Tips for Buying a Turkey Fryer

"May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious, and may your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs!"
― Owen K. Lorion

Holiday season is a time for indulgence and to revel in food. This just means that it is time for sumptuous meals without a thought on the calories being consumed. This points towards the love of watching food sizzling in a pot of oil.

That being said, the turkey fryer comes handy when you do not want to spend hours cooking and at the same time, want to tease the taste buds of your family. What else can you ask when you can doll up tender, juicy, and well-seared turkey in a matter of minutes with the help of a turkey fryer.

The crackling sound of meat frying in oil is sure to camouflage the rumble of hungry stomachs not only this year but also in all the coming years. Considering how useful it is to prepare tasty meals, investing in a turkey fryer seems a valid option. Before you purchase it, give a thought to the following pointers.

While smaller pots can accommodate a smaller turkey that weighs between twelve to eighteen pounds, a large fryer will accommodate up to twenty-five pounds. Besides, a larger pot is your ideal bet as it will give you more room between the hot oil and the top of the pot.

While fryers that come equipped with baskets are available, it is best to opt for one that has a central lifting hook or stand. The lifting hook keeps the turkey in the center, thus, allowing the oil to circulate evenly, preventing the turkey from sticking to the sides of the pot.

Electric turkey fryers come equipped with baskets and can be used indoors, while the propane varieties are strictly meant to be used outdoors.

Using the fryer involves working with oil, so, utmost care needs to be taken to prevent unwanted mishaps. Look for a model that comes with control valves to manually control and maintain the temperature and prevent the oil from overheating. Also, it should have a thermometer or a display panel to indicate when the oil has reached the desired temperature.

While the gas model is supposedly popular among takers, ensure that it is equipped with a four-legged burner stand, so that the pot has a sturdy base to rest on. It should also have a long hose with a control valve to adjust the temperature. In addition, check if the fryer comes with a meat thermometer to know the doneness of the turkey once fried.

Remember, you will be working with hot oil; hence, it is advisable to invest in heavy gloves and an apron before investing in a fryer. Also, a propane burner must never be used indoors or near any flammable material. Keep the propane tank as far as possible from the cooker. Remember, do not leave the fryer unattended when it is filled with hot oil.