You have the turkey and are eager to get started, but still need the essential tools for turkey cooking. Equip yourself with the right essentials to make your holiday meal a success!

Truss and Brines

First, start with an unbrined natural turkey. That way, you can customize the brine to suit your needs. For traditionalists, I recommend purchasing trussing bands. However, you can skip this step by spatchcocking the turkey. First, put on a pair of Nitrile Gloves, remove the backbone with sharp kitchen shears, and lightly press the breast down to create an even cooking surface.

• Elastic Trussing Bands are much more convenient than butcher’s twine or metal pins. These bands are graded for all types of poultry and roasts.
• Wet Brine Bucket Bags are typically BPA-free and can hold up to 50 pounds of liquid.
• Brine Buckets are an investment, but when cleaned and stored properly, they can last a long time.
• Dry Brine Bags generally hold up to 38 pounds and come with cotton ties or zip-top closures. These bags are ideal for dry brining.
• Kosmos Q Turkey Dry Brine is an all-around great product if you are pressed for time and do not want to make your own.

Flavoring the Turkey – Injection Marinades and Seasonings

• Turkey breast, in particular, benefits from injection marinades. The meat is dense, and while a brine can help keep it moist, a marinade will take your turkey from good to exceptional!
• The Large Capacity Meat Injector is great for those cooking multiple turkeys or different types of roasts. This stainless steel injector includes 4 needles and a small brushes for cleaning.
• This Plastic Meat Injector is ideal for those with simple needs who plan to cook an occasional turkey or roast. Though they are made of plastic, when cleaned and used correctly, they will last for years.
• A Stainless Steel Spice Shaker is perfect for those planning to use a homemade turkey rub.

Temperature – Thermometers

Whether you plan to smoke, grill, deep-fry, or bake your holiday turkey, a key component of food safety is cooking it to the right temperature. Some say turkey is done when the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and the thigh reaches 175 degrees F. However, I find that 180-185 degrees F. is best for the thigh region. Take carryover cooking into account and check for doneness at multiple spots.

• Thermaworks Classic Thermapen is a great option for smoking, baking, and rotisserie turkey. It has a large display and a convenient splash-proof design, which comes in handy for all your cooking needs.
• The ThermaPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer is a solid budget-friendly choice for smoke cooking, baking, and frying.
• Looking for a reliable temperature probe? There are many Bluetooth-enabled devices on the market, but I recommend the ThermaPro TP829 1000ft Wireless Meat Thermometer.

Racks and Pans Turkey Cooking

Decide which method you’ll be using to cook your Thanksgiving turkey. Are you smoking it? Rotisserie cooking, or roasting it in the oven? Below are tools that can be used for multiple cooking methods. Remember that, unless absolutely necessary, it is a good idea to use disposable aluminum pans for smoking and grilling. They catch all of those delicious drippings used to make a flavorful gravy, but they can be discarded after one use.

• Adjustable Poultry Rack – This large stainless steel roasting rack is suitable for your oven, Kamado grill, or smoker. It’s adjustable and easy to clean.
• Kingsford Heavy Duty Aluminum Drip Pans for one time use and easy cleanup. Use it to catch turkey drippings or for preparing smoked side dishes.
• The Baker’s Secret Large Roaster is non-toxic and ideal for those preparing small turkeys, whole chickens, or roasts.

Cooking Equipment

If you plan to smoke your turkey this holiday season, consider investing in a pellet grill. If you’re just beginning your smoke cooking journey, I recommend starting with a pellet grill. They are easy to use and will help you gain experience before moving on to more moderate and advanced cooking equipment.

• Traeger Grills Woodridge Pellet Grill and Smoker – This versatile pellet grill lets you use a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, smoking, roasting, braising, and more. It is spacious, easy to clean, and provides precise temperature control. This affordable unit is also equipped to handle several Traeger accessories, and is an essential tool for turkey cooking!
• Don’t forget to grab a large bag of Wood Pellets! It’s wise to be overprepared with fuel. There is nothing more frustrating than running out halfway through cooking. If you plan to use a kamado or a kettle, stock up on high-quality lump charcoal.
• This Basting Brush is perfect for applying melted butter or a poultry baste on your turkey.
• Or pick up a food-grade Spray Bottle for BBQ spritz application.
• Food safety is important in so many ways, including handling hot foods. These Heat-Resistant Gloves will keep our hands protected when adjusting the turkey or lifting out hot pans from the grill or smoker. It’s especially helpful for removing piping hot rotisserie units.

Transport, Warming, and Leftover Turkey

The best part about Thanksgiving is all the delicious leftovers. While these solutions are not exactly tools for turkey cooking, they are essential for keeping food at the right temperature and make rewarming leftovers easy.

This versatile Collapsible BBQ Tub is great for food prep and post-cook resting.

• Keep your holiday feast warm during serving with this convenient, easy to use XL Warming Mat.
• Stainless Steel Microwave-Safe Food Storage Containers – The beauty of these containers is that you can use them in the fridge and freezer, and warm their contents in the microwave. A super convenient option for leftover turkey with all the trimmings!
• Invest in a Vacuum Sealer to give your turkey leftovers maximum freezer storage time. This unit includes a built-in bag cutter, 10 bags, and is equipped to handle both dry and moist foods.

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