When we hear the word ‘Thanksgiving’, the first word that comes to mind is turkey. This delicacy has been the staple Thanksgiving dish for ages. While there are multiple ways to cook a turkey, like slow cooking, roasting, brine, etc., nothing comes close to the taste of a deep-fried turkey.
You can use a turkey fryer or a crawfish boiler to deep fry the bird. But between turkey fryer vs. crawfish boiler, which one is better? Do both give the same results?
The turkey fryer and the crawfish boiler look quite the same. Each has a large stock pot, and the entire kit comes with a burner. However, some significant differences between the two bring a unique flavor to the turkey.
Let’s read further to know the difference between the two and choose which one would be best for you.
Table of Contents
What Is A Turkey Fryer?
The turkey fryer is nothing like your typical frying pan. It’s a larger propane-powered, infrared cooking oven. A circular propane burner inside the enclosed chamber heats the large metal pot for frying a big piece of turkey.
The pot then radiates heat into the turkey, making it crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
A turkey fryer is ten times better than a regular fryer as it does not require as much oil to cook the meat while giving it a similar taste and texture to a regular fryer (there is no oil variety as well).
You can add whatever sauces and seasonings you like to make the bird more delicious. You’ll get electric turkey fryers and the ones that work with propane tanks. Both the types provide almost the same taste.
Although it takes a little more time than the typical fryer, the wait is still worth it. The turkey fryer takes about ten minutes for each pound to cook.
What Is A Crawfish Boiler?
A crawfish boiler looks similar to a turkey fryer with almost the same mechanisms. You can find a stainless steel or aluminum crawfish boiler. The material decides how sturdy your crawfish boiler is and its impact on the heat threshold.
Not all crawfish boilers are best for deep frying. Crawfish boilers that allow deep frying will have a frying pan and a basket.
You can either pick an electric crawfish boiler or a propane boiler.
If you love outdoor cooking, going for a propane operated one would be the best choice.
To use your crawfish boiler for multiple purposes, make sure to get one that can fit a whole turkey and let you cook other dishes like- gumbo soups and stews to feed the whole gang.
Turkey Fryer vs. Crawfish Boiler: A Quick Comparison
Are you in a rush and just want to know the basic differences between a turkey fryer and a crab boiler? Here’s a table with all the details you’re looking for.
| Features | Turkey Fryer | Crawfish Boiler |
| Overall Look | Looks like a giant metal container | Looks like a giant metal container |
| Materials | Stainless steel, Aluminum | Stainless steel, Aluminum |
| Versatility | More Versatile | Less Versatile |
| Portability | Very Portable | Very Portable |
| Price | Cheap | Expensive |
Turkey Fryer vs. Crawfish Boiler: A Detailed Comparison
Here is a detailed look at the parameters that will help us further judge which one is better between a turkey fryer and vs. crawfish boiler.
The Overall Look
You cannot distinguish which one’s a turkey fryer and which one’s a crawfish boiler by looking at the two. Both have a large steel or aluminum pot inside which you cook the meat accompanied by a burner.
Versatility
The turkey fryer is more versatile compared to the crawfish fryer.
You can use the turkey fryer to boil crawfish and to make other seafood boil. But you can’t use all crawfish boilers as a turkey fryer.
If you plan to use the crawfish boiler for other purposes, you need to look for a model suitable for other purposes.
Durability
Both turkey fryers and crawfish boilers are available in stainless steel and aluminum. The steel ones are more durable compared to the aluminum ones. So whether you get a turkey fryer or a crawfish boiler, make sure to get the one made with steel.
Also, you can’t cook acidic food in aluminum as it’s a reactive material, so a steel turkey fryer or crawfish boiler is the best.
Portability
Both the turkey fryer and the crawfish boiler are portable cooking appliances. You can transfer it outdoors and indoors without having any issues.
Price
Turkey fryers and crawfish boilers are available in almost the same price range. But crawfish boilers are slightly more expensive than the former.
If you are looking for a decent price range for a turkey fryer then you would want to check out the King Kooker 1265BF3 Portable Propane Outdoor Deep Frying.
You can use both appliances for diverse cooking purposes, so ultimately, it comes down to how much you want to spend.
Turkey Fryer vs. Crawfish Boiler: The Pros and Cons
Take a quick look at the pros and cons of both turkey fryer and crawfish boiler to decide which one you like better-
Turkey Fryer
Crawfish Boiler
Turkey Fryer vs. Crawfish Boiler: The Verdict
There isn’t a clear winner between a turkey fryer and a crawfish boiler because you can use both for different cooking purposes.
Whether you want to make a deep-fried turkey for Thanksgiving or feel like treating yourself to some delicious crawfish or other seafood, both the appliances are eligible for making these dishes.
But all crawfish boilers do not allow turkey frying, so you need to check the specifications while buying one.
FAQs
Q: What Equipment Do I Need For A Crawfish Boil?
A: You need just a steel or aluminum stockpot with a matching basket for a crawfish boil. Choose the size as per your cooking requirement.
Q: Are Electric Turkey Fryers Safer Than Propane Fryers?
A: Yes, electric fryers are safer than propane fryers. You can use them indoors, and there is no risk of open flame or oil splashing.
Q: Why Do Turkeys Explode In Deep Fryers?
A: Turkeys explode in the deep fryer due to a difference in density between water and oil and the difference in density of water between its solid, liquid, and gas state. When the differences interact in the right way, an explosion occurs.
Conclusion
As you can see, both turkey fryers and crawfish boilers are better in their own ways. Both of them are versatile and can cook both turkey and crawfish. But crawfish boilers are pricier, and every model does not let you fry turkeys, making turkey fryers a better option.
But if you don’t mind spending some extra bucks, you can search for a crawfish boiler that fries turkey too.
