Best Outdoor Fryers with Two Baskets

TL;DR: The Bayou Classic 700-701 delivers a 4‑gallon stainless‑steel propane fryer with dual cool‑touch baskets and a high‑pressure brass regulator, but its 45.0‑pound weight and lack of wheels suit a fixed backyard station.

This model packs a 4‑gallon oil capacity into a compact stainless‑steel body that measures 431.8 mm deep, 660.4 mm high and 431.8 mm wide. It comes with two stainless‑steel mesh fry baskets, a built‑in thermometer, and a high‑pressure regulator with a brass control valve, giving you precise temperature control for fish, shrimp, chicken, fries and more.

Compared with the other three fryers in this roundup, the Bayou Classic is heavier than the Keekr Two Tank (30.0 pounds) and lacks the wheels that the R & V Works Cajun Fryer provides. Its depth of 431.8 mm sits between the deeper R & V Works (736.6 mm) and the shallower Keekr and Artisan Fire units (both 355.6 mm). The Bayou’s width of 431.8 mm is narrower than all three competitors, while its height of 660.4 mm is shorter than the R & V Works (1,295.4 mm) and Keekr (965.2 mm) but taller than the Artisan Fire (812.8 mm).

Reviewers consistently praise the internal rear‑jet burner with vent tubes, noting that it spreads heat evenly and keeps oil cleaner longer. Reviewers highlight the dual cool‑touch baskets for safe handling during busy fish‑fry parties, and the bottom drain valve makes oil disposal quick and tidy. On the downside, users point out that the 45.0‑pound unit is cumbersome to move and the absence of wheels limits portability, so it’s best kept in a dedicated outdoor spot.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Artisan Fire Two Tank Propane Deep Fryer offers a 4 gal oil capacity, dual‑basket design, and stainless‑steel build for $152.98, delivering a compact, budget‑friendly outdoor frying solution.

What really stands out is the two‑basket system paired with a 4‑gallon oil tank, letting you fry two batches at once without constant refilling. The unit runs on propane with two burners and comes with an included regulator and two thermometers, so temperature control's straightforward. Its footprint measures 355.6 mm deep, 812.8 mm high and 914.4 mm wide (about 14 × 36 × 32 inches), giving it a relatively compact profile for a two‑tank fryer.

Compared with the three other fryers in this roundup, the Artisan Fire matches the Keekr model’s depth but is shorter than Keekr’s taller frame and far shorter than the R & V Works Cajun Fryer. It’s wider than both the Bayou Classic and R & V units, yet its overall size remains more manageable than the deeper Bayou Classic model. All four fryers share the same 4‑gallon oil capacity, but the Artisan Fire lands at the lower end of the price spectrum, making it a more affordable entry point.

Users frequently note the unit’s portable feel, praising how its compact dimensions fit easily on a patio or backyard grill station. Reviewers also appreciate the dual‑basket layout for cooking different foods simultaneously, though some mention the lack of detailed weight information makes it harder to assess true portability. The stainless‑steel construction and included regulator highlight solid, practical features for outdoor use.

Additional context shows the fryer uses stainless steel, which resists rust and simplifies cleaning. The included regulator ensures safe propane flow, while the two separate thermometers give you quick temperature checks without needing extra accessories.

Best for: Buyers in the budget price range seeking the best quality at that price point

Avoid if: You need powerful performance or professional‑grade features

TL;DR: The R & V Works Cajun Fryer delivers 90,000 BTU of propane heat, holds 4 gallons of oil, and features a V‑shaped tank that cuts oil use, but its premium $649.99 price and assembly quirks may deter budget‑focused cooks.

This fryer’s standout spec is the 90,000 BTU burner, which professional reviewers cite as powerful enough for large‑scale fish‑fries and patio events. Combined with a 4‑gallon oil capacity, the unit can handle high‑volume cooking without frequent refills. Reviewers praise the V‑shaped tank design for sending excess batter below the heat source, reportedly reducing oil consumption by up to 70% compared with conventional fryers.

In size, the Cajun Fryer is deeper (736.6 mm) and taller (1,295.4 mm) than the Bayou Classic, Keekr, and Artisan Fire models, giving it a larger cooking chamber footprint. Its width (609.6 mm) sits between the narrower Bayou Classic and the wider Artisan Fire, while the 8‑inch solid rubber wheels add mobility that the other units lack. Compared with its peers, it's pricier and offers fewer listed specs such as weight or regulator details.

User sentiment highlights rapid heating and the ability to serve big groups at tailgates, but many note that positioning the burner jet can be a trial‑and‑error process. The lack of a comprehensive assembly guide and the need for a propane hookup make the setup feel more involved than plug‑in alternatives. Reviewers also stress that the fryer’s intended for outdoor use only, so indoor kitchens are out of scope.

Best for: Outdoor event hosts who need high‑volume, fast‑heating frying and are willing to invest in a premium, portable unit.

Avoid if: You have a tight budget, need a compact indoor fryer, or are new to propane setups.

TL;DR: The Keekr Two Tank Outdoor Deep Fryer offers dual 4‑gallon tanks, two burners and a built‑in regulator for $234.95, but its modest 3.5‑star rating and mixed capacity details may give budget‑shoppers pause.

This model’s standout feature is its dual‑tank layout, which retailer copy says can handle up to 8 gal of oil for simultaneous frying of different foods. The fryer holds 4 gallons per tank, runs on propane, and includes two independent temperature knobs for precise heat control. At 30.0 pounds (13,608 g) and measuring 355.6 mm deep, 965.2 mm high and 660.4 mm wide, it’s a solid‑built unit that uses steel, cast iron and stainless steel.

Compared with the three other fryers in this roundup, the Keekr sits taller than the Artisan Fire model (which is 812.8 mm high) and the Bayou Classic (660.4 mm high), yet it’s shorter than the R & V Works Cajun Fryer (1,295.4 mm high). Its width of 660.4 mm is narrower than Artisan Fire’s 914.4 mm but wider than Bayou Classic’s 431.8 mm, giving it a middle‑ground footprint. The Keekr’s weight of 30.0 pounds is lighter than Bayou Classic’s 45.0 pounds, while the other two competitors don’t list a weight, making direct comparison difficult. All four units share a 4‑gallon oil capacity, but only the Keekr and Bayou Classic note a drain valve or dual‑tank capability.

Users appreciate the quick setup for fries, wings, onion rings and chicken, and they like the ability to fry two batches at once. However, reviewers have flagged confusing capacity information across listings and note that the thermometer isn’t listed in the official specs, even though front‑mounted thermometers are mentioned in retailer copy. A Prop 65 safety warning and the need for an external propane tank also get mentioned, suggesting the fryer is best kept outdoors.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns