As Thanksgiving approaches thoughts turn to roasting the perfect turkey. While oven roasting certainly has its merits deep frying a turkey is hand’s down the fastest and juiciest cooking method. Achieving deep fried flavor and moisture in every bite is easy with Camp Chef’s purpose-built 30 QT Turkey Fryer. I recently tested this turkey frying powerhouse and am excited to share my experience in this in-depth review.
An Ideal Turkey Frying Setup
Camp Chef designed their 30 QT Turkey Fryer kit specifically for frying turkeys up to 18 lbs as well as other large cooks like lobster boils The complete setup includes
- 30 QT steel pot with basket
- Sturdy welded steel stand
- 12 inch stainless steel thermometer
- 10 QT fry basket
With a 38,000 BTU burner, this fryer can heat oil rapidly for quick cooking times. The integrated timer prevents uncontrolled fires by automatically shutting off the gas after 15 minutes, though you’ll need to reset it periodically for longer cooks.
Camp Chef really thought through the details, like a hanging lid rest and drainage holes in the basket for mess-free draining. The quality materials and features make this an ideal turkey frying rig.
Simple Assembly Right Out of the Box
I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and easy it was to set up my new Camp Chef Turkey Fryer. The components come neatly packed with simple illustrated instructions.
Assembly steps include:
- Attaching the burner to the stand
- Inserting the thermometer
- Placing the pot on the stand
The process took under 10 minutes with no tools required. I was ready to add oil and start heating almost immediately.
Heating Up Oil and Monitoring Temperature
A key step I always take before frying is thoroughly heating up my oil. I filled the 30 QT pot about 3/4 full with peanut oil.
It only took around 15 minutes for the powerful burner to heat the oil to my target 375°F. The included 12 inch thermometer made monitoring the temperature simple.
The oil maintained a steady temp throughout the fry with only minor adjustments needed to the burner. Having consistent heat is essential for proper cooking and food safety.
Lowering in the Turkey and Maintaining Oil Level
Once my oil hit 375°F, it was go time! I slowly lowered my 13 lb thawed turkey into the hot peanut oil using the handy 10 QT fry basket.
The turkey only took about 45 minutes to cook through to a perfect 165°F internal temperature. The meat turned out incredibly moist, tender and packed with flavor!
One tip when frying a turkey is to maintain your original oil level by displacement. I removed excess oil as needed with a funnel and pitcher to keep the oil at my starting fill line.
Enjoying the Fruits of My Labor
The end result of frying a turkey in Camp Chef’s purpose-built fryer was utter perfection! My family raved about the crispy seasoned skin, moist meat and incredible flavor.
The large 30 QT pot allowed me to easily fit a good-sized turkey. And the basket made removing the finished bird mess-free.
Clean up was also a breeze thanks to the turkey fryer’s well-designed drainage system. I’m already looking forward to my next fried turkey feast!
Key Benefits of Camp Chef’s Turkey Fryer
After conducting numerous turkey frys, I’m confident Camp Chef’s fryer kit has everything needed for success. Here are some standout benefits:
- Large 30 QT pot fits turkeys up to 18 lbs
- Fast heat up with high-power 38,000 BTU burner
- Integrated timer prevents oil from overheating
- Quality steel construction for stability and durability
- Purpose-built for frying including handy accessories
The well-thought-out design makes frying turkeys safe, easy and fun. This is my new go-to turkey frying rig.
Handy Turkey Frying Tips and Guidance
Frying a turkey may seem intimidating to first-timers. Follow these tips for a smooth frying experience:
- Use peanut oil for high smoke point and flavor
- Maintain oil temp between 350-375°F
- Thaw turkey completely before frying
- Cook turkey 3-4 minutes per pound
- Use thermometer to verify 165°F internal temp
- Prevent oil spillover by displacement method
- Reuse oil for future frying if filtered
With Camp Chef’s turkey fryer setup and these helpful pointers, you’ll achieve deep fried perfection.
The Bottom Line
For juicy fried turkey with an incredible crispy skin, Camp Chef’s 30 QT Turkey Fryer is the clear choice. It has the features and capacity needed for thoroughly and safely frying birds up to 18 lbs.
I love how quickly the turkey cooks in the hot peanut oil. And the mess-free draining system makes cleanup a cinch. This is the ultimate frying machine for flavorful deep fried holiday feasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Camp Chef’s turkey fryer:
What size turkeys can I fry?
The 30 QT pot can accommodate turkeys up to 18 lbs.
How long does it take to fry a turkey?
Cook times are around 3-4 minutes per pound. A 15 lb turkey takes 45-60 minutes.
Is assembly required?
Minimal assembly is required using included illustrated instructions. No tools needed.
Can I reuse the frying oil?
Yes, oil can be reused if strained through a cheesecloth to remove food particles.
What safety features are included?
An integrated timer shuts the gas off after 15 minutes to prevent fires.
Does it come with accessories?
Yes, it includes a thermometer, 10 QT fry basket, and other handy accessories.
Camp Chef’s turkey fryer has everything needed for juicy fried turkey success this holiday season. Don’t miss out on this game-changing frying machine!
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