Char-Broil The Big Easy: Oil-Less Turkey Fryer That Actually Works

The Big Easy uses 16,000 BTU infrared technology to cook at 360°F without a drop of oil. No 5-gallon jugs of peanut oil. No figuring out disposal. No risk of the whole setup going up in flames when Uncle Bob knocks over the propane burner.

Skip it if you’re just grilling burgers twice a year. This thing handles 16-pound turkeys, 8-pound roasts, 6-pound pork shoulders — it’s built for folks who cook serious meat outdoors. The portable design with carrying handles makes it perfect for Montana tailgating, whether you’re at Bobcat Stadium or Washington-Grizzly.

How The Big Easy’s Infrared Technology Works

The propane burner heats an inner wall that radiates infrared heat — think of it like a vertical rotisserie without the spinning. TRU-Infrared technology delivers even heat with no flare-ups, which means no charred spots or raw centers.

The physics matter here. A circular burner ensures uniform heat distribution around whatever you’re cooking. Traditional fryers dump heat into oil, then the oil transfers it to the meat. The Big Easy skips the middleman — infrared waves cook the meat directly.

Specification	Value
Heat Output	16,000 BTU
Cooking Temperature	360°F
Fuel Type	Liquid Propane (standard 20 lb tank)
Dimensions	20.75”D x 16.3”W x 23.5”H
Weight	28.88 lbs
Burner Material	Stainless Steel

Cooking times run about 8-10 minutes per pound. That 16-pound bird? Done in under 3 hours. Some reviews mention a 21-pound turkey cooked in 45 minutes, though that seems optimistic for Montana’s cooler outdoor temps.

Safety and Practical Benefits

The Big Easy eliminates oil spills, overflows, and the biggest fear — hot oil fires. Anyone who’s seen a turkey fryer accident video knows what’s happening there. Thanksgiving sees three times the average home cooking fires, and traditional turkey fryers cause a good chunk of them.

The front-access grease tray beats dealing with gallons of used oil. Slide it out, dump the drippings, done. No storing contaminated oil until the next hazardous waste day. No arguments about whose turn it is to filter five gallons of turkey grease.

Assembly takes about 20 minutes, and no seasoning required before first use. The rotary ignition with piezo starter means no matches or lighters needed — just turn the knob.

The real win? Portability. At 28.88 pounds with carrying handles, you can haul this to hunting camp or the in-laws’ place. Try that with a traditional fryer setup and five gallons of oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size turkey fits in The Big Easy? Up to 16 pounds for whole turkeys. That covers most birds at the grocery store. Anything bigger won’t fit properly in the cooking basket.

Does it only work for turkey? The Big Easy handles 8-pound roasts, 6-pound pork shoulders, plus ribs, kebabs, tomahawk steaks, roasted vegetables, and crispy potatoes. Think of it as an outdoor infrared oven that happens to excel at turkey.

Can you convert it to natural gas? Liquid Propane only — not for Natural Gas conversion. Stick with standard 20-pound tanks.

What accessories work with it? Compatible accessories include the 22-Piece Accessory Kit, Grease Tray Liners, Bunk Bed Basket for cooking multiple items, Heavy Duty Waterproof Cover, and Cooking Twine.

How do user reviews rate it? Amazon shows 4.6/5 stars from 7,484 ratings. Walmart has 4.4/5 from 970 reviews. Lowe’s rates it 4.7/5 from 949 reviews. Common praise includes moist meat with crispy skin, cost savings on oil, safety improvements, and easy cleanup.

What are the main complaints? Users report the basket can be difficult to remove when hot, occasional manufacturing defects like weld issues, tricky assembly for some, and slightly longer cooking times versus oil immersion.

Is it really oil-free cooking? Yes. The infrared technology cooks at 360°F using radiant heat — no oil involved. The meat’s own fats render out into the drip tray below.