Turkey Frying: A Generation of 'Frequent Fryers'

COLUMBUS, Ga., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Turkey frying has long been viewed as a staple of Southern tradition, however, results from The Big Easy Survey by Char-Broil -- released this week -- reveal that two-thirds (64%) of Americans have fried a turkey or know someone who has. In spite of the fact that Americans across the nation are jumping on the turkey frying bandwagon, they are doing so for different reasons in different regions.

Frying Across America

No matter what part of the country, an overall awareness of turkey frying is changing the way Americans are preparing for Thanksgiving. The survey findings underscore the growing popularity of this historically Southern fare, especially in regions outside of the South. Northern turkey fryers are more likely than other Americans to fry a turkey when they want to impress their guests (10% vs. 5% Westerners, 4% Midwesterners and 4% Southerners). However, it is the Westerners that take the top prize as the nation's most "frequent fryers," as turkey enthusiasts from that region are three times more likely to fry a turkey at least once a week.

Still, Southerners continue to be more knowledgeable about turkey frying than other Americans, as 73% of fryers from the South have tried fried turkey or know someone who has vs. 64% of Americans in general.

A New Generation of "Frequent Fryers"

Survey results showed that Americans aged 18-24 have emerged as the nation's most "frequent fryers," revealing a new generation of grilling enthusiasts. A more popular activity among younger Americans, seven out of ten (73%) of turkey frying enthusiasts aged 24-44 have fried a turkey or know someone who has. In fact, 38% say that they fry a turkey at least several times in a year while 6% fry a turkey at least once a week.

A Safer Way to Fry

According to the survey, if a safer alternative were available, 46% of turkey frying Americans say they would fry a turkey more often. With The Big Easy from Char-Broil, an oil-less alternative now exists.

"The findings of this study further underscore our efforts at Char-Broil to always stay ahead of the industry trends and produce products that fit the changing roles of our consumers," said Thom Ward, the director of marketing at Char-Broil. "This is why the Char-Broil team developed a hassle-free way to fry turkeys for Thanksgiving this year, with the Big Easy oil-less infrared turkey fryer. This outdoor fryer uses infrared heat to produce juicy results while still giving everyone the peace of mind it's being prepared safely."

The Char-Broil Big Easy Survey was commissioned by Char-Broil and conducted by a third party to ensure accuracy. A sample of 1,000 adults were surveyed on Nov. 7, 2007. The sample consists of individuals selected from an online consumer opinion panel, and is balanced to be representative of the general population based upon region, gender, age, and household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more information, visit http://www.IAmNotATurkey.com.

About The Big Easy

Char-Broil, America's oldest and best selling gas grill brand, introduces an innovation that truly enhances the turkey frying experience. The innovation is infrared. Infrared cooking offers better taste, simplicity and efficiency and improves the overall grilling experience. The Big Easy oil-less, infrared turkey fryer cooks without the safety, cost and hassle issues related to cooking with gallons of hot oil. Using infrared technology instead of oil, The Big Easy safely delivers the same moist, crispy and flavorful results in the same amount of time-start to finish-as it takes to fry a turkey in a vat of scalding oil.