There’s one kitchen gadget you should avoid using this Thanksgiving in order to prepare the ideal turkey. Ironically, it’s the pop-up turkey timer.
Of all the kitchen appliances, a pop-up turkey timer—the kind that fits into your store-bought bird—is arguably the least dependable. By the time the timer does actually pop, your turkey will be overcooked and as dry as sawdust. Advertisement.
This is due to the fact that commercial turkey buttons are programmed to pop at 180 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, even though the turkey should be taken out of the oven at 160 degrees F. As it rests on the counter, the temperature will rise to the FDA-recommended 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use a pop-up timer, you end up drastically overcooking your turkey.
Ah, Thanksgiving A time for family, friends, and of course, the centerpiece of the feast: the mighty turkey But let’s be honest, roasting a turkey can be a nerve-wracking experience. Overcooked? Dry and disappointing. Undercooked? A potential health hazard. Fear not, fellow turkey enthusiasts, for I’m here to introduce you to the culinary game-changer: the turkey pop-up timer.
What is this magical device, you ask? A pop-up timer is a small, heat-activated gadget that you insert into the thickest part of your turkey’s breast. As the turkey cooks, the timer gradually rises, and when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (the safe and delicious sweet spot), the timer pops up, signaling that your turkey is ready to be devoured.
But wait, there’s more! Not all pop-up timers are created equal. Some are designed specifically for turkeys, while others are more versatile and can be used for various meats. Some even come with handy features like a temperature gauge or a countdown timer.
So how do you choose the right pop-up timer for your Thanksgiving turkey? Here are a few things to consider:
- Type of timer: Do you want a turkey-specific timer or a more versatile option?
- Features: Do you need a temperature gauge or a countdown timer?
- Price: Pop-up timers range in price from a few dollars to around $20.
- Reviews: Check online reviews to see what other users have to say about different pop-up timers.
Once you’ve chosen your pop-up timer, here’s how to use it:
- Insert the timer into the thickest part of the turkey’s breast, making sure the tip is not touching any bone.
- Place the turkey in your roasting pan and cook according to your recipe’s instructions.
- Keep an eye on the pop-up timer. When it pops up, your turkey is done!
Here are some additional tips for using a pop-up timer:
- Don’t reuse pop-up timers. They are designed for one-time use only.
- If your pop-up timer doesn’t pop up, don’t panic! Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast.
- Pop-up timers are a great tool, but they should not be your only method of checking for doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to be safe.
With a pop-up timer in your arsenal, you can say goodbye to the stress of overcooked or undercooked turkeys So, go forth and conquer Thanksgiving, knowing that your turkey will be cooked to perfection!
P.S. If you’re looking for a specific pop-up timer recommendation, I’ve got you covered. Check out the links below for some of the top-rated turkey pop-up timers on the market:
- Amazon’s Best Turkey Pop-Up Timers: https://www.amazon.com/turkey-pop-up-timer/s?k=turkey%2Bpop-up%2Btimer
- YouTube Video on How to Use a Turkey Pop-Up Timer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2–NlQE-Ico
Happy Thanksgiving!
Food industry professionals don’t like pop-up timers.
If you need any more proof that pop-up timers are bad, just know that Butterball turkey doesn’t use them, Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend them and food writers despise them.Advertisement
“If I had my way, the world would be rid of it,” J. Kenji López-Alt, James Beard-nominated columnist and chief culinary consultant of Serious Eats, said of pop-up timers in an interview with The Washington Post in 2015.
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There’s one kitchen gadget you should avoid using this Thanksgiving in order to prepare the ideal turkey. Ironically, it’s the pop-up turkey timer.
Of all the kitchen appliances, a pop-up turkey timer—the kind that fits into your store-bought bird—is arguably the least dependable. By the time the timer does actually pop, your turkey will be overcooked and as dry as sawdust. Advertisement.
That’s because commercial turkey buttons are set to pop at 180 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, even though you should actually remove the turkey from the oven when it reaches 160 degrees F (then you temperature will continue rising as it rests on the counter, to the FDA-recommended 165 degrees Fahrenheit). If you use a pop-up timer, you end up drastically overcooking your turkey.
Pop-Up Turkey Timers
FAQ
Do pop up timers in turkeys work?
Do I remove the pop up timer from turkey?
What happens if turkey popper doesn’t pop?