Turkey fryers are a fairly simple appliance. Basically they consist of a deep pot of various sizes from about 30 to 36 quart capacity. They usually come with a lid, a stand and a propane or electric burner to supply the heat necessary to heat the cooking oil. There is a stand which is inserted into the pot to hold the turkey away from the bottom of the pot which allows the hot oil to circulate completely around the bird.
While the fryers are not complex there are some features which should be considered prior to purchase. First would you prefer an aluminum or a stainless steel pot? Some cooks prefer the aluminum because of the light weight and aluminum's ability to easily transfer heat to the oil. But many cooks find fault with the aluminum pots claiming that the aluminum can transfer an unwelcome taste to the turkey and other meats during frying. Aluminum is also easily dented or cracked if accidently dropped or banged around while handling.
Stainless steel while more durable is heavier. Irregardless of which material you choose be sure to check the manufactures specifications and reviews by other users to decide which pots are made of thick enough material to last a long time. As with any appliance price can be a determining factor in the quality of the material used in the manufacture of the item.
These units except for models designed to be used on a stove top are equipped with a metal stand which supports the pot and contains the burner. The stands are either aluminum or steel. Just as with the pots the aluminum stands will be lighter. Some cooks complain that the paint burns off the steel stands and this leaves them vulnerable to rusting. Rust while not harmful to the actual cooking does detract from the appearance of the set over time.
A handy feature on some models is a drain plug which makes the draining of the oil through a filter funnel an easy task. Electronic ignition on some models is a handy feature. No deep fryer would be complete without a good stainless steel thermometer to keep check on the oil temperature. Some models will have racks to hold chickens, vegetables or sea food.
These units are at their best when used out of doors. For indoor deep frying there is an electric turkey fryer which handles turkeys up to 14 pounds. This unit is complete with thermostat control, a digital timer, built in filter and many other features which makes this the perfect appliance for frying those smaller birds and other foods when the weather outside is less than inviting.
Stainless steel turkey fryers are available at prices from to about 0 dollars depending on the size, quality and features you prefer. Because of their simple design and sturdy construction these units should provide many years of dependable, trouble free service.
