[mschuep]

I see no problem with frying a 19lb bird unless it won't fit safely.

usually, the fryer instructions will specify the maximum size bird it will fry safely...If you don't have that info, stick the bird in the pot and see how much space is left at the top. If it is anywhere near the top of the pot, get a smaller bird. Not worth burning down the house for delicious turkey!

To make sure you don't have too much (or too little) oil, fill up fryer pot with water, dunk bird, and adjust the amount of water until it is 1/2" above bird. remove bird, note water level in pot...dump water and fill with oil to previously marked water line.

As others have said, I always start at 350-375...the 250-350 idea sounds a little unpredictable, and/or impossible.