A deep fryer is a cooking appliance which is designed to submerge as well as fry your food in boiling oil. The primary fuel source of deep fryers is propane or electricity for heating the oil. A deep fryer is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. You can use any of the available options for the purpose of outdoor cooking. However, note that you shouldn’t use your propane deep fryer inside your house. Every outdoor deep fryer consists of at least one heating element, burner, and containment oil vessel.
Every fryer comes with a metal stand which performs the function of holding oil in a pan or pot with mesh baskets made out of stainless steel. In addition, every fryer has a colander to lift food from oil when it is consumed. The burner is positioned inside the fryer. There are some designs which are compact and therefore, don’t have stands or internal burners.
You can use your deep fryer to prepare fast food without the hassle of consuming any. You can even prepare food in boiling oil, giving your food a unique flavor and texture. An outdoor deep fryer prepares food quickly, keeping your house free of any unnecessary odors. In addition, the risks associated with frying indoors are also reduced significantly when using an outdoor fryer.
You can even opt for an outdoor deep fryer to cook a full turkey at once. There are other options too, consisting of several cooking baskets that help you fry more than one food at a time. Deep fryers don’t just serve the purpose of frying food in oil. The pot-based design and high heat output makes it an ideal choice for heating water quickly to boil seafood, corn on the cob and other such food items.
In the following section, we will discuss the various types of deep fryers available for you and the factors you should consider before making the right purchase for yourself.
Quick Overview Of Best Outdoor Deep Fryers
Best Overall: Bayou Classic Stainless Deep Fryer
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Best In Value: Barton Deluxe Aluminum Turkey Deep Fryer
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Best Electric: T-fal Deep Fryer
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Best Budget: Chefman Deep Fryer
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Best Double Fryer: King Kooker Propane Outdoor Fry
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Best Professional: R & V Works Cajun Fryer
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Best Large Capacity: GasOne B-5155 Outdoor Fryer
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Best Oil-Less: Char-Broil Big Turkey Fryer
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Best For Outdoor: King Kooker Outdoor Fryer
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Contents
The 9 Best Outdoor Deep Fryers In 2022
Best Overall: Bayou Classic Stainless Deep Fryer
With its 17″D x 17.25″W x 26″H dimensions, it is large enough to accommodate a wide variety of foods, and its 45-pound weight makes it sturdy and durable. With a generous 4-gallon oil capacity, it can accommodate large batches of food, making it perfect for parties and gatherings. It also features sturdy stainless steel construction, ensuring it will withstand daily use rigors.
It also includes a 48-in stainless braided LPG hose, so there’s no need to worry about your food sticking. Additionally, the unit has a fry thermometer, so you can fry your food perfectly. Not only does it include two stainless mesh baskets, but it also comes with a high-pressure regulator and brass control valve. This way, you can fry up your food to perfection without having to worry about any safety concerns. It also has an oil drain valve for easy cleanup.
Pros
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Best In Value: Barton Deluxe Aluminum Turkey Deep Fryer
This fryer has dimensions of 15 x 15 x 19 inches and a weight of 24 pounds, making it large enough to accommodate a whole turkey. It also has a 9.5-liter capacity, so you can cook up a large batch of food. Plus, the aluminum construction ensures even heat distribution, so your food will come out perfectly cooked every time.
The 30 qt. pot is perfect for a large turkey, and the steamer basket ensures that the bird stays moist and juicy. The burner stand provides a stable base for the pot, and the lp hose & regulator ensure that the temperature stays consistent. The temperature thermometer lets you know when the turkey is cooked to perfection, and the poultry rack prevents the turkey from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Finally, the marinade injector allows you to infuse your turkey with flavor.
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Best Electric: T-fal Deep Fryer
Its 18.3″ D x 13.7″W x 14.8″H dimensions make it large enough to accommodate a sizeable amount of food, and its 16.5-pound weight ensures that it will stay in place during use. It is a powerful 1700-watt deep fryer with a 3.5-liter oil capacity and a 2.65-pound food capacity.
The 2-position basket allows you to cook multiple items at once, and the included handles make it easy to transport and store the fryer. It has an EZ clean oil-filtration system which is easy to use and clean. The immersed heating element quickly recovers oil temperature so that you can continue frying without any delays.
It includes dishwasher-safe parts and features an adjustable thermostat, making it easy to fry your food to perfection. In addition, the fryer comes with a warranty, so you can be sure that it will last.
Pros
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Best Budget: Chefman Deep Fryer
It weighs 7.13 pounds and has dimensions of 12″D x 6.25″W x 11.25″H. The deep fryer has a 4.5-liter capacity, making it great for cooking large meals. The temperature control dial makes it easy to adjust the temperature for precise frying, and the removable fryer basket is dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.
This fryer includes a lid, that gives a viewing window so you can keep an eye on your food as it cooks. The magnetic breakaway cord also helps to prevent spills and accidents. It comes with a 1-year assurance so you can be sure that it will serve you well for a long time. The cETL-approved technology ensures that your food is cooked evenly and safely, so you can enjoy all your favorite fried foods without worry.
Pros
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Best Double Fryer: King Kooker Propane Outdoor Fry
The fryer also has a compact design, measuring just 13.38″D x 13.38″W x 27.5″H. Despite its small size, the fryer is able to generate an enormous amount of heat, meaning that it can cook food quickly and evenly. It has a large capacity of 29 quarts, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
The fryer includes an aluminum fry pan and basket with heat resistant handle, so you can safely cook at high temperatures. This fryer has 33, 000 BTU cast burners that provide even heat distribution, and it comes with a listed LP hose and regulator with a type 1 connection. The fryer also features a battery-operated timer to keep track of your cooking time.
Pros
Cons
Best Professional: R & V Works Cajun Fryer
It has a large oil capacity of 4 gallons, so you can fry a variety of foods. The dimensions of the fryer are 29″D x 24″W x 51″H, so it will take up a fair amount of space. This fryer can cook enough food for 25 to 30 people in an hour and also features an oil temperature thermometer. This allows users to ensure that their food is cooked at the correct temperature, ensuring safety and quality.
The fryer includes two fryer baskets with stay-cool handles, and the unique design keeps oil from burning. It is easy to clean and is backed by a one-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Best Large Capacity: GasOne B-5155 Outdoor Fryer
This fryer has a large capacity, measuring 15 x 15 x 12.25 inches, so it can accommodate a variety of food items. It also has a sturdy design, weighing in at 14.52 pounds. It includes an aluminum steamer and stockpot, both of which are durable and easy to clean.
This fryer includes a 0-5 psi adjustable regulator to get the perfect amount of heat for your food. The steel-braided hose is also heat resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your food getting overcooked. Plus, the O-ring is included with the regulator to make sure that there are no leaks.
Pros
Cons
Best Oil-Less: Char-Broil Big Turkey Fryer
It includes 20.75″D x 16.3″W x 23.5″H dimensions and at 28.9 pounds, it is one of the lightest on the market, making it easy to lift. The TRU-Infrared cooking technology ensures that food is cooked evenly and thoroughly, while the compact design makes it easy to store and transport.
The unit also includes a basket and lifter for easy removal of food and a safety valve and thermometer for safety and precision. It has a removable drip tray that catches any oil that drips from the turkey.
Pros
Cons
Best For Outdoor: King Kooker Outdoor Fryer
With dimensions of 17.75″D x 14.5″W x 16.5″H, it is small enough to be easily portable, but large enough to cook enough food for a group of people. The fryer also has a weight of 7.26 kilograms, making it lightweight and easy to carry.
The fryer includes a 54,000 BTU cast burner and a 15 Qt. two rectangular aluminum fry pan. The fry pan is large enough to cook multiple items at once, and the burner provides plenty of heat for perfectly crisp results. The unit includes a heat resistant handles, as well as a deep fry thermometer and an LP hose and regulator with type 1 connection.
Pros
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Types Of Outdoor Deep Fryers
Given below are the most commonly found type of outdoor deep fryers.
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Electric Outdoor Deep Fryers
Electric Outdoor Deep Fryer is the most commonly used option. Not only can they be used indoors but also outdoors. However, many home chefs believe that these fryers don’t prepare food properly. Most of the electric fryers are small in size. Therefore, if you are looking for an option to prepare a whole turkey, you should opt for a larger as well as more expensive model which falls in the $100-200 range.
An electric outdoor deep fryer is a safer option than propane. You can use it both indoors and outdoors. You can even scout for small-sized electric deep fryers to fry smaller food items. Note that the larger models of an electric fryer are on the expensive side. In addition, some foodies don’t like using this fryer. The smell might also linger in your fryer.
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Gas-Powered Outdoor Deep Fryers
Gas-Powered or propane outdoor deep fryers are a common choice of many home chefs who find the results tastier as well as crispier than the ones you achieve using an electric deep fryer. However, using a propane outdoor deep fryer is a risky endeavor. Thus, if you choose to purchase these fryers, you should be well-aware of the practices used to operate them. You can only use these fryers outdoors.
If you stay in a cold place, you can often use your deep fryer on a limited basis. You will have to cater to the requirements of a propane tank- store it, refill it, and move it when required. The primary benefit of using a propane fryer is better-cooked food; the oil will heat up faster than in an electric fryer. If you don’t take the necessary precautions, using a propane fryer will be difficult. You can only use it outdoors and will have to bear the inconvenience of storing and refilling the tank.
Outdoor Deep Fryers Buying Guides
In the following section, we will discuss the factors you need to consider before purchasing an outdoor deep fryer.
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Type
The type of fryer you opt for depends on your needs and managing ability. An electric fryer is a feasible option for you if you don’t wish to bear the inconvenience of managing the fuel. However, it will not be a practical option when it is snowing or raining outside. A gas fryer will work wonders if you have no problem in refilling your propane tank from time to time. A propane fryer can also be used in almost every climatic condition. You can even opt for an air fryer but it will largely be limited to indoor settings.
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Capacity
Consider the quantity of food you plan on making using your deep fryer. If you are thinking of using it only for making food items such as fried cheese or wings, you should consider if you just have to prepare food for a small family or if you have to cater to the needs of a large number of people. In the latter situation, you will waste a lot of time cooking various batches of food items.
If you are targeting larger food items such as whole chicken or turkey, you should opt for a larger air fryer that can accommodate the size of the bird. You can easily fit a batch of fries in the small countertop deep fryer or even a 15-pound turkey. You can even opt for a fryer with multiple baskets that allow you to fry and steam various food items at once. Therefore, if you wish to make fried zucchini and chicken wings at your gathering, you can easily use this type of fryer.
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Material Type
The material that you opt for should coincide with your needs. You can go for a stainless steel outdoor fryer as well. Other materials used to make outdoor fryers include cast iron or even stainless steel. Thus, analyze your material preference carefully before you pick out the fryer for yourself.
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Ease Of Cleaning
It is a given fact that cleaning your deep fryer is a difficult task. There are a few models which offer dishwasher-safe parts. However, you still have to drain the oil from your fryer. You should, therefore, opt for a deep fryer that has a detachable compartment for oil or a drainage system to make your life relatively smoother.
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Safety Concerns
When using an outdoor deep fryer, you should consider the safety hazards that are associated with it. For instance, using an electric fryer during the rainy season might cause a short circuit or even lead to fire. Thus, ensure you look through the safety guards offered along with every fryer before making a purchase.
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Temperature Control
You should opt for a model which offers you greater control over the temperature of your air fryer. While a typical model gives only the standard options for temperature control, the advanced models allow you to customize the temperature according to your needs.
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Oil Filtration
Usually, a typical outdoor air fryer is not a viable option if you wish to reuse your oil again and again. You can save money and time by choosing a model that will preserve the quality of your oil and, therefore, promote a longer service duration.
FAQs
Yes, you can use your electric fryer outside. While a proportion of people choose to use their fryers outdoors because they emit cooking odors and can also be noisy to use. However, from a safety perspective, you should use your electric fryer only when there is a power outlet at close quarters because if you use an extension cord, it would increase the likelihood of a fire. It is also a safer option to opt for a model which has a breakaway cord that will pull off the cooker if you happen to trip on it accidentally.
It is a risky endeavor to deep fry when it is either rainy or snowy outside. This is because if snow or rain falls into hot grease, it will end up creating hot steam or spatters which can lead to severe burns. For this reason, only, you should never put a frozen turkey in your fryer. Make sure your turkey is thawed and dry. You shouldn’t consider locating your fryer inside a garage or a carport where any small flare-up can ignite an entire house fire. It’s a better option to use the oven when your fryer doesn’t cooperate.
To deep fry your turkey, you should opt for oil that has a high smoke point. Consider peanut oil which has a smoking point of around 450 F. Almost every recipe will ask you to fry your turkey at 350 F such that the higher smoke point offers a lot of room for any mistakes. If you are someone with peanut allergies, you can consider corn oil. It offers a less flavorful experience as compared to peanut oil but is equally safe and has the same smoke point. You can use canola oil only if you monitor the temperature because it smokes at around 400 degrees. Olive oil, however, is a very bad choice because it has a smoke point of 320 F.
If you plan on cooking any bread or any battered food, you can use the same oil at least three or four times. On the other hand, for a cleaner food such as potato chips, you can reuse the same oil around eight times and even for a longer duration if you keep complementing it with fresh oil.
Although it is suggested that you should store your oil in a container and not in the fryer when you are not using it for long periods of time, you can choose to keep your oil in the fryer itself for shorter periods of time. However, you must filter your oil first to make sure that any leftover food won’t spoil when it’s in the fryer.
There are several studies that suggest that reusing oil is unhealthy for a number of reasons. Firstly, when you reuse an oil, it simply increases the likelihood of the release of harmful substances. In addition, it also increases the proportion of free radicals in the body which leads to inflammation and several other chronic diseases. However, if there is a need to reuse an oil, it should be for a maximum duration of three times. This is done to avoid the formation of any trans fat. Therefore, you should avoid reusing oil as much as possible. In desperate times, you can reuse oil but only for around three times.
To see if your oil is rancid, pour some of it on a spoon and smell it. If it gives off a sour odor, it is an indication that the oil has gone bad. Rancid oil will give off a stickiness. Thus, if your container is giving a tacky feeling in the interior of the spout, it’s time to throw it away. Other indications of the rancidity of your oil include a bitter taste, soapy texture, or a smell of chemicals. You can choose to take a small sip if you are unable to judge from the smell. A bitter and harsh taste is another indicator of rancidity. The smell of rancid oil is wide-ranging. If it smells anywhere close to a play-dough, nail polish remover, crayons, or old paint, you should be assured that the oil is unfit for use.
Conclusion
Therefore, an outdoor deep fryer is a viable option for several reasons. For one, you are assured that there would be no food smell in your place. Secondly, you will have ample space because you are preparing food outdoors. In addition, you have several varieties to choose from. You can opt for an electric deep fryer if you don’t want to bear the inconvenience of arranging the fuel source.
However, you won’t be able to use your electric fryer outdoors when it’s rainy or snowy. A propane smoker is a feasible option because it can withstand different climatic conditions. However, you will have to bear the inconvenience of arranging the fuel source from time to time. In addition, you need to take several factors into consideration before you purchase the right outdoor deep fryer for yourself. Consider the capacity, features, type of fryer, and material type that you opt for.
