Masterbuilt Electric Turkey Fryers for a Safer Holiday Bird
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Masterbuilt is a familiar name in backyard cooking, and its electric turkey fryers were built to answer one worry: deep-frying a turkey outdoors over a propane burner can be dangerous. An electric fryer keeps the oil inside a closed pot with its own heating element and temperature control, which is why many first-time cooks and gift-givers look at a masterbuilt electric fryer turkey model before the holidays.
The three models below differ mainly in size: two are XL units that handle up to a 20-pound bird, one of them also sold as a 3-in-1 boiler and steamer, while the 5-liter Butterball model handles up to a 12-pound turkey.
Masterbuilt Electric Turkey Fryers Compared
| Model | Pot size | Largest turkey | Drain valve | Breakaway cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-in-1 10 Liter XL Electric (MB20012420) | 10 L / 10.6 qt | 20 lb | Yes | Yes, magnetic |
| 23011114 Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer XL | 10 L (per model name) | 20 lb | Yes | Not listed |
| Butterball MB23015018 Electric Fryer | 5 L | 12 lb | Not listed | Yes, magnetic |
Here are the terms that matter. Pot size is how much the inner cooking pot holds; a bigger pot fits a bigger bird but also needs more oil. A drain valve is a small tap near the bottom that lets you empty used oil or water into a container instead of lifting and tipping a heavy pot of hot liquid. A magnetic breakaway cord attaches to the fryer with a magnet, so if someone trips over it, it pops off instead of pulling the fryer off the counter. That feature is one of the most important safety details on any indoor electric turkey fryer.
Masterbuilt 3-in-1 10 Liter XL Electric for Big Families
Masterbuilt
Masterbuilt® 3-in-1 10 Liter XL Electric Turkey Fryer plus Boiler and Steamer Combination with Drain Basket and Breakaway Safety Cord in Stainless Steel
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Masterbuilt 3-in-1 10 Liter XL Electric
Best for: Big families who also boil and steam
Pros
- Fries up to a 20 lb turkey
- 6-quart pot
- Magnetic breakaway cord
- Drain valve, dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Large for small kitchens
- Only 1-year limited warranty
The Masterbuilt 3-in-1 10 Liter XL Electric fryer is the masterbuilt 3-in-1 turkey fryer boiler steamer in this list. It can fry, boil or steam, so the same appliance can handle a Thanksgiving turkey, a summer crawfish boil, steamed mussels or a big batch of vegetables. The listing gives a 10.6-quart cooking pot and says it can fry up to a 20-pound turkey.
The listing says it needs 1.3 times less oil than a traditional deep fat fryer. For safety, it has a magnetic breakaway cord, and a cooking basket with a lifting hook and drain clips so you can raise the food and let oil drip back into the pot. Cleanup is covered by a removable hinged lid, a built-in drain valve for oil or water, and dishwasher-safe components. It is stainless steel, model number MB20012420, with a 1-year limited warranty.
This is the pick for large families, or for anyone who wants more than a once-a-year turkey appliance. If you want a smaller unit you can store easily and only cook for a few people, the 5-liter model at the end of this guide is a better fit.
Masterbuilt 23011114 Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer for Countertop Cooking
Masterbuilt
Masterbuilt 23011114 Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, XL
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Masterbuilt 23011114 Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey
Best for: Hosts wanting a countertop indoor fryer
Pros
- Fries up to a 20 lb turkey
- Thermostat temperature control
- Drain valve for cleanup
- Heat thermometer included
Cons
- Material listed inconsistently
- Warranty not listed
The Masterbuilt 23011114 Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey fryer is the masterbuilt 23011114 xl turkey fryer many people know as the Butterball fryer. The description says it is certified to operate indoors on a kitchen countertop, and it can fry up to a 20-pound turkey, boil seafood or steam vegetables.
The feature list names thermostat temperature control, a cooking basket with a drain clip and a drain valve for easy cleaning. The description adds a porcelain-coated inner pot and says it uses 33 percent less oil than a traditional fryer, though that sentence is cut off in the listing. Included in the box are a heat thermometer, a strainer basket and the fryer itself. The listing also points to recipes by chef John McLemore.
A few details in this listing do not line up, so they are worth knowing before you buy. The features say stainless steel construction while the specifications list the material as aluminum, and the model name field reads “10L XL Electric Fryer, Boiler and Steamer” even though the title only calls it a turkey fryer. The listing does not mention a breakaway cord or a warranty. It suits hosts who want a well-known countertop turkey fryer with a thermometer in the box; choose the 3-in-1 above if a listed magnetic cord and warranty matter to you.
Masterbuilt Butterball MB23015018 Electric Fryer for Smaller Gatherings
Masterbuilt
Masterbuilt Butterball MB23015018 Electric Fryer, 5 L, Stainless, 5L-Standard
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Masterbuilt Butterball MB23015018 Electric Fryer
Best for: Smaller gatherings and everyday frying
Pros
- Compact 5-liter size
- Dishwasher-safe pot, basket, lid
- Magnetic breakaway cord
Cons
- Turkeys up to 12 lb only
- No drain valve listed
The Masterbuilt Butterball MB23015018 Electric Fryer is the compact 5-liter model. The masterbuilt butterball mb23015018 can fry, steam or boil, and its basket holds up to a 12-pound turkey or a seafood boil, which covers a small holiday dinner. It also works for fried appetizers and everyday frying.
Features include a chrome-wire basket with drain clips, adjustable side handles for lifting the basket, a removable lid with a handle, and a magnetic breakaway cord. The pot, basket and lid are dishwasher safe. The listing gives the material as plastic and stainless steel. It does not mention a drain valve, a thermostat range or a warranty.
This is the right model for couples, small families or apartment kitchens with limited storage. It gives way to the two XL models as soon as your turkey is heavier than 12 pounds.
How to Choose the Right Masterbuilt Electric Turkey Fryer
Start with the size of your turkey. How big a turkey fits a Masterbuilt fryer depends on the model: both XL units list up to 20 pounds, and the 5-liter Butterball lists up to 12 pounds. Weigh your bird, or check the label, before buying. If your family usually buys a turkey in the 14 to 20 pound range, only the XL models will do.
Next, think about cleanup. Draining several quarts of oil is the messiest part of frying. The 3-in-1 and the 23011114 both list a drain valve. The 5-liter model skips it but has dishwasher-safe parts and is small enough to handle.
Then check safety features. The 3-in-1 and the 5-liter model both list a magnetic breakaway cord. The 23011114 description stresses indoor safety and a contained oil design, but its listing does not mention the cord. Whatever you choose, keep the fryer on a stable, dry counter, away from the edge, and fully thaw and dry the turkey before it goes in, since water and hot oil do not mix.
Consider storage as well. An XL fryer is a big appliance to keep in a cupboard for eleven months of the year, so measure the shelf or closet where it will live. The 5-liter model is much easier to tuck away, and its dishwasher-safe parts make it practical for frying wings or fries on ordinary weeknights.
Finally, consider how often you will use it. If it is only for Thanksgiving, a turkey fryer is enough. If you want seafood boils and steamed vegetables year-round, the 3-in-1 earns its counter space. Masterbuilt fans who also want slow-smoked flavor can explore our guide to Masterbuilt electric smokers.
For cooks who would rather grill than fry, an outdoor electric grill is another plug-in option for the patio.
Tips for Your First Fried Turkey
If this is your first time, a few general habits make the day easier. Plan ahead for thawing: a frozen turkey can take several days to thaw in the refrigerator, and it must be completely thawed before frying. Pat the skin dry inside and out with paper towels, because leftover water makes hot oil spatter.
Use the basket and the lifting hook or handles your fryer provides, and lower the turkey slowly. Keep children and pets away from the counter while the oil is hot, and let the oil cool completely before draining or storing it. Checking the inside of the thickest part of the meat with a food thermometer is the safest way to confirm it is done; the 23011114 is the only listing here that includes a heat thermometer in the box.
FAQ
Can I use a Masterbuilt electric turkey fryer indoors?
The 23011114 Butterball listing says it is certified to operate indoors on a kitchen countertop. The other two listings describe safety features such as a magnetic breakaway cord but do not use the same indoor certification wording.
How big a turkey fits a Masterbuilt fryer?
The 3-in-1 10 Liter XL and the 23011114 XL both fry up to a 20-pound turkey. The 5-liter MB23015018 handles up to a 12-pound turkey.
Which Masterbuilt fryer uses less oil?
The 3-in-1 says it uses 1.3 times less oil than a traditional deep fat fryer, and the 23011114 says 33 percent less oil. The 5-liter listing does not give an oil figure, though its smaller pot naturally holds less.
Can these fryers boil and steam too?
Yes. All three listings mention frying plus boiling seafood or steaming vegetables, and the 3-in-1 is sold specifically as a fryer, boiler and steamer.
Which Masterbuilt fryer should I buy as a gift?
For a large family host, the 3-in-1 10 Liter XL is the most versatile. For a small household or someone short on storage, the 5-liter Butterball is easier to keep in the cupboard.
Are the parts dishwasher safe?
The 3-in-1 lists dishwasher-safe components, and the 5-liter lists a dishwasher-safe pot, basket and lid. The 23011114 listing does not say.
