Every kitchen should have a trusty meat thermometer (especially on Thanksgiving). All that separates a juicy, delicious turkey from a dry, disappointing mess are a few degrees. More importantly, though, cooking your meat to a safe temperature prevents dangerous foodborne illnesses. Here’s how to check your turkey’s temp the right way this holiday:
Cooking a turkey can be intimidating. With its large size and uneven shape, it’s hard to know if you’ve cooked it thoroughly without drying out the breast meat. That’s why using a meat thermometer is so important – it takes the guesswork out and ensures the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature. But where exactly should you insert the thermometer probe? Proper probe placement is key to getting an accurate reading.
Why Proper Probe Placement Matters
To get an accurate temperature reading, the probe needs to be inserted into the thickest part of the breast meat, avoiding bones. This is considered the thermal center of the turkey – the last area to fully cook. If the probe hits bone, it will give a false high reading since bone conducts heat faster than meat.
The probe should be placed horizontally from the neck cavity, about 1-2 inches from the cavity walls to avoid bones. You want the probe tip surrounded by meat on all sides.
How to Probe a Turkey
Follow these simple steps for proper probe placement
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Unpack the frozen turkey and remove any giblets from the cavity Rinse if desired and pat dry
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Take your leave-in meat thermometer probe and insert it horizontally into the thickest part of the breast, 1-2 inches from the main cavity.
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The probe tip should be in the center of the breast, not touching any bones, gristle or the pan.
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For stuffed turkeys, insert a second probe into the center of the stuffing to monitor its temperature.
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Once probes are securely in place, you can roast, smoke, deep fry or cook the turkey using your preferred method.
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Monitor the temperature throughout cooking until the probe in the breast reads 165°F. The stuffing should reach 165°F as well.
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Use an instant read thermometer like the Thermapen to check multiple spots and verify doneness after cooking. Look for 165°F in the breast, 175°F in the thighs and 165°F in the stuffing.
Following these guidelines ensures your turkey cooks evenly with no undercooked or dried out spots. Using a leave-in thermometer with a thin, precise probe is critical for monitoring the thermal center. Instant read thermometers are great for quick checks on multiple areas.
Other Turkey Probing Tips
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Each time you cook a turkey, the probe placement can vary slightly based on shape. Always aim for the thickest area of breast, about 1-2 inches from the cavity.
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Let the probe poke out from under the wing before securing it to track temps outside the oven.
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Instant read thermometers are great for quick temp checks but are not oven safe. Only leave-in probes should remain in during cooking.
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Wash probes before and after use to prevent cross contamination. Store them carefully to prevent damage.
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Double check the turkey is fully cooked by taking temps in multiple spots like the breast, thighs and stuffing. Look for the safe minimums.
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If using a wireless leave-in thermometer, make sure it has sufficient range to read temps outside a closed oven.
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Always hand wash thermometer probes rather than running them through the dishwasher which can cause damage over time.
Get the Right Thermometer for the Job
Having the right thermometer makes properly probing a turkey much easier. Here are some recommended models:
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ThermoWorks ChefAlarm – A splashproof leave-in probe thermometer with large backlit display, loud alarm and probe that folds for storage. Can monitor turkey temp from outside the oven.
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ThermoWorks DOT – A tiny leave-in thermometer that stays tucked in the turkey as it cooks. Monitors the temp and alarms when done.
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ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE – An ultra fast and accurate instant read thermometer perfect for quick temp checks on turkey and stuffing after cooking.
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ThermoWorks Signals 4 Channel Alarm – Monitors multiple probes so you can use one for the turkey breast and another for stuffing. Get alerts on your smartphone.
Using the proper thermometer and following correct probe placement guidelines will help you cook turkey perfectly every time. The thermometer does the hard work – all you have to do is probe in the right spot!
How Far In Should It Go?
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The thermometer should reach the deepest part of the bird. Now, this doesn’t mean you should stick it all the way through—if you push it too far, you’ll risk missing the part that cooks the last (the middle).
The sweet spot is actually the place where there’s an even layer of meat above and below the probe. In other words, the probe should be surrounded by meat evenly on both sides.
Digital vs. Analog Meat Thermometer
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So, should you get a digital or an analog instant read thermometer? A digital one will display the temperature in numerals, kind of like a digital watch. An analog one uses a more classic face, similar to a clock.
Analog thermometers (like this top-rated one, which is just $11 on Amazon) must be calibrated to ensure an accurate reading. To calibrate your analog thermometer, submerge the stem in ice water and let it sit for a few minutes. If the dial does not read 32°, use a small wrench to loosen the nut behind the dial. Then rotate the dial to the correct temperature.
Related: How to Perfectly Cook a Turkey in the Oven
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FAQ
Where is the best place to check the temperature of a turkey?
What temperature should a probe be for turkey?
How do you use a temperature probe in a Turkey?
The placement of the probe is critical to getting the right temperature of the turkey meat when cooking. You need to insert the probe in a horizontal manner. You must insert it near the neck cavity. When inserting the probe, here are a few things you need to know to get the most accurate temperature reading: 1.
Where to put a thermometer in a Turkey?
Use this general guide if you have trouble knowing where to put a thermometer in a turkey. The placement of the probe is critical to getting the right temperature of the turkey meat when cooking. You need to insert the probe in a horizontal manner. You must insert it near the neck cavity.
How deep should a turkey breast be in a thermometer?
Place the probe of your leave-in thermometer into the deepest part of the turkey breast. According to ThermoWorks, it’s best to enter the turkey horizontally, starting near the neck cavity. The tip should be about 1/2 to 1 inch from the internal cavity. Tip: Always avoid bone, as the bone’s temperature will be different from the meat’s temperature.
How do you cook a turkey breast with a probe?
So read on, and get ready to cook the best turkey ever! Insert the probe into the thickest part of the breast, near the thigh. Make sure the probe is not touching bone or fat. Secure the probe in place with a piece of aluminum foil.