The Big Easy Charbroil has earned a reputation for transforming backyard cooking into a flavorful, hassle-free experience. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pitmaster, this versatile infrared cooker offers an easy way to prepare everything from crispy whole turkeys to juicy roasts and ribs. Without the flare-ups and mess of traditional oil fryers, it delivers evenly cooked, golden-brown results with less effort. Understanding how to use and make the most of the Big Easy can change the way you grill forever, especially for those who love rich smoky flavors without the heavy equipment or long prep time.
What is the Big Easy Charbroil?
The Big Easy by Char-Broil is an oil-less infrared cooker designed for outdoor use. Instead of submerging food in oil like traditional fryers, it uses TRU-Infrared technology to cook food evenly with hot air circulating around the meat. This makes it much healthier and safer, particularly for deep-frying tasks like preparing turkey or chicken. It runs on propane and comes in several sizes, with the most popular model being the Big Easy Oil-less Turkey Fryer.
Main Features
- Oil-less Cooking: Eliminates the need for gallons of oil, making it cleaner and safer.
- TRU-Infrared Technology: Cooks food evenly and locks in juices without drying out the meat.
- Large Capacity: Can hold up to 16 pounds of turkey, making it ideal for holiday meals and family gatherings.
- Simple Operation: No complex controls; just ignite the burner, insert the food, and wait.
Why Choose the Big Easy Over Traditional Fryers?
Traditional fryers use oil which can be expensive, messy, and risky due to high temperatures. The Big Easy, in contrast, uses infrared heat that radiates around the food for a crispy outside and moist inside. This reduces calories and avoids oil-related hazards like fires or splattering burns. It’s also easier to clean, which makes post-cooking maintenance more manageable.
Healthier Cooking
Without oil, you significantly reduce fat intake while still achieving crispy skin and rich, roasted flavor. You can still season and marinate as usual, but the absence of oil makes this an appealing option for health-conscious cooks.
Great for Beginners
Unlike traditional smokers or charcoal grills, which can be intimidating, the Big Easy is easy to set up and operate. There’s no need for complex temperature management or adding wood chips. Just turn on the gas, preheat, and cook.
Popular Recipes for the Big Easy Charbroil
One of the best things about this cooker is its versatility. While it’s widely known for oil-less turkey, it can also cook a variety of meats, vegetables, and even desserts with great success.
1. Oil-less Fried Turkey
This is the flagship recipe for the Big Easy. Here’s a basic version:
- Season a 12-14 lb turkey with dry rub or marinade of your choice.
- Preheat the Big Easy for 15 minutes.
- Place turkey breast-side up in the basket and lower it into the cooker.
- Cook for approximately 10 minutes per pound (about 2.5 hours).
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Cajun Chicken
- Rub chicken with a mix of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook at around 15 minutes per pound.
- Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
3. BBQ Ribs
- Apply a dry rub to baby back ribs and let them rest overnight.
- Place in the rib hooks or basket inside the Big Easy.
- Cook for 60-90 minutes, depending on the size.
- Finish with barbecue sauce and let it caramelize for the last 10 minutes.
4. Roasted Vegetables
- Chop vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Place in a grilling basket or foil tray and cook for 20-30 minutes.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Always allow air to circulate evenly around your food. Crowding can result in uneven cooking and soggy skin.
Use a Meat Thermometer
While the average is 10-15 minutes per pound, checking internal temperature is the most reliable way to avoid undercooked or overcooked meat.
Let Meat Rest
After removing meat from the cooker, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps juices redistribute for more tender slices.
Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the perks of the Big Easy is its easy cleanup. Without oil, there’s no need for complicated disposal or scrubbing grease. Here’s how to keep it in great shape:
- Let the cooker cool completely before cleaning.
- Remove the inner basket and scrub it with warm soapy water.
- Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.
- Empty the drip tray and clean it after each use.
Accessories to Consider
Char-Broil offers a variety of accessories that can enhance your cooking experience:
- Rib Hooks: Hang ribs vertically to maximize cooking space.
- Kabob Holders: Ideal for skewered vegetables or meat.
- Cooking Basket Divider: Cook two items at once without mixing flavors.
- Cover: Protect your cooker from the elements when not in use.
The Big Easy Charbroil is more than just a turkey fryer. It’s a versatile, user-friendly, oil-less cooker that brings the joy of outdoor cooking to a wider audience. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or enjoying a weekend BBQ, this infrared cooker delivers consistent, juicy, and flavorful results every time. With minimal maintenance and no need for oil, it’s an investment that pays off in both convenience and flavor. If you’re looking for healthier alternatives to traditional frying or smoking, the Big Easy offers a reliable and delicious solution.