Masterbuilt 3-in-1 XL Electric Turkey Fryer Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The Masterbuilt turkey fryer suits households that want electric frying, boiling and steaming in one appliance. Choose it if you'll use those modes beyond holiday meals and have space to handle a large pot of hot liquid.
On this page (10 sections)
- Is the Masterbuilt turkey fryer worth the space?
- What can you cook besides a holiday turkey?
- Which alternatives suit a different cooking routine?
- How much space and power does the Masterbuilt need?
- How do you choose the right turkey and liquid level?
- How should you prepare for the first cooking session?
- What do the cord, basket and drain features actually help with?
- How do you clean and store the Masterbuilt?
- Which mistakes are most likely to spoil the meal?
- Verdict: should you buy the Masterbuilt turkey fryer?
The Masterbuilt turkey fryer is a good choice if you want one electric appliance for fried turkey, seafood boils and steamed family meals. Its 10.6-quart pot can fry a turkey up to 20 lb, giving it a role beyond small batches of snacks.
Buy it for the meals you'll actually make throughout the year. If you want only an occasional outdoor turkey cooker, the oil-less and propane alternatives below may fit your routine better.
Is the Masterbuilt turkey fryer worth the space?
The Masterbuilt earns its space when frying, boiling and steaming are all useful to your household. Its strongest selling point is handling several large-pot cooking jobs in one appliance.
Masterbuilt 10 L XL Electric Turkey Fryer: Best for year-round family cooking
- 10.6 qt cooking pot
- Fry, boil or steam
- Fits up to a 20 lb turkey
- 1650 watts
Choose this electric cooker for family meals that include fried turkey, seafood boils and steamed vegetables. The drain valve helps empty cooled liquid, but you need room for cooking, basket lifting and storage.
Pros
- Frying, boiling and steaming in one appliance
- Accommodates a turkey up to 20 lb
- Magnetic breakaway cord
- Drain valve and dishwasher-safe components
Cons
- Large footprint for occasional use
- Requires a suitable electrical setup
- Frying oil needs cooling, draining and storage or disposal
A drain valve, lifting hook and basket drain clips address practical parts of cooking with a large volume of liquid. They give you ways to lift food, let it drain and empty the cooled pot without relying on tipping the entire cooker.
The trade-off is the work that comes with any oil fryer. You'll still need to prepare the food carefully, watch the cooking process and deal with oil after the meal.
Who should buy the Masterbuilt turkey fryer?
Choose this model if you regularly cook family portions and want an electric alternative to assembling a propane burner and pot. It also suits cooks who expect to switch between fried food, boiled seafood and steamed vegetables.
Skip it if storage is tight or most of your frying involves a small serving of fries. A large cooker makes more sense when the food volume justifies heating, cooling and cleaning a bigger pot.
It also isn't the right choice if your main goal is to avoid frying oil. Boiling and steaming offer oil-free cooking modes, but fried turkey still requires an oil bath.
What can you cook besides a holiday turkey?
The Masterbuilt can handle fried food, seafood boils and steamed vegetables, so plan your choice around more than one holiday meal. These uses make the appliance easier to justify for a household that cooks in larger portions.
For frying, work in batches that leave food room to cook rather than packing the basket tightly. Crowding lowers the oil temperature and can leave food greasy or unevenly cooked.
Boiling suits meals where the food cooks in water or broth. Steaming keeps food above the water, so the liquid level and basket position need to follow the instructions for that mode.
Moving between modes takes preparation. After boiling or steaming, clean and fully dry the pot and cooking parts before adding oil, because water left behind can cause hot oil to spit.
Think about the full menu, too. A turkey occupies the cooker while it cooks, so arrange another way to prepare sides rather than expecting one appliance to handle every dish at once.
Which alternatives suit a different cooking routine?
Choose The Big Easy to avoid frying oil, Creole Feast for separate large and small pots, or GasOne for a large-stockpot propane setup. Each serves a different outdoor cooking routine rather than replacing every Masterbuilt function.
Char-Broil The Big Easy: for cooks who want to avoid oil handling
The Big Easy suits outdoor cooks who want turkey and other large cuts without filling a pot with frying oil. Its propane-powered infrared system takes oil measuring, filtering and disposal out of the meal.
Char-Broil The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer: Best for avoiding frying oil
- Oil-less propane cooking
- 16 lb turkey capacity
- 16,000 BTU
- Front-access grease tray
Choose this outdoor propane cooker if you want to cook a whole bird without managing frying oil. Its infrared cooking method suits turkey and other large cuts of meat.
Pros
- No frying oil to drain or dispose of
- Handles turkey, chicken and other large cuts
- Piezo ignition and lifting handles
- Front-access grease tray
Cons
- Requires propane and an outdoor cooking area
- Smaller turkey capacity than the Masterbuilt
- Doesn't replace a pot for deep frying or seafood boils
It accommodates a turkey or chicken up to 16 lb, an 8 lb roast or a 6 lb pork shoulder. That makes it a useful option if those foods match your usual menu.
You still need a safe outdoor location, propane and time to clean the front-access grease tray. Oil-less cooking removes the oil bath, but the cooker and food drippings still get hot.
Skip it if you want to deep-fry battered food or make seafood boils in the same appliance. Our guide to oil-less turkey fryers explains the cooking method so you can decide whether it suits the meals you want.
Creole Feast: for outdoor cooks who want two pot sizes
Creole Feast suits buyers who alternate between whole-turkey meals and smaller batches of fish, shrimp or wings. Its separate pots let you choose a vessel that matches the job.
Creole Feast 30 Qt Turkey and 10 Qt Fish Fryer Set: Best for mixed outdoor menus
- 30 qt turkey pot
- 10 qt fish pot
- 50,000 BTU burner
- Steamer basket and turkey rack
Choose this propane set if your outdoor menu ranges from turkey and seafood boils to smaller batches of fish or wings. Separate pots give you a choice of vessel for each meal.
Pros
- Separate pots for large meals and smaller batches
- Includes basket, rack, lifting hook and thermometer
- Large pot supports frying, steaming and boiling
- All-welded steel burner stand
Cons
- Requires propane and a suitable outdoor area
- Two pots and accessories need storage
- 10 qt fish pot isn't intended for a whole turkey
The set pairs a 30 qt turkey pot with a 10 qt fish pot and a 50,000 BTU propane burner. It also includes a steamer basket, turkey rack, lifting hook, thermometer and marinade injector.
The smaller pot is useful when a large stockpot would be awkward for the batch you're making. It isn't intended for frying a whole turkey, and the two pots don't mean you get two independent burners.
Choose this set if you have a suitable outdoor area and enough storage for both vessels. Skip it if you mainly want a self-contained electric cooker or would rarely use the second pot.
GasOne: for cooks planning large-stockpot meals
GasOne suits outdoor cooks who want one large pot for turkey and seafood meals. Its kit groups the cooking vessel, burner and tools into a propane setup.
GasOne 30 Qt Turkey Fryer Set: Best for outdoor stockpot meals
- 30 qt stockpot
- Propane burner and hose
- Perforated basket
- Thermometer and turkey rack
Choose this outdoor propane kit when a large stockpot will cover your turkey and seafood plans. It includes a burner, basket and cooking tools without adding a separate small fish pot.
Pros
- Includes pot, burner, regulator and hose
- Perforated basket and turkey rack included
- Thermometer and marinade injector included
- Adjustable regulator and burner air controller
Cons
- Requires propane and outdoor setup
- Large stockpot needs storage space
- Burner and hose assembly require checks before use
The 30 qt stockpot comes with a perforated basket, thermometer, marinade injector and turkey rack. A regulator and hose assembly connect the pot's burner setup to propane.
Choose it if a single large vessel covers your plans and you don't need Creole Feast's separate fish pot. Skip it if you lack a suitable outdoor cooking area or want to avoid setting up and checking gas connections.
Don't treat the pot's volume as a whole-turkey weight limit or a direction to fill it with oil. Follow the kit's instructions for bird fit and working fill levels before planning a meal.
How much space and power does the Masterbuilt need?
Allow for the cooker, working clearance and basket lifting, rather than checking only whether its base fits a surface. The Masterbuilt measures 16.5 in deep, 18.4 in wide and 14.8 in high, and weighs 20.5 lb.
Measure the storage route as well as the cooking spot. A cupboard may be wide enough while its opening, shelf spacing or access makes lifting the appliance awkward.
The heater uses 1650 watts, so confirm the manual's outlet, circuit and cord requirements. Plan other appliances on that circuit before the meal rather than discovering a power problem once the oil is heating.
Place the cooker on a stable, level surface approved by the instructions. Leave room to work without reaching across hot liquid, and keep the cord away from foot traffic.
For propane alternatives, confirm that you have an appropriate outdoor area before comparing accessories. Our electric vs propane turkey fryer guide explains how the two setups change your cooking plans.
How do you choose the right turkey and liquid level?
Choose a bird that meets both the weight limit and the fit instructions, then use the required fill level for that food. A turkey's shape affects how it sits in the basket and how much liquid it displaces.
Don't buy the largest bird allowed simply because the cooker can accommodate it. A smaller bird may better match your guest count and leave you with a more manageable meal.
Our turkey fryer size guide can help you match the cooker to the bird you plan to serve. Check the final fit before cooking day, while you still have time to change the menu.
Pot capacity and oil quantity are different measurements. Food raises the liquid level as it enters, so pouring oil to a guessed level can lead to overflow.
Use the appliance's fill procedure and markings rather than copying an amount from another cooker. Our guide to how much oil a turkey fryer needs explains displacement and why there isn't one amount for every turkey.
How should you prepare for the first cooking session?
Prepare the food, work area and draining plan before heating the cooker. Once liquid is hot, you shouldn't need to move the appliance or rearrange your workspace.
- Read the mode-specific instructions. Confirm the permitted location, fill limits, assembly steps and electrical requirements.
- Prepare the turkey fully. Thaw it completely, remove packaging and giblets, and dry the cavity and outside thoroughly before oil frying.
- Arrange the lifting area. Have the basket tools, heat-resistant gloves and a suitable place for cooked food ready.
- Keep the area clear. Keep children and pets away, and avoid a route where people could bump the cooker or pull its cord.
- Plan temperature checks. Have a food thermometer ready so you can judge doneness by temperature rather than skin color.
Don't leave a fryer unattended while it heats or cooks. A timer helps you track the meal, but it doesn't replace watching the appliance.
Read our turkey fryer safety checklist before your first session. It covers the preparation habits that matter alongside the model's own instructions.
What do the cord, basket and drain features actually help with?
The Masterbuilt's features help with cord separation, food lifting and cooled-liquid removal. They make specific tasks easier without removing the need for careful handling.
The magnetic breakaway cord can separate if pulled. Route it safely anyway, because the feature isn't a reason to leave a cord across a walkway.
The basket's lifting hook helps you raise food, while drain clips let liquid run back into the pot. Lift slowly as directed and let food drain before moving it to a tray.
The built-in valve helps empty the cooker after the liquid has cooled. Position a suitable container before opening it, and stay with the cooker while it drains.
How do you clean and store the Masterbuilt?
Let the appliance and liquid cool as directed before draining or cleaning. The drain valve and removable hinged lid help with access, while dishwasher-safe components reduce some washing work.
Disconnect power before cleaning, and separate washable parts according to the manual. Dishwasher-safe components don't mean the electrical base can go into a dishwasher or sink.
Remove food debris and clean residue from the pot, basket, lid and drain area. Follow the instructions for cleaning the valve so trapped crumbs or grease don't remain there between uses.
If you're keeping frying oil, strain it into a suitable clean container once it is safe to handle. Our guide to filtering and reusing deep fryer oil explains how to manage crumbs and judge when oil should be discarded.
Never pour used oil down a sink. Arrange proper disposal if you won't reuse it, and don't pack the cooker away with damp parts or leftover cooking liquid.
For the broader cleaning process, see our guide to cleaning a deep fryer. Use only methods and cleaners that suit this appliance's materials and electrical parts.
Which mistakes are most likely to spoil the meal?
The biggest avoidable mistakes are poor preparation, overfilling and rushing the food into hot oil. Preventing them starts before you switch the cooker on.
- Frying a damp or partly frozen turkey: ice and water can cause violent bubbling and splashing.
- Treating pot size as the oil amount: the food needs displacement space within the working fill limit.
- Crowding smaller foods: an overloaded basket can cause a sharp temperature drop and uneven cooking.
- Judging turkey by color alone: browned skin doesn't confirm that the meat is cooked through.
- Moving a filled cooker: choose its location first and leave it there until it is safe to handle.
- Cleaning while distracted: cooled oil still needs a suitable container and controlled draining.
Also leave time after the meal for cooling. Cleanup is part of the cooking plan, especially if you need the same area clear for another task.
Verdict: should you buy the Masterbuilt turkey fryer?
Buy the Masterbuilt turkey fryer if you'll use its multiple cooking modes and have room for safe lifting, draining and storage. Its turkey capacity up to 20 lb is useful when you need a larger bird than The Big Easy allows.
Choose The Big Easy if avoiding frying oil matters most. Choose Creole Feast if separate pot sizes will get regular use, or GasOne if one large stockpot suits your outdoor menu.
Before ordering, settle the cooking location and storage space first, then choose the method that fits your meals. Our guide to choosing a turkey fryer walks through that decision, and the best turkey fryer guide offers a broader comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Masterbuilt 3-in-1 XL cook a whole turkey?
Yes, the Masterbuilt can fry a whole turkey up to 20 lb. Weight is only one fit check, so follow its instructions for the bird's shape, basket clearance and liquid level; use a fully thawed, thoroughly dried turkey and check doneness with a food thermometer.
Does the Masterbuilt 3-in-1 XL use oil?
Yes, the Masterbuilt uses oil for frying and water for boiling or steaming. Its pot capacity is not the amount of oil to pour in for every meal; follow the mode-specific fill instructions, leave room for food displacement and dry the pot fully before switching from water to oil.
Can you use the Masterbuilt turkey fryer indoors?
Confirm permitted locations in the Masterbuilt manual before choosing an indoor spot; electric power doesn't remove the need for suitable clearances, ventilation and a safe cord route. Our indoor turkey fryer guide explains the placement questions to resolve before you plan a meal around the cooker.
What is the difference between the Masterbuilt and The Big Easy?
The Masterbuilt fries in oil and also boils or steams, while The Big Easy cooks outdoors with propane and infrared heat without a frying-oil bath. Choose Masterbuilt for those pot-based cooking methods; choose The Big Easy if cooking turkey and other large cuts without handling frying oil matters more.
