat. And you skip the oil mess.
In this guide, we break down the top 3 infrared and propane turkey fryers for 2026. We look at real specs, features, and what each one is best for. By the end, you’ll know which fryer fits your holiday table.
Our Expertise
We build buying guides by digging into real product data. This includes manufacturer specs, verified customer ratings, and detailed feature lists. We compare capacity, power, safety features, and build quality side by side.
We do not guess. We do not copy generic reviews. Every claim in this guide comes from the actual product listings and spec sheets for each fryer. Our goal is simple: give you clear, honest facts so you can make a smart choice fast.
How We Chose These Fryers
We looked at a few key things for each pick:
- Cooking capacity. Can it handle a full-size turkey?
- Power and heat method. Infrared vs. propane burner.
- Safety. Oil-less design, ignition type, and grease handling.
- Build quality. Materials and durability.
- Customer ratings. Real buyer feedback and star ratings.
- Value. Price versus features.
Now let’s get into our top picks.
Our Top Picks: Best Infrared Turkey Fryers for 2026
| Rank | Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Char-Broil The Big Easy (2017 Model) | Best Overall Oil-Less Fryer | 4.7 (7,495 reviews) |
| 2 | GasOne 30QT Turkey Fryer & Seafood Boil Set | Best for Traditional Oil Frying & Seafood | 4.5 (682 reviews) |
| 3 | Char-Broil The Big Easy (2026 Model) | Best Updated Oil-Less Fryer | 4.4 (122 reviews) |
1. Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
This is our top pick. It has the most reviews and the highest rating on this list. Almost 7,500 buyers gave it 4.7 out of 5 stars. That kind of feedback is hard to ignore.
Product Features
- Uses TRU-Infrared cooking technology
- Runs on liquid propane
- 16,000 BTU power output
- Fries turkeys, chicken, or roasts up to 16 pounds
- Rotary ignition for quick starts
- Front-access grease tray
- Stainless steel build
- Product size: 20.75″D x 16.3″W x 23.5″H
- Weighs 28.88 pounds
- 1-year limited warranty
What We Like
- No oil needed. This cuts cost, mess, and risk.
- Even heat. Infrared technology spreads heat evenly. This helps avoid flare-ups.
- Easy startup. The rotary knob makes lighting simple. No matches needed.
- Simple cleanup. The front grease tray slides out for fast cleaning.
- Big track record. Thousands of five-star reviews back this fryer up.
Why It’s Better
Compared to oil-based fryers, this model skips the biggest risks. There’s no hot oil to spill, splash, or dispose of. That makes it safer around family and kids.
It also skips the extra cost of gallons of frying oil each year. Over time, that adds up to real savings.
The infrared heat method is also gentler on the meat. It cooks evenly without drying out the turkey. Many users say the skin comes out crispy while the inside stays juicy.
How It Performs
Based on the spec sheet and buyer feedback, this fryer handles birds up to 16 pounds with ease. The 16,000 BTU output gives strong, steady heat. This helps it cook a whole turkey in a few hours, without babysitting hot oil.
The stainless steel body also holds up well outdoors. It’s built for backyard use, tailgates, and holiday cookouts.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanup is one of this fryer’s strongest points. Because there’s no oil, there’s no oil disposal step.
- Let the unit cool fully before cleaning.
- Slide out the front grease tray and empty it.
- Wipe down the outer body with a damp cloth.
- Check the burner area for any grease buildup and clean it as needed.
This whole process takes just a few minutes. That’s a big upgrade over scooping and storing used frying oil.
2. GasOne 30QT Turkey Fryer Set and Seafood Boil Kit
This pick is different. It’s a traditional oil-based fryer and boiler set. It’s a great option if you want more than just turkey frying. This set also handles crawfish, crab, shrimp, and lobster boils.
It’s also an Amazon’s Choice pick with over 700 units bought in the past month. That’s strong recent demand.
Product Features
- 7-in-1 complete kit
- Includes propane cooker, regulator, hose kit, stockpot, perforated basket, thermometer, marinade injector, and turkey rack
- 30-quart oil/liquid capacity
- Cast iron burner head
- Steel braided, heat-resistant hose
- Adjustable gas regulator
- Aluminum and steel construction
- Product size: 15″D x 15″W x 22″H
- Weighs about 7.58 kilograms (16.7 pounds)
What We Like
- All-in-one kit. You get everything needed to start frying or boiling right away.
- Versatile use. Great for turkey, chicken, fish, and full seafood boils.
- Strong build. The cast iron burner and steel frame are made to last.
- Safe gas flow. The braided hose and regulator help prevent leaks.
- Budget-friendly. At under $70, it’s the most affordable pick here.
Why It’s Better
If you want more than just turkey day use, this set wins. It works for backyard boils, camping trips, and picnics too. The included basket, injector, and rack mean you’re not buying extra tools separately.
The large 30-quart pot also gives you room for bigger batches. That’s ideal for feeding a crowd.
How It Performs
The cast iron burner head and adjustable air controller give a clean, strong blue flame. This helps with steady, even heat control during frying or boiling.
The heavy-duty frame keeps the unit stable outdoors, even during long cook times. Because it uses a full pot of oil or boiling liquid, it works more like a classic deep fryer than an infrared model.
Note: this is an oil-based fryer, not an oil-less infrared unit. If your main goal is oil-free cooking, the Char-Broil picks above may suit you better. But if boiling seafood and frying with oil is your goal, this kit is hard to beat for the price.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Let the oil or liquid cool completely before handling.
- Pour used oil into a sealed container for proper disposal.
- Rinse the stockpot and basket with warm, soapy water.
- Wipe down the burner and frame with a dry cloth.
- Store the hose and regulator in a dry place.
Because this is a full pot system, cleanup takes a bit more time than an oil-less fryer. Plan for extra steps if you’re using oil.
3. Char-Broil The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer (2026 Model)
This is the newer version of our top pick. It keeps the same core design, with a few material changes.
Product Features
- Infrared oil-less cooking technology
- Fries a 16-pound turkey or chicken, 8-pound roast, or 6-pound pork shoulder
- Rotary piezo ignition
- Front-access grease tray
- Built with aluminum, plastic, and stainless steel
- Includes carry handles
- Product size: 20.75″D x 16.3″W x 23.5″H
- Weighs 28.88 pounds
- 1-year limited warranty
What We Like
- Portable design. Built-in handles make it easier to move and store.
- Multi-use capacity. Cooks turkey, roast, or pork shoulder, not just poultry.
- No flare-ups. The infrared method spreads heat evenly.
- Simple ignition. The piezo starter lights the unit with one turn.
- Newer materials. Updated build mixes aluminum and plastic with steel for a lighter feel.
Why It’s Better
This model is easier to carry than the original, thanks to the added handles. That makes it a good pick for camping trips or tailgates, not just backyard use.
It’s also more flexible with food types. Beyond turkey, it handles roasts and pork shoulder well, based on the listed capacity specs.
How It Performs
With the same 16,000 BTU-style infrared design as our top pick, this version delivers steady, even heat. It’s rated 4.4 stars from 122 reviews, which is solid, though it has a shorter track record than the original 2017 model.
The lighter materials may affect long-term durability slightly compared to the older all-stainless design. But for most home cooks, it should hold up well across many holiday seasons.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Allow the unit to cool before cleaning.
- Remove and empty the front grease tray.
- Wipe the body with a damp, soapy cloth.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners on the plastic components.
- Store in a dry, covered area between uses.
Infrared vs. Oil Frying: Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you decide.
| Feature | Infrared (Char-Broil) | Oil-Based (GasOne) |
|---|---|---|
| Uses oil | No | Yes |
| Best for | Turkey, roast, pork shoulder | Turkey, seafood boils |
| Cleanup | Fast, no oil disposal | Longer, needs oil disposal |
| Cost over time | Lower (no oil purchases) | Higher (oil needed each use) |
| Versatility | Good | Very high (boil + fry) |
| Safety | Very high (no hot oil) | Moderate (hot oil present) |
If your top goal is safety and easy cleanup, go infrared. If you want to fry and boil seafood too, the GasOne kit gives you more range.
Tips for Frying a Turkey Safely
- Always use your fryer outdoors, away from your house or garage.
- Make sure your turkey is fully thawed and dry before cooking.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
- Never leave a fryer unattended while it’s on.
- Check your propane tank and hose for leaks before each use.
- Follow the weight limits listed for your fryer model.
Final Thoughts
All three of these fryers earn their spot on this list. The Char-Broil Big Easy (2017 Model) is our top overall pick, thanks to its huge review count and strong 4.7 rating. The GasOne set is the best value if you want a full frying and boiling kit. And the newer Char-Broil 2026 Model offers a lighter, more portable build for the same trusted infrared cooking style.
Whichever you choose, you’ll skip the mess of hot oil (unless you pick GasOne) and get a turkey your guests will remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an infrared turkey fryer better than a traditional oil fryer? Infrared fryers are safer and easier to clean since they skip hot oil. Oil fryers can give a different texture but come with more risk and mess.
How big of a turkey can these fryers handle? The Char-Broil models handle turkeys up to 16 pounds. The GasOne set uses a 30-quart pot, which also fits a similar size bird.
Do infrared turkey fryers taste different from oil-fried turkey? Yes, slightly. Infrared cooking tends to give a lighter, less greasy result, while oil frying gives a richer, deep-fried flavor.
Can I use these fryers for foods other than turkey? Yes. The Char-Broil models also cook roasts and pork shoulder. The GasOne set is built for seafood boils, chicken, and fish too.
How long does it take to fry a turkey with these fryers? Cook time depends on turkey size, but most whole turkeys take a few hours. Always use a meat thermometer to check for full doneness.