Archive for the ‘Turkey Fryers’ Category
So as I said there are many different kinds of items on the market for turkey frying time.
Let’s start with the indoor counter top electric deep fryer.
Counter top deep fryers that are of a size to deep fry turkey, are usually quite versatile. Just like a traditional outdoor propane turkey fryer, you can do more than just deep fry. You can typically boil and steam with these units as well.
A turkey of about 12 to 14 pounds can be deep fried in some of the larger counter top units.
Unlike an outdoor turkey fryer, there are more safety features with counter top fryers. Most of them have a temperature gauge with a light to let you know when your optimum temperature has been reached. Usually if the appliance overheats it will automatically shut off. And all counter top fryers come equipped with a breakaway safety cord.
It is not recommended to use an indoor electric deep fryer outdoors, but if you prefer not to deep fry in the house, use the fryer in a garage or on a covered porch. Indoor units do not like to be exposed to rain. They also need to be on a sturdy, level surface.
The use of extension cords is not recommended either, due to possible entanglement in the cord which would cause safety hazards. It could also cause the unit to not perform properly.
On the down side, an outdoor propane deep fryer will heat to optimum temperature quicker than the indoor electric fryer. A propane unit with a jet cooker can heat your stock pot of frying oil to temp. in about 20 minutes. A counter top unit can take up to 55 minutes.
Another con of counter top fryers that are large enough to fry a turkey, they do take up counter space. Unless your kitchen is huge this is not an appliance that you can store on your counter all the time. Once the unit and oil are cooled, you need to strain the oil, clean the pot and put the unit away.
As with all deep fryers, indoor or outdoor, electric or propane, NEVER leave your fryer unattended! Take proper safety precautions. Read the manufacturer’s instruction booklet. Wear suitable clothing and proper pot holders.
It never hurts to have an all purpose fire extinguisher on hand, baking soda, and/or a bucket of sand. Remember water and oil do not mix.
Tomorrow we will expand upon counter top deep fryers by delving into the awesome new world that Masterbuilt and Butterball have made together, by creating a new and innovative way to deep fry turkeys using less oil.
It’s that time of year again. People start trying to remember where they packed the turkey fryer away. Is it in the garage, the shed, the attic?
I know that some people use their turkey fryers year round, for all sorts of applications, like canning vegetables at the end of the summer or making chili for the tailgate. But, most people only use their stock pot and propane cooker for one thing, Thanksgiving. I just don’t understand why this versatile piece of cooking equipment would only be used for one holiday a year. The traditional turkey fryer can be used to steam, stew, and boil, beside being able to deep fry anything, like wings, fries, onion rings, etc.
If you don’t already own a turkey fryer but have been thinking about getting one, which one do you choose?
There are so many types of “fryers” to choose from on the market now. There are indoor electric counter top fryers that can hold a small turkey. There is a larger counter top model by Masterbuilt & Butterball that have made turkey frying more convenient and use less oil too. There are the traditional outdoor propane turkey fryers and larger outdoor professional style deep fryers that you can deep fry turkey in. There are outdoor electric turkey fryers, and “oil-free” turkey fryers. Which one is right for you?
Eating deep fried foods should not be an every day occurrence but lets face it we Americans do like our fried foods. Many Americans do actually have a deep fryer at home, whether it be of the counter top variety or a stove top cast iron deep fryer. Many folks have outdoor propane fryers or turkey fryers as well.
Making a choice to eat healthy foods, like salads and boneless, skinless, chicken breast are better for your cholesterol and blood pressure. Many people have to eat this way due to the high rate of obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol in this country. But lets face it, eating healthier foods is expensive. Getting chopped meat that is 97% lean is pricey. Buying chicken breast that has been made boneless and skinless is also not cheap. Purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables is iffy due to the short shelf life. It’s not like you can freeze lettuce to use at a later date. You can always grow your own produce, which keeps down chemical exposure, to you and your family, but not every one has a green thumb, or a yard big enough to accommodate a big garden.
Mrs. Obama has been making an effort to get the country to slim down, grow a garden, and eat foods that are better for them. Many fast food restaurants are even jumping on the band wagon and offering healthier choices. But, lets face it, when you go out to a restaurant to eat, fast food or fancier, odds are in this economy that you are going to indulge yourself in fatty, comforting, deep fried, high caloric goodness. Many people can’t just afford to go out to eat anymore. When we do, why would you want to have roughage, tofu, and bulgar wheat when you can have a burger and french fries, or a steak and smashed potatoes 
with a slice of cheese cake for dessert? If you are eating healthier foods at home and on your lunch hour, you are certainly going to treat yourself if you are able to go out to eat. Besides, most fast food restaurants offer great deals on a combo burger and fry meal, where the healthier items are usually a bit more price wise.
There are many people in our country that are still out of work. Some have taken jobs way out of context to what they went to school for just so they can keep a roof over head and feed themselves and their families. I know a young man that has taken a job in retail at an electronics box store. He went to school to become a gym teacher or athletic coach. I know a woman that has been working in property management most of her life. She is now a cashier in a grocery store. I know a man that actually passed the bar exam. He now sells french fries at festivals and fairs. It can be a very trying experience when you were used to living a certain way or were expecting other things in your life.
People take comfort in deep fried, fatty foods. When your belly is full and it was something that tasted good, it can put a smile on your face and ease some tension from earlier in the day. The same old piece of grilled chicken and steamed broccoli is just not going to do that for you. People know that they should be eating healthy, but if a burger and fries can wash away your woes for a while once a week, then I say have at it!!
Now that we’ve talked about indoor fryer safety, it’s time to move outdoors.
Having a turkey fryer or any outdoor propane deep fryer is fun. It adds flavor to your holidays. It’s an extra versatile cooking appliance for backyard barbecues, and a great added piece of cooking equipment for tailgaters. You can deep fry, steam, boil, simmer, and stew with a traditional turkey fryer. When it comes to hot oil and flames, always remember…safety first. This goes for any outdoor cooking equipment, but especially when frying oil, flames, and propane tanks are involved.
Now as I said having an outdoor fryer is fun, but it is also a serious business. Caution and common sense play a big role here.
Wearing appropriate clothes, like having shoes and sleeves are a great idea. Having all of the proper tools from your fryer kit right on hand is a necessity. You don’t need to search for the grab hook or basket lifter when the time comes to use it. Other important equipment to use and have on hand when using any outdoor propane deep fryer, are heavy duty long gloves, safety goggles, a bucket of sand and an all purpose fire extinguisher. Remember…water and hot oil don’t mix. A hose used on any grease or oil fire can just make matters worse.
Always use your propane fryer outdoors. An open area is best, away from houses, garages, wooden decks, trees, and shrubs. Find a nice, flat, level piece of ground. Make certain that children and pets have another area to play in. You also want to be certain that your deep fryer will not be in a walk through area. Always make sure that there is at least 2 feet of space between your propane tank and the fryer burner. Make sure that no one is going to try to walk between the tank and the burner. Place your tank and fryer so that any wind will blow the heat of the burner and fryer away from your LP gas tank. Keep in mind that there are some outdoor electric fryer units on the market. The same goes for these units. They are intended for outdoor use, not in your kitchen or on your wooden porch or deck. You also want to make sure that your cord will not get walked into, yanking the cord out of the wall or flipping your fryer over.
Never leave the fryer unattended. This goes for any type of deep fryer, indoors or outdoors. You always need to keep a careful watch during the deep frying process. If a grease fire occurs, turn off the gas immediately and cover the stock pot with a lid. Sand and again an all purpose fire extinguisher are great to have on hand. Also if your oil begins to smoke badly, immediately turn off the gas.
Being sober while deep frying is pretty important. You will have time afterward when the cooking is done and the oil has cooled or been stored away. Keeping your friends that are partying, safe and away from the hot oil is important too. Just like the kids and the dogs, make sure that any rowdiness, rough play or an over zealous drinkers have there own place far from gas tank lines, burners, and hot oil.
Make sure that your stock pot or Dutch oven is properly centered over your burner. You don’t want food or hot oil upending because the pan just wasn’t centered.
Remember to use the tea bag dunking method. Any time you add something in to hot oil, it is going to bubble and spit. Just dropping a turkey or whatever you are frying, right in to the stock pot is just asking for trouble. This will result in a major boil over and a possible fire hazard. If you are really worried, when the time comes to put the turkey in the pot, shut the burner off for a couple of minutes until your bird or other food, is safely nestled in the pot. Then turn the burner back on.
Always give your fryer proper time to cool down before straining or disposing of the oil. Even though the unit is turned off, the oil will remain hot for quite a while. You still need to keep the kids, big and small, and dogs away from it while it cools. With a traditional turkey fryer, get a battery operated pump or enlist a friend or two to help strain and funnel the oil. The oil can be used again if stored properly. Once the oil is cooled, you can strain and funnel the oil into storage containers with ease. If tailgating, funnel empty warm oil into clean, metal Gerry Cans. The cans will still be hot but they may be stored out of high traffic areas. The fryer will cool down quicker allowing you to put it away sooner. That way you may enter the stadium and enjoy the game, without the danger of someone stumbling into your hot fryer while you are away from it.
Don’t be scared of your deep fryer. Have fun with it! Just use caution, think safely and use sober, common sense.
This is a perfect time of year for a turkey fryer. Well, any time of year is a great time for a turkey fryer as you can use them for almost anything.
Fall, besides the obvious Turkey Day, is full of tailgating, canning, festivals, fairs, and football. Having a turkey fryer, a stock pot and outdoor propane cooker, can be handy for all sorts of fall festivities!
A traditional turkey fryer not only deep fries food, it can also steam, simmer, boil, & stew. A tailgate crew with a turkey fryer kit has it going on. You can steam corn, boil potatoes, deep fry turkey or Buffalo wings, make chili or have a Low Country Boil. Menu options are endless!
If you are an avid gardener, being able to cook down tomatoes or berries, without having to heat up the kitchen in those warm early fall days is great. Set up your stock pot and cooker outside and start the canning process on the patio. This goes the same for apple sauce, beets, blanching a ton of green beans, whatever. You can also cook down your maple sap in the spring to make syrup.
Fall festivals are great places for turkey fryers. Most Autumn fairs are held outdoors. Sometimes electric is not an option. Having an outdoor propane deep fryer can come in quite handy. Having mulled wine or hot
cider for fair goers on a cold Autumn afternoon is a great way to make some cash. Cooking up corned beef and cabbage for your local fire department’s Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day fund raiser, having a turkey fryer or 5 is a must! Tie Dying with scouts at a fall Halloween function, you need a turkey fryer stock pot. And don’t forget the football. A huge stock pot full of HOT chocolate or hot cider at an away night game. What could be better? Besides having a turkey fryer around for Thanksgiving is a must. Even if you are not deep frying a turkey, having a stock pot to make turkey stock with after the big day is great. A big old turkey carcass does not fit in most pans that you keep under the counter.
If you have a turkey fryer, but don’t use it that often, then it is time to get it out of the garage and dust it off. If you don’t have one, it’s time to get one. These multi-purpose cookers are a must have for any cook, be they amateur or pro.
Some of us think about turkey fryers all the time. For those of us that don’t, it is that time of year again.
School is about to start up again. That means football season. Tailgating is about to go into warp drive. If you don’t have a turkey fryer with your tailgating equipment, now is a great time to add one!
Turkey fryers are a very versatile and mobile piece of outdoor cooking equipment. They don’t just deep fry. You can boil, steam, and stew with them too. That first real cold weather game, you can make steaming hot bowls of chili. Steam up some corn on the cob while the steaks grill. These outdoor cookers run on LP gas, so they are as portable as any grill. And, yes, they do deep fry. While you are grilling up assorted meat products for your tailgating crew, you can deep fry french fries or onion rings for a side dish. Better yet, start off the tailgate party with a whole mess of deep fried Buffalo Wings.
Then comes Thanksgiving. Everyone loves deep fried turkey. Besides having an outdoor propane deep fryer to tailgate with, you now have the propane stove and stock pot to deep fry turkey for Thanksgiving! That goes for home as well as the stadium parking lot. I know plenty of tailgaters that have an annual traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings and deep fried bird for that Thanksgiving Day game. I mean, why not? It is an American tradition. Why give it up just because you are at a football game?
Now if you are worried about hot frying oil and a rowdy tailgate party, maybe a less conventional deep fryer is more your speed. They still run on propane. They are still portable. An R & V Works Cajun Fryer was made with safety in mind. The oil is heated with super hot air that flows through self contained tubes. It will heat the oil to a temperature worthy of deep frying anything. The flame for the unit is typically at the back. Any oil spillage would occur in the front. Therefore no oil and flame should ever come in contact. These units have a rolling caddy for mobility, but the caddy also makes the unit more stable than a traditional turkey fryer. If a non-sober compadre should accidentally knock into the unit, it is less likely to take a tumble than a stock pot on a propane jet cooker. But, you know your crew better than anyone. You just need to keep a distance between propane tanks, deep fryers, grills, and the party crowd.
With a Cajun Fryer, clean up is relatively easy. They come with an oil drain valve. While everyone is eating. Let your fryer cool a bit. Then hook up an adapted piece of radiator hose to your drain valve and drain your warm oil into metal Gerry cans. The cans can be placed out of harms way while folks head into the game. The fryer unit can be rolled out of way also, allowing it to fully cool while you are in watching the game. When the game is over, your fryer will be ready to pack up and take home.
With either unit, a traditional turkey fryer or some other outdoor propane deep fryer, you can open up whole new menu options for your tailgate or anywhere. You can have a fish fry at church, wings at the fire house, or deep fried mushrooms at home. It is time to get out there and deep fry your tailgate!
As of July 1, 2011, Barbour International, ie.: Bayou Classic has decided to discontinue the turkey fryer kit.
A turkey fryer kit is everything that you need to deep fry turkey. A stock pot with a lid, an outdoor propane cooker or patio stove, the hose and regulator, a poultry rack and lifter, a thermometer, and seasoning injector are typically included. Some of the more deluxe models would include other perforated baskets and pans for smaller deep frying adventures, like a Friday night fish fry, or a large perforated steam/boil basket for Low Country Boils.
Turkey fryers are versatile in that you can, steam, boil, stew, and deep fry in them. These kits are ideal outdoor cooking equipment for tailgaters. You can change up your menu for every game and not just be grilling all the time. You can make chili one week, or just steam corn on the cob the next week while you grill steaks for your tailgating crew.
Some units are made of aluminum, some stainless steel. This part is all preference. Stainless usually cleans up easier than aluminum but the aluminum turkey fryer stock pots tend to be less expensive. If you are just starting out in the turkey frying fad, aluminum may be the way to go for you. After you gain some more experience, maybe you want to upgrade to a stainless steel model.
Luckily, Barbour International is still carrying all the items that were in all of the turkey fryer kits. The items must all be purchased separately now. This is good in one sense, as not everyone wanted everything that came in some of the kits. On the down side, purchasing all of the original items as compared to everything in one box as one kit, is considerably more expensive. I see this as being a bad move for business, especially in the economic times we are experiencing right now. People are looking for a great value with a great price tag. People are still going to fry turkeys, they just may be looking elsewhere for a better deal.
I am constantly stressing the fact that your outdoor cooking appliances may have more than one use. Your grill, for instance, may be used for BBQ smoking or even be used just like an oven.
Traditional turkey fryers are multi-functional as well.
You can deep fry, stew, steam, and boil with your turkey fryer.
A neat idea for a cold weather tailgate, is to have hot cider or even mulled wine. Using your propane turkey fryer is ideal for a chilled tailgate crowd.
You can opt for just hot cider. Once it is warm, serve it in cups.
You can do a spicier version for a more grown up taste. This will add a heartier flavor in that crisp fall air.
6 gallons apple cider (not apple juice…cider)
6 whole cloves
6 cinnamon sticks
2 Tbsp. whole allspice
Place everything in the turkey fryer and set it to low. Bring the cider to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to very low, and let it simmer for about an hour or hour and a half. To serve, place a pat of butter in the bottom of each cup, and ladle the hot cider into the cups.
For Mulled Wine you want to basically follow the above directions, but using a red wine in place of the cider. You also do not want to boil the wine. Only to simmer! There are many variations to mulled wine. Some people actually add vanilla pods, oranges, nutmeg and brandy to the mix.
2 smaller batch versions to try ahead of time before you try it at the stadium is as follows:
4 c. sugar1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
3 med. oranges, thinly sliced
1 med. lemon, thinly sliced
2 c. water
1 gallon dry red wine
Father’s Day is a time to honor Dad. A time to say thanks for all the days he went to work to keep a roof over your head and food in your belly. For the times that he helped you fix your car. For helping you learn how to ride a bike. For teaching you how to fish or hunt. There are dad’s from all walks of life, white collar, blue collar, etc. Every dad is different and most dads help their kids out with something at least once in their lives. To give them thanks is a great honor.
Not all dads are the tie type. Dads don’t all wear cologne. Some would fancy a new tool for the tool box, but chances are, they already have that tool or something similar anyway. Some like new DVD’s and CD’s.
Lots of dads like to cook outside. It has come down through history since the cave man cooked over an open fire. Many of your dads may have a grill, some may even have a BBQ smoker. Probably only about 1 out of 10 dads have an outdoor propane deep fryer to go along with there outdoor cooking appliances. That may really be more like 1 out of 20. Lots of folks still have a fear of the traditional turkey fryer and the exposed flame and boiling hot oil. But you have to remember that a traditional turkey fryer will also steam, stew, and boil. Your pop can make a huge pot of chili for himself and his friends for Superbowl Sunday in that same turkey fryer. If he likes seafood he can have a summer cookout and have everyone over for a New England style clam bake, or even a Low Country Boil. The units are portable as well. He can take a deep fryer tailgating and cook up a mess of Philly Cheese steak for the guys at the stadium.
Leaps and bounds have been made over the past 2 decades regarding outdoor propane fryers. You don’t have to go with the conventional turkey fryer anymore. There are “safer” fryers out there. Typically, they are just fryers, they don’t steam and boil. But, they are safer in that any possible oil spillage would not come in contact with open flames. The flames are contained in a tube. The tube runs through the hot oil and heats it hot enough to deep fry whatever you can think of. Some of the units are even large enough to deep fry turkey.
So, forget the tie or cologne. Your Pop doesn’t want a new tool. He wants an outdoor propane deep fryer for Father’s Day. He wants to invite his friends over and deep fry some wings for them while they wait for the brisket to finish smoking. He wants to impress his friends by deep frying turkey for Thanksgiving. It is certainly a different option as far as Father’s Day gifts go, but your dad wants more outdoor cooking equipment. Just a grill, can get boring. Add some spice to your father’s life and get him a deep fryer!
Having a turkey fryer or any outdoor propane deep fryer is fun. It adds flavor to your holidays, it’s an extra versatile cooking appliance for big barbecues, and a great added piece of cooking equipment for tailgaters. You can steam, boil, and stew with a traditional turkey fryer, but when it comes to hot oil and flames, always remember…safety first. This goes for any outdoor cooking equipment, but especially when oil, flames, and propane tanks are involved.
You can always go with a safer fryer, like a Cajun Fryer from R & V Works, or a Bayou Fryer by Bayou Classic. These units’ flames are enclosed in a tube, typically on the back side of the unit, away from any possible 
oil spillage. Keeping oil spillage away from open flame is a key safety factor. But even with a safer fryer, safety is still important.
Some important equipment to use and have on hand when using any outdoor propane deep fryer, are heavy duty long gloves, a face shield or safety goggles, a bucket of sand and an all purpose fire extinguisher. Remember…water and hot oil don’t mix. A hose used on an oil fire can just make matters worse.
Always read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when using a turkey fryer and LP gas.
NEVER leave your deep fryer unattended. This goes for turkey fryers, safer fryers, counter top fryers, and stove top deep fryers. You always need to keep a careful watch during the deep frying process. Should a grease fire occur, turn off gas immediately and cover the pot with a lid. Most counter top units have an emergency release cord, so unplug and cover. Baking soda and again an all purpose fire extinguisher are great to have with electric fryers. Also if your oil begins to smoke, immediately turn off the gas.
Always use your propane fryer outdoors. An open area is best, away from houses, garages, wooden decks, trees, and shrubs. Find a flat level piece of ground. Make certain that children and pets have another area to play in. You also want to be certain that the fryer will not be in a walk through area. Keep in mind that there are some larger electric “fryer” units on the market. The same goes for these units. They are intended for outdoor use, not in your kitchen or on your wooden porch and deck.
Always make sure that there is at least 2 feet of space between your propane tank and the fryer burner. Make sure that no one is going to try to walk between the tank and the burner. Place your tank and fryer so that any wind will blow the heat of the burner and fryer away from the gas tank.
Always center your stockpot, Dutch oven, or wok over the burner. You don’t want your pot to tip.
Immediately wash utensils, gloves, hands, and surfaces that have come in contact with raw meat.
Give your fryer proper time to cool down before straining or disposing of oil. Even though the unit is turned off, the oil will remain hot for a while. You still need to keep the kids and dogs away from it while it cools. With a traditional turkey fryer, get a battery operated pump or enlist a friend or two to help strain and funnel the oil. The oil can be used again if stored properly. Safer fryers tend to have an oil release port. Once the oil is cooled, you can strain and funnel the oil into storage containers with ease.
If tailgating with a safer fryer, you can get a proper hook up and radiator hose and empty warm oil into metal Gerry Cans. The cans will still be hot but they may be stored out of high traffic areas. The fryer will cool down quicker allowing you to put it away sooner. That way you may enter the stadium and enjoy the game, without the danger of someone stumbling into your hot fryer while you are away from it.
Have fun with your deep fryers, just always remember, safety first!