Charbroil propane turkey fryer, 16 lb capacity

Quick overview

Cooking a large turkey outdoors can mean dealing with a pot of hot oil, extra equipment and the hassle of disposing of the oil afterwards. The Charbroil The Big Easy takes a different approach: it uses propane and infrared heat to cook without oil, with room for a turkey or chicken weighing up to 16 lb.

It is also rated for an 8 lb roast or a 6 lb pork shoulder, so it is not limited to holiday turkey. The 16,000 BTU burner, rotary piezo ignition and front-access grease tray give you a clearer idea of what daily ownership involves than the oil-free label alone.

How to use it

This is an outdoor cooker for larger cuts of meat, rather than a general-purpose appliance for everyday indoor meals. Picture setting it up in the backyard for a whole turkey while the oven stays free for side dishes. It can also be taken camping or tailgating, and its handles are intended to make lifting easier.

The infrared cooking system is described as providing even heat without flare-ups. The manufacturer also says it cooks large cuts faster than a traditional oven without sacrificing flavour, actual cooking time will depend on the food and conditions, which are not specified here. Keep in mind that the listing gives no dimensions or weight, so it is difficult to judge how much storage space it needs or how easily it will fit in your vehicle.

Practical tips

Choose it for the cut you usually cook, not just for its turkey capacity: the stated limits are 16 lb for turkey or chicken, 8 lb for a roast and 6 lb for pork shoulder. That makes it easier to see whether the cooker suits your plans before deciding. If you mainly prepare smaller portions or want an appliance for indoor cooking, this outdoor propane format may be more than you need.

There is no hot oil to manage, and the product description says this reduces oil-disposal hassle. A front-access grease tray is included to make cleanup easier, though no cleaning instructions or removable-part details are provided. The rotary piezo ignition starts with a turn of the knob, according to the listing, and the cooker comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Compared with a traditional oven, the appeal is a dedicated outdoor setup for large cuts and freeing up indoor oven space. Compared with a conventional oil fryer, the key difference is cooking without a pot of hot oil. It may suit you if those are the problems you want to solve, it may not be the right fit if you need a compact appliance with listed dimensions or a cooker for small, everyday meals.

Three specific questions

Does it need cooking oil? No. The Big Easy is described as an oil-less propane fryer, so it cooks without a pot of hot oil.

What can it cook? The stated capacities are a turkey or chicken up to 16 lb, an 8 lb roast or a 6 lb pork shoulder.

Can it be used away from home? It has handles and is described as suitable for camping and tailgating as well as backyard cooking. Its dimensions and weight are not provided, so transport practicality is hard to assess.

In your case

Choose this Charbroil if you want to cook a larger cut outdoors without using hot oil, especially when keeping the indoor oven available matters. Its listed capacity and propane operation make the intended use fairly specific. If you need size and weight details before planning storage or transport, or mostly cook smaller meals, the information here may not be enough to make it a confident fit.