Abstract: A deep frying apparatus for turkeys and other food items comprising a cauldron, an overflow sleeve integral to the cauldron, and a drain basin connected to the overflow sleeve via a flexible conduit. The cauldron is shaped as an elliptical cylinder thereby approximating the shape of a turkey and reducing the amount of cooking oil necessary. Support stands providing additional safety features are also disclosed. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is used for steaming food items where the overflow sleeve, conduit, and drain basin are used for collecting excess condensate from the steaming operation.