As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks look forward to cooking a juicy deep-fried turkey outdoors. But before purchasing a turkey fryer, it’s important to understand how many gallons the pot can hold. The size of the pot determines the maximum size of turkey you can cook. Let’s take a closer look at common turkey fryer pot sizes and their gallon capacities.
Typical Turkey Fryer Pot Sizes
Turkey fryer pots come in a variety of sizes, usually ranging from about 10 quarts to 30 quarts. Here are some of the most common sizes:
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10-quart turkey fryer pot – Holds about 25 gallons of oil Good for turkeys up to 10 lbs.
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14-quart turkey fryer pot – Holds approximately 3.5 gallons Accommodates turkeys up to 14 lbs
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16-quart turkey fryer pot – Holds around 4 gallons. Fits turkeys up to 16 lbs.
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20-quart turkey fryer pot – Holds approximately 5 gallons. For turkeys up to 18 lbs.
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30-quart turkey fryer pot – Holds around 7.5 gallons of oil. Fits turkeys up to 20 lbs.
As you can see, the pot size roughly corresponds to the maximum turkey size, allowing about 1 quart capacity per pound of turkey. Bigger pots allow you to fry a larger bird.
Gallon Conversion
To figure out exactly how many gallons a turkey fryer holds, you need to do a quick conversion from quarts to gallons. The conversion is:
- 1 gallon = 4 quarts
So for example, a 20-quart pot holds 5 gallons because 20 quarts divided by 4 quarts per gallon equals 5 gallons.
Here’s a breakdown of some common turkey fryer pot sizes and their gallon capacity:
- 10-quart = 2.5 gallons
- 14-quart = 3.5 gallons
- 16-quart = 4 gallons
- 20-quart = 5 gallons
- 30-quart = 7.5 gallons
As a general rule of thumb, simply divide the quart capacity by 4 to calculate the number of gallons for any size pot.
Choosing the Right Size
When selecting a turkey fryer, it’s important to choose a pot big enough for the bird you want to cook. Allow about 1 quart of capacity per pound of turkey. You also need to leave 3-4 inches of headspace at the top once the turkey is submerged in oil.
If the pot is too small, the oil may boil over dangerously when you add the turkey, leading to overflow and fire hazards. It’s safer to err on the side of a slightly bigger pot.
For a 10-14 lb turkey, a 14-16 quart pot is ideal. For a 15-18 lb bird, go with a 20-quart pot. And for turkeys 18-20 lbs, choose a 30-quart pot.
Here are some recommended pot sizes based on turkey weight:
- 10-14 lb turkey: 14 or 16-quart pot (3.5 – 4 gallons)
- 15-18 lb turkey: 20-quart pot (5 gallons)
- 18-20 lb turkey: 30-quart pot (7.5 gallons)
Always select a propane burner with enough BTUs to heat the amount of oil for your pot size. More gallons require more heating power.
Examples of Turkey Fryer Pots and Gallon Capacities
To give you a better idea, here are some example turkey fryer pots with their capacities in gallons:
- Bayou Classic 3025 30-Quart Turkey Fryer Pot – Holds 7.5 gallons
- Char-Broil Big Easy TRU Infrared Turkey Fryer – 16-quart pot holds 4 gallons
- Masterbuilt XXL 40-Quart Turkey Fryer Pot – 10 gallon capacity
- Butterball XL Electric Turkey Fryer – Holds up to a 20 lb turkey in an 8 gallon pot
- Bayou Classic 1118 – 32-quart stainless steel pot holds 8 gallons
- Waring Pro Professional Turkey Fryer – 30-quart aluminum pot holds 7.5 gallons
Oil Fill Lines
Most turkey fryer pots include gallon fill lines inside the pot. This lets you measure the correct amount of oil without having to convert quart capacity to gallons.
The markings indicate how much oil to add to safely cook a turkey of a specific weight. Be sure to pay attention to these fill lines as you pour in oil rather than just topping off the pot.
Safety Tips
When using a turkey fryer, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Place the pot on a flat, even surface far away from buildings or trees.
- Don’t overfill the pot with oil past the fill lines.
- Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil to prevent splattering.
- Carefully monitor the oil temperature and adjust the burner as needed.
- Turn off the flame before removing the turkey to avoid fires.
- Completely thaw and dry out your turkey before frying.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.
Understanding turkey fryer pot sizes and their gallon capacities is crucial for choosing the right equipment and cooking your bird safely. Allow enough room for the turkey to be submerged in oil with space at the top. Bigger birds need bigger pots, so select your pot size based on the turkey weight. Follow the oil fill lines, monitor temperatures, and take safety precautions. With the right pot, you’ll turn out a delicious deep-fried Thanksgiving turkey.
Type: Aluminum Pot w/ Lid and Accessories
- 30 quart pot with matching lid
- Perforated poultry rack with lift hook
- 12″ probe thermometer reads from 100-750 degrees Fahrenheit
- 1 oz. marinade injector
- Pot holds turkeys up to 20 lb.
Works With”Works With” items are guaranteed to work with the item you are viewing, such as lids that will fit a cup or casters that will fit a piece of equipment. If an item is not listed in this section, we do not guarantee that it will work with the product you are viewing and do not recommend that you purchase them for use together.
This Backyard Pro 30 qt. turkey frying pot is great for outdoor cooking, making it perfect for barbecues, fairs, and other events! The turkey cooker pot is made of durable 18 gauge aluminum for optimum heat conduction, and its capable of frying large turkeys up to 20 lb.
“Exactly what I needed and was looking for. The pot is great quality for the price. They have the best price, really fast shipping, and easy to use web site is a plus too. Thank you!”
Deep frying a turkey is the best way to seal in all of the natural juices without making the bird greasy or fatty. Youll be able to bring out flavors in your poultry that you just cant get with traditional cooking methods. If youve never had a fried turkey on Thanksgiving, its definitely worth a try!
Thanks to its aluminum construction, this 30 quart pot conducts heat very quickly to minimize downtime.
The included poultry rack holds your bird in place to ensure even oil distribution for a perfectly fried finish.
An included 12″ long probe thermometer measures from 100-750 degrees Fahrenheit to help you achieve the desired oil temperature. It comes with a clip so you can secure it to the side of the turkey cooker pot.
A 1 oz. marinade injector allows you to impart your signature flavors. Simply mix up your marinade, draw it into the injector, and distribute evenly throughout the turkey.
Working with hot oil always adds risk to your standard cooking tasks, but the included lift hook makes removing your freshly fried turkey as safe as possible. The bottom of the poultry rack is also perforated, allowing oil to drain before you transfer the turkey. Remember to always wear your protective gear when using a turkey fryer pot. Avoid bare skin exposure and exercise caution at all times.
Measuring Your Cooking Oil For Deep Frying A Turkey…101
FAQ
How many gallons does a turkey fryer hold?
But if you’re looking for a traditional turkey fryer for an authentic experience, it does the job it’s intended for very well. The pot has an impressive capacity of 44 quarts (11 gallons), albeit with no guidance or indication of a maximum fill level.
Is a 30 qt pot big enough to fry a turkey in?
If you’re going to deep fry a bunch of turkeys you’d better have two or three propane tanks on hand. Set the propane tank as far away from the burner as the connections will allow. The 30-quart Bijou Classic is good for turkeys up to 14 pounds. The 32-quart pot is good for turkeys up to 24 pounds.
Is 2 gallons of oil enough to fry a turkey?
You’ll need approximately 5 gallons of oil; more for larger turkeys.
How big of a pot to fry a 15 lb turkey?
A 30- to 34-quart deep-fry pot is perfectly sized for a 12- to 15-pound turkey. Too small a pot or too large turkey and you risk hot oil spilling over the sides of the pot and catching fire — this is the primary cause of most deep-fried turkey disasters.
Can a 14 pound turkey fit in a fryer?
The size of the turkey that can fit in your fryer depends on the capacity of your fryer. Assuming you have a standard 30-quart pot, you can safely fry a 14-pound turkey or smaller. If you have a larger turkey, it is recommended to remove the legs and thighs and fry them separately to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the fryer.
How many pounds can a 30 quart turkey fryer hold?
A 30 quart turkey fryer can accommodate a turkey of up to 18 pounds in size. This fryer offers a secure cooking experience with safety rails that prevent accidental pot detachment and tipping over. Additionally, the burner is equipped with an overheating sensor and timer to ensure a safe and well-regulated cooking process.
Can you fry a Turkey in a 30 Qt pot?
30 Qt. Turkey Fryer: use the basket to deep-fry turkey or steam seafood, remove the basket as a boiler. 10 Qt. Fish Fryer: fry fish, not for the heavy turkey. ►A 50,000 BTU cast iron burner guarantees the great power for frying a heavy turkey or a basket full-filled with fish. ►Including 30 Qt. Pot, 10 Qt.
How much oil do you need to fry a Turkey?
Smaller turkeys, 8 to 10 pounds, and turkey parts such as breast, wings and thighs are best for frying. You’ll need approximately 5 gallons of oil; more for larger turkeys. Turkey can be injected with a marinade, coated with breading or seasoned with a rub before cooking.
Can you deep fry a Turkey?
Do not stuff turkeys for deep frying. Always use a completely thawed turkey. Once the oil has come to temperature, place the turkey in the basket and slowly lower into the pot. For safety reasons, it is best to have two people lowering and raising the turkey. Whole turkeys require approximately 3 minutes per pound to cook.
How big can a 30 quart Fryer fit?
A 30-quart fryer can fit a turkey up to 20 pounds. Did You Know? 1. According to Guinness World Records, the largest turkey ever recorded weighed a whopping 86 pounds, making it too large to fit inside a standard 30-quart fryer! 2.