Top 15 Best Outdoor Deep Fryers
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Deep frying indoors might be convenient, but the aftermath is a totally different kettle of fish.
There’s the cleanup work, the unpleasant smell that could leave your kitchen repulsive for days and the safety hazard linked to deep frying indoors.
Having your deep frying done outside the vicinity of your kitchen is a pleasant twist, and an outdoor deep fryer can help you make the most of your time outside.
An outdoor deep fryer still has all the positives you liked about your indoor option.And you don’t have to worry about leaving any stench in your home, because nature has got you covered.
By using your outdoor deep fryeroutside, you will be giving your kitchen sufficient time to breath – it doesn’t have to deal with another smoldering deep frying expedition.
While outdoor deep fryers have the same basic setup – a heat source, metal base and a protective surround – things get quite intense beyond these features. Some can stand the heat; others make their way back to the kitchen!
To get an idea of what I am talking about, I will be detailing the different types of outdoor deep fryers available, since picking the outdoor deep fryer that can match your needs is certainly not picking cherries.
You will want to know what powers the deep fryer and what differentiates it from the other. Follow me as I walk you through selecting an outdoor deep fryer based on its type.
Types of Outdoor Deep Fryers
It might interest you to know that outdoor deep fryers can be categorized based on where the heat used in deep frying your food comes from. On this premise, outdoor deep fryers can either be gas-powered or electricity-dependent.
Gas Powered Outdoor Deep Fryers
Models in this category depend on gaseous hydrocarbons like natural gas or propane to generate the heat required for an outdoor deep frying expedition.
With this type of deep fryers, an outdoor deep frying is done quickly without a compromise in the overall process. Also, the propane tank is easily accessible and be moved farther from your kitchen, which is one of the pitfalls of the electric models.
The underbelly of gas-powered outdoor deep fryers is the effect of the hydrocarbons on the environment. There’s also the issue of maintenance to deal with.
But models in this category are known to be roughed and can deal with heavy-duty outdoor deep frying.
Electricity-Dependent Outdoor Deep Fryers
Here, electric power is responsible for heating. Electric outdoor deep fryers use heating elements with a power rating. Often, this could prove decisive when carrying certain deep frying tasks.
This explains why many electric models aren’t capable of handling heavy-duty outdoor deep frying activities.
Electric outdoor deep fryers might be largely restrained by the availability of electric power and the proximity of a power outlet. But the units here leave a near-zero carbon footprint, an attribute which can’t be said about their gas-powered counterpart.
Also, they are generally safer compared to using flammable hydrocarbons in close proximity with naked flames.
Apparently, your choice of either type of outdoor deep fryers will be dependent on your intentions regarding the appliance.
If it’s largely domestic, an electric model could be a great choice. For commercial-purpose deep fryer, a gas-powered model is often preferable.
What is The Best Outdoor Deep Fryer?
This guide will look at the best outdoor deep fryers on the market, and this section intends to offer you a sneak peek into the wonders of a few remarkable deep fryers.
The heat-defying features of certain outdoor deep fryers will be outlined. You’ll also get to understand why they aredeserving of another glance. Time is valuable, so I intend providing you with the nitty-gritty of some outdoor deep fryers without wasting it.
If you don’t have the time for a blow-by-blow review of the best outdoor deep fryers, just check out the list of recommendations and the comparison table and you should be okay. For the complete evaluation of the best outdoor deep fryers, the review section is just below.
I’ll be highlighting the features of the best outdoor deep fryers and what type of frying these equipment are mostly suited for, like the best outdoor deep fryer for fish, best budget outdoor deep fryer and others. Take a look.
- Best Fish Fryer: Bayou Classic B159 Cast Iron Outdoor Cooker
“Perforated aluminum basket, Dutch oven lid, cast iron fry pot, 21” tall welded steel frame, 29” LPG rubber hose.” - Best Electric Deep Fryer: T-fal FR8000 Deep Fryer
“Has 2.5 pounds capacity, 1700 watts rating, EZ oil filtration, stainless steel baskets, easy oil removal process, heats fast, compact build.” - Best Deep Fryer for Outdoor Use: King Kooker 1618 Outdoor Cooker
“Aluminum pan, rectangular stand, frying baskets, good for indoor or outdoor use, propane gas burner.” - Best Outdoor Turkey Fryer: Stark Deluxe 30 QT Aluminum Turkey Deep Fryer
“30-quart aluminum pot, 55,000 BTU, 20 pounds max turkey weight, comes with a thermometer, a supportive stand.” - Best Oil-Less Outdoor Deep Fryer: Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer
“Oil-less fryer, infrared cooker, large enough to accommodate 16 pounds full turkey, easy to clean, safer than regular deep fryers.” - Best Budget Outdoor Deep Fryer: GasOne B-5155 Outdoor Fryer
“Steamer and stockpot, heat resistant hose, constructible frame, propane burner, versatile cooker.” - Best Bayou Classic Deep Fryer: Bayou Classic 700-725 Deep Fryer
“Extended legs, heat resistant handle, stainless steel basket, 2.5 gallon size, V-shaped interior, and drain valve.” - Best Professional Outdoor Deep-Fryer: R&V Works 4 Gallon Deep Fryer Plus Baskets and Stand
“Cooks for up to 30 guests in 1 hour, drain valve, two frying baskets, 8-inch wheels, expensive.”
Outdoor Deep Fryers Comparison Chart
Want a visual comparison chart of the best outdoor deep fryers? I’ve got your covered. Here are some of the important details of the top 12 outdoor deep fryers on the market today.
Top 12 Outdoor Deep Fryers Reviews
Follow me as I take the time to review 12 of the best outdoor deep fryers you can purchase today. This review will be concise and hopefully, instrumental in shaping your decision making regarding the choice of an outdoor deep fryer to purchase this year.
1. Bayou Classic 700-701 Deep Fryer
This outdoor fryer is an embodiment of impressive features, geared towards an efficient frying of your food items.
It’s constructed for an enhanced mobility of the entire setup. All components are confined to a single unit. The fryer has 2 pairs of extensions for legs, with a pair of ergonomic handles for a quick movement of the unit, if needed.
Heat is provided by the use of liquid propane. The design of this fryer sees the interchange of gaseous elements – air comes in and waste effervescence exits – the designated channels in the compact fryer. This improves the efficacy of the appliance.
A shaped protrusion downwards sees the settlement of possible food debris, leaving your oil cleaner, so there’s a better chance of reusing the oil later. At the extreme end of this dip, a drain valve makes removal of the oil possible. Cleaning shouldn’t be problematic in this appliance.
Key Features
- V-shaped interior
- 4-gallon size
- Stained steel baskets
Product Specifications
| Oil capacity | 4 gallons |
| Dimensions | 38.5 x 14.5x 11.5 inches |
| Cooker type | Gas-powered |
| Weight | 45 pounds |
| Brand | Bayou Classic |
Pros
- Design helps in keeping the oil clean
- Large capacity stainless steel fry baskets
- Drain valve makes it easy to clean the appliance
- Heats up quickly and stays hot for a long time
- Sturdy build
- Has an inbuilt thermometer for a seamless temperature control
Cons
- It’s bulky
- Accessing the control valve requires some getting used to
2. Backyard Pro Turkey Deep Fryer
Sometimes, you just want a big stockpot in an outdoor setting, and that’s precisely what this turkey fryer is offering. It comes with a 30-qt pot which can hold a big bird of 18 lbs.
There are different accessories included, so you can do lot more than just frying. You can steam, cook and boil food using the steamer kit and other items.
It has a stand, which is made using rolled steel, and its powder coated to improve its durability.
The propane burner supplies a 55,000 BTU flame, so your turkey gets cooked quickly.
With the lightweight aluminum pots and other items, heat radiates permeates your food more quickly. But the fragile nature of these utensils could be a major pitfall.
Key Features
- Aluminum pots and basket
- 55,000 BTU burner
- 30-quart stockpot
Product Specifications
| Cooking time | 3 minutes a pound |
| Cooker type | Gas-powered |
| Capacity | 20 pounds |
| Brand | Backyard Pro |
Pros
- Several accessories included
- Multipurpose deep fryer
- Comes with a rigid box steel stand
- Easily heated aluminum utensils
Cons
- Fragile accessories
- Lacks a timer
3. Stark Deluxe 30 QT Aluminum Turkey Deep Fryer
(Best Outdoor Turkey Fryer)
This deep fryer consists of an aluminum pot and basket; you can immerse your turkey into the heated oil and retrieve same easily. The 30-quart aluminum pot can hold as much as 20 lbs comfortably.
One thing stands out regarding this deep fryer, which is the nature of its stand. The roll steel stand support the weight of the balanced pot and through its appendage, keeps an imbalanced pot from tilting over and causing a major safety hazard.
This fryer uses a propane burner with a 55,000 BTU capacity; it will get your turkey fried in no time. But you don’t have to overheat the oil as the long probe thermometer can be easily inserted and kept inside the pot using the clip provided.
Key Features
- Aluminum pot
- 55,000 BTU burner
- Supportive stand
Product Specifications
| Cooking time | 3 minutes a pound |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 15.5 x 19.7inches |
| Cooker type | Gas-powered |
| Weight | 23 pounds |
| Brand | Stark |
Pros
- Supportive stand holds the pots in place over the burner
- Aluminum pot heats up quickly
- Oil doesn’t get to overheat since you can monitor the temperature using the thermometer
- The pair of poultry rack and lift hook makes it easy to withdraw your turkey from the pot
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Lacks an instruction manual
- No timer
4. King Kooker 1618 Outdoor Cooker
(Best Deep Fryer for Outdoor Use)
This is a gas fryer, which allows you fry food, just the way you like them.
It comes with a big aluminum pan, which holds the oil for frying. Also provided with the pan are two baskets, made of the same material.
Food items to be fried are placed in the basket and suspended in the pan using the heat-resistant handle. You can’t fry different items in the each basket as the flavor tends to move around the oil since nothing separates the baskets.
This outdoor cooker has a pretty imposing stand with two pairs of jointed legs, so it’s more stable, which is absolutely necessary considering the nature of the pan and its content.
There’s a fryer thermometer, so you can monitor temperature changes and adjust the burner accordingly.
Key Features
- Aluminum pan
- Frying baskets
- Rectangular stand
Product Specifications
| Cooking time | 3 minutes a pound |
| Burner height
Pan dimensions | 16 inches
16.5 x 5 inches |
| Cooker type | Gas-powered |
| Weight | 16.01 pounds |
| Brand | King Kooker |
Pros
- Stand is sturdy
- Temperature gauge keeps you in control of the level of heat applied
- Aluminum pan heats up quite fast
- Baskets make it easy to retrieve fried food
Cons
- 18-quarts pan size is small
- No drain valve
- Fragile pan
5. Bayou Classic 700-725 Fryer
(Best Bayou Classic Deep Fryer)
You don’t often find a fryer with an inside-out heating mechanism, but this is obtainable with this unit. Such a design is advantageous for its pleasant effect on the oil. You can reuse the oil as there’s only a slim chance of it being tainted.
Like the 700-701, this fryer has 2 pairs of extended legs with an adjustable height, so frying at different levels is possible.
Your turkey or other items go into the stainless steel basket, which is then immersed in the oil. The basket has a single heat-resistant handle, so it’s easy to retrieve fried food from the oil without making a mess.
To improve the reusability of the oil, this fryer, like its sibling, the 700-701, has a V-shape structure, which sees the deposition of breaded particles at the bottom. There’s also a drain valve for draining the oil after the completion of your frying activity.
Key Features
- V-shaped interior
- 2.5-gallon size
- Stained steel basket
Product Specifications
| Oil capacity | 2.5 gallons |
| Dimensions | 18 x 13.5 x 32.5 inches |
| Cooker type | Gas-powered |
| Weight | 34.5 pounds |
| Brand | Bayou Classic |
Pros
- V-shaped design keeps the oil clean
- Large capacity stainless steel fry baskets
- Its drain valve makes it easier to clean
- Heats up quickly and stays hot for a long time
- Durable
- Compact build
Cons
- Uses a lot of oil
- Longer clean-up time
6. T-fal FR8000 Deep Fryer
(Best Electric Deep Fryer)
At first glance, this deep fryer has the general appearance of a heavy-duty setup. But its 2.5 lbs capacity tells a different story. It’s certainly not the ideal electric deep fryer for a large thanksgiving dinner.
What the FR8000 lacks in depth, it rectifies with its unrivalled ease of operation. Handling the deep fryer is easy. The plastic dial allows you to meet the temperature requirement of your recipe.
One thing this electric deep fryer does differently is how it filters oil. Its EZ filtration system separate the oil into two distinct layers, ensuring your food is fried in clean oil.
It comes with two stainless steel baskets, which helps in frying your food and an easy removal of fried food.
1700 watts heating element supplies the heat required for frying. You’ll have to be careful with the cord though as it gets dislodged easily – a supposedly safety precaution.
Key Features
- Unique oil filtration system
- 2.5 lbs capacity
- 1700 watts heating element
Product Specifications
| Capacity | 2.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 18.3 x 13.7 x 14.8 inches |
| Cooker type | Electric |
| Weight | 12.4 pounds |
| Brand | T-fal |
Pros
- Filters your oil for a healthy and crispy fried food
- Stainless steel fry baskets makes frying your food easy
- Seamless oil removal process
- Heats up quickly
- Compact build
Cons
- Fragile frying compartment
- Low capacity
- Design flaws
7. Bioexcel Outdoor Two Tank Deep Fryer
The Bioexcel taco chart deep fryer contains two tanks for dual frying. It makes use of propane tank to provide the required energy to heat up food items.
Due to its sheer size, it works great for commercial use and large outdoor frying needs. There are removable handles for the fryer basket, so you can easily move it and its stand around.
The oil tank of the Bioexcel outdoor deep fryer is removable, ensuring easy cleanup. Another feature worth mentioning is the ability to select the right temperature while cooking.
It’s a bang for the buck when you compare the results you’ll obtain with the amount spent on procuring this outdoor deep fryer.
Key features
- Removable oil tank
- Varying temperature selection
- Two basket fryers
Product Specifications
| Material build | Stainless steel |
| Heat source | Propane gas |
| Dimensions | 12.2 x 26.2 x 18.5 inches |
| Weight | 33 pounds |
| Brand | Bioexcel |
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Sturdily built
- Delivers good value as it works just well
- Has two large frying baskets
- It has temperature regulators
Cons
- Regulating the burner is a bit difficult
8. R&V Works 4 Gallon Deep Fryer Plus Baskets and Stand
(Best Professional Outdoor Deep-Fryer)
If you are looking for a budget deep fryer for your outdoor cooking, this Cajun 4 gallon deep fryer isn’t for you. But it justifies it price point by packing features you won’t see with regular countertops or even large outdoor deep fryers.
There are two baskets ready for use and each basket can accommodate food for up to 25 to 30 people. The fryer prevents burning oil, so you can reuse it later. Some other worthy mentions are the drain valve, a thermometer and of course its stand with 8-inch wheels for mobility.
Key features
- Drain valve
- Thermometer
- 8-inch wheels
- Two frying baskets
Product specifications
| Material build | Stainless steel |
| Heat source | Propane gas |
| Dimensions | 24 x 29 x 51 inches |
| Weight | 116 pounds |
| Brand | R&V Works |
Pros
- It’s a made in USA product
- Sturdily built
- Comes with two fryer baskets and removable stay cool handles
- Has a unique design that prevents frying oil from burning
- It has a large capacity to feed up to 30 people per hour
- It has wheels for easy movement
Cons
- It’s a little pricey
9. Bayou Classic B159 Cast Iron Outdoor Cooker
(Best Fish Fryer)
The Bayou Classic B159 is a 21” tall outdoor cooker ready to get your fishes, French fries, hushpuppies, chickens and bite-sized turkey fried to choice.
It’s made of cast iron and welded steel frame. This cast iron fry pot has several additions to make your frying a lot easier, safer and stress-free. There’s a perforated aluminum basket, Dutch oven lid, and even a 29” LPG rubber hose attached to its high pressure burner.
Key features
- Welded steel frame
- Windscreen protection
- Perforated aluminum basket
Product Specifications
| Material build | Cast iron |
| Heat source | Propane gas |
| Dimensions | 18.3 x 19.2 x 22.8 inches |
| Weight | 36.3 pounds |
| Brand | Bayou |
Pros
- Great for frying lots of food items from fish to fries and hushpuppies
- Solid cast iron that holds oil temperature
- Its legs/steel frames are stable and tall so you don’t have to bend to use it.
- Has windscreen protection
- Comes with a high-pressure burner and hose
Cons
- Aluminum basket is difficult to clean
10. GasOne B-5155 Outdoor Fryer
(Best Budget Outdoor Deep Fryer)
The GasOne is a high heat outdoor all-in-one cooker that uses a single propane burner to cook, fry, grill and boil. It’s a top-choice for people who appreciate cook outs.
This sturdy propane outdoor cooker has aluminum steamer and stockpot which are the needed items to get your cooking underway. It also comes with a steel braided hose that is heat resistant and has an adjustable regulator.
Key features
- Steamer and stockpot included
- Heat resistant hose
- Constructible frame
Product Specifications
| Material build | Steel |
| Heat source | Propane gas |
| Dimensions | 14.7 x 14.7 x 12.2 inches |
| Weight | 14.9 pounds |
| Brand | GasOne |
Pros
- It’s very sturdy
- Versatile uses, can use it to fry, cook, boil and steam different types of food items
- Comes with its own accessories right out of the box, ready for use (fry pot, basket, hose)
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Not large enough to fry full turkey
11. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer
(Best Oil-Less Outdoor Deep Fryer)
If you’re watching your calories, you’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness of the Char-Broil oil-less turkey fryer. It uses a patented infrared cooking technology to heat all corners of the fryer, preventing hot and cold spots.
You’ll need a propane tank (which you’ll buy separately) to operate this deep fryer. With this Char-Broil big-easy oil-less deep fryer you can fry just about everything including whole chicken of up to 16 pounds.
It doesn’t require oil, so you would save the money and also the stress of disposing and cleaning oil.
Key features
- Infrared cooker
- Doesn’t use oil
- Large enough to accommodate full turkey
Product Specifications
| Material build | N/A |
| Heat source | Propane gas |
| Dimensions | 16 x 16 x 24.5 inches |
| Weight | 30 pounds |
| Brand | Char-Broil |
Pros
- Oil-less fryer that’s healthy
- Doesn’t use oil and so saves you money and stress of disposing oil
- Uses infrared to heat up meals
- Safe, since no problems of oil splatter and burns
- Can be used to cook/fry different items including full turkey
Cons
- Better for frying turkeys
12. Bayou Classic 2212 Fish Cooker Set
This cooker consists of a tripod stand, which made of steel, giving it a highly sought stability. Its 10-quart aluminum pan isn’t the biggest, but it sure heats up quickly.
Also included in the cooker set is an aluminum basket, which helps with frying and an easy withdrawal of fried food. Attached to the basket is a steel handle that appear to be sturdy, offering a firm grip of the basket. You’ll need to attach the handle to the basket.
Temperature measurement is possible using the 5-inch thermometer. And you don’t have to hold the thermometer in place to the pan. There’s a clip already affixed to pan precisely for the thermometer.
Key Features
- Tripod stand
- 10-quart aluminum pan
- 5-inch aluminum basket
Product Specifications
| Size | 10 quarts |
| Dimensions | 14 x 14 x 19.5 inches |
| Cooker type | Gas-powered |
| Weight | 11.3 pounds |
| Brand | Bayou Classic |
Pros
- Aluminum pan heats up quickly
- 5-unch thermometer is convenient for hazard-free frying of food
- Aluminum fry baskets makes it easy to collect fried food
- Tripod stand is sturdy
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Small capacity
- It’s not durable
Buying Guide
You should only get an outdoor deep fryer after being armed with sufficient information on the subject and this section remains a worthwhile source for such.
With a guide, understanding the inner workings of outdoor deep fryers achieves clarity. It becomes easier to pick the right model without being a pro on the subject.
Let’s quickly take a look at some factors that may influence your deep fryer buying decision.
Factors Capable of Swaying Your Buying Decision
Capacity
When selecting an outdoor deep fryer, you have to identify the purpose of getting the equipment.
Different food items requiredistinct compartment size. While frying pastries demand large quantity of oil and a decent heating basket, fish and turkey require less oil input but more size.
Putting these differences into consideration, when opting for an outdoor deep fryer, is bound to influence your choice of appliance.
This is seen in the ratings of basket size by manufacturers. The higher the number of cups stipulated for the outdoor deep fryer, the more capable the unit is able to handle oil-gobbling food items. And you get more frying done as well.
Remember that certain deep fryers have more than one basket. This is handy when deep frying for more than a single serving or different food items. It’s certainly something you want to keep in mind when making a buying decision.
Material Type
Everyone wants a convenience and durable outdoor deep fryer, but such is only a culmination of attributes. The nature of the material that forms the core of the deep fryer is one of such attributes.
The core of the deep fryer can be stainless steel or steel. Both differ in how they deal with the heating intensity of the fryer, and their resilience in the face of oil vary as well.
Stainless steel is more moisture resistant and more durable. With regular use, steel deteriorates due to its sharper expansion when heated. Little wonder steel models are more affordable than the stainless steel outdoor deep fryer.
Ease of Cleaning
As tasty as certain deep fried delicacies might be, they tend to make you work when cleaning the outdoor deep fryer. Fortunately, certain models have their interior coated with the widely sort non-stick material which makes cleaning a lot easier.
This coating also affects the quality of the food as it doesn’t stick to the inside of the appliance.
Wattage
With the average electrical models, heating is slow and not very efficient. Situations like this could be avoided by selecting an electrical model with a high wattage.
This often entails a more efficient heating element. And you might be saving on your oil cost as food items get heated faster without taking in more oil than is needed.
Safety Concerns
Due to the nature of an outdoor deep fryer, safety concerns will always exist. While having an extinguisher around isn’t bad idea, your appliance is capable of rendering such efforts redundant with the right features.
If you’re looking at an electric model, it should have a break off cord which prevents accidents involving the power cord. There’s also the auto-shutdown feature that kills the power source once the temperature of the oil reaches a certain point.
Gas powered models would often have a lid that prevents the notorious oil splatter, which is capable of resulting in a fatal accident.
Worthwhile Features to Consider
When picking an outdoor deep fryer, never settle for less. Just about every deep fryer possesses the basics, but that’s not always enough if you want an outdoor deep fryer that helps you get things done.
What decides if your meal comes out asbland and tasteless meal or appetizing and deliciouscould be the features of your outdoor deep fryer.
Below are some of these features:
Cold Zone
Food particles can affect the quality of your outdoor deep frying exercise. These are usually bits of food, fatty substances and others which are capable of altering your oil.
Deep fryers with a cold zone, usually located further down the appliance, sees these food particles settle down without disrupting theoil’s flavor. Your meal comes out crispy and delicious as it should be.
Motorized Basket
Innovation has seen a stationary basket appear obsolete. A motorized basket moves your food item through the oil which reduces the amount of oil involved used in the process.
It’s certainly healthier, but capacity goes out the window in models with this feature.
Temperature Control
For a healthy and tasty fried meal, temperature requirements can’t be ignored. Various outdoor deep fryers use different temperature control setup. This could be mechanical or electronic, depending on the type of appliance – gas powered or electric.
Look out for a deep fryer that has a temperature control that you can easily fiddle with. It should be able to survive extreme heat conditions.
Oil Filtration
The condition of your oil can affect the quality of your meal, especially if you’re reusing the oil. This makes keeping the oil clean important.
Outdoor deep fryers have different means of tackling the situation. Some have an oil filter to remove food particles, and others use an oil treatment process in achieving this feat.
FAQs
My Top Pick
Every outdoor deep fryer considered in this piece has specific attributes that gives credence to their functionality. But the Stark Deluxe outdoor deep fryer takes top spot.
Its long probe thermometer ensures accurate temperature reading without putting you in harm’s way. The aluminum pot and basket are durable and rust-resistant.
With a heating capacity of 55,000 BTU, the power of this deep fryer is the least of your worries. What it lacks in innovation, it makes up with raw grit. A solid steel support ensures oil splatter wouldn’t be a common sight.
