Splattered by Turkey Frying? Go Infrared
As Thanksgiving is just around the corner (and the favorite holiday for food lovers from Maine to Miami to Monroe, Washington, to the Moreno Valley in California), turkey enthusiasts are starting to think over whether to go the same old route when cooking their bird, or whether to try something new. If you’re falling into the latter category, or are just interested in perhaps up-grading your turkey-cooking experience, I suggest taking a gander at Char-Broil’s 08101480 Big Easy, which is an oil-less turkey fryer that uses patented Heat Wave infrared cooking. Since there’s no oil, the cooking process doesn’t have that splatter potential that turkey frying normally does (and while a little danger’s fun I suppose, is it really a good guest to have at Thanksgiving? I don’t think so), and you don’t have to worry about getting rid of the oil afterwards either (giving more time for that traditional turkey-day nap). Of course, how it tastes is most important, and from every report the turkey turns out flavor-packed, with a nice juicy/crispy combination.
But I know what you’re thinking: of course I’m going to say nice things (writing on an Amazon blog and all). So, I thought I’d bring in some other viewpoints (oh, the 08101480 Big Easy is a new model, so the comments are on the page for the older version). Cieio from Florida, said that, “this bird was moist, with a crispy skin, and done to perfection, without the cost and mess of deep frying.” Steel City Scottie, from Pittsburgh, also says “this thing cooks like a champ. So far I've done roasting chickens (using a "beer can" stand) that have come out as good, if not better, than any rotisserie chicken I've ever had, and buffalo chicken wings. The biggest surprise is how well the B.E. does chicken wings! By rigging up some shelves in the basket, you can do about 3 dozen at a time. I've eaten Buffalo wings every way imaginable (deep fried, grilled, baked) and so far doing them in the Big Easy is my favorite.” Maybe it’s time to try something new this holiday season: infrared.
--A.J. Rathbun
DJ on January 20, 2009 at 06:19 PM
My hubby and I LOVE our char broil cooker! I found your site by looking for a way to do chicken wings in it. And here you are :) We'd like to make some for Superbowl, but don't have a clue how to cook the lil beasties in there. Do you perhaps have any tips?
Joe Neal on January 23, 2009 at 05:40 AM
Char-Broil is continuing ways to expand the types of foods cooked in our infrared roaster. Not only can you do pork ternderloins, ribs, roasts, turkey and chickens now, but we have developed a "half basket" among other accessories. This bunk bed basket will allow you to place and center food in the chamber of the cooker, allowing for even infrared coverage. You can place potatoes, pineapple, and yes......chicken wings on this bunk bed. To view this now, go to www.charbroil.com under Big Easy accessories, or view it on our on line store. It will be availble on Amazon.com very soon.
DJ on January 23, 2009 at 09:00 PM
Thanks for the info! I appreciate it :) Happy Cooking!
SeattleCB on January 27, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Hiya - I write many of the blog entries and recipes for Sizzle on the Grill, sponsored by Char-Broil. The Big Easy has become something of passion for many of the users - so much so we expanded the Users Forum to include specific conversation threads where folks exchange ideas and ways to prepare food in this handy little infrared cooker.
Just this past weekend the users posted a couple of great recipe for wings. Check it out: http://sizzleonthegrill.com/user-forums/index.php?topic=119.msg487#msg487
CB
Joannah on March 23, 2009 at 02:06 AM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Joannah
http://2gbmemory.net