A longtime food favorite in the southern United States, the delicious deep-fried turkey has quickly grown in popularity thanks to celebrity chefs. While some people rave about this tasty creation, UL safety experts are concerned that backyard chefs may be sacrificing safety for good taste. After extensive testing, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with their trusted UL mark.

Here’s why using a deep-fryer can be dangerous:

• Many units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil and resulting in fire.
• If the cooking pot is overfilled, oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed inside. Oil may hit the burner, causing flames to engulf the entire unit.
• Water from frozen turkeys placed into the fryer may react with oil, cause a spill-over effect, resulting in a fire or explosion.
• Marinades also pose a potential hazard. Oil and water don’t mix and may result in fire or explosion.
•With no thermostat controls, the unit also has the potential to overheat to the point of combustion.

If you must use a turkey fryer, here are some tips for safer use:
• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.
• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
• Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
•If the fire increases, immediately call 9-1-1.