This Thanksgiving, there’s one tool you need to keep out of the kitchen in order to cook the perfect turkey. Ironically, it’s the pop-up turkey timer.
A pop-up turkey timer ― the kind that comes pre-inserted in your store-bought bird ― is probably one of the most unreliable kitchen gadgets of all time. 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.
Turkey pop-up timers have become a staple in many kitchens come Thanksgiving These timers promise to tell you exactly when your turkey is cooked to perfection But how accurate and reliable are they really?
As many experienced cooks know, cooking times can vary considerably based on the size and shape of your turkey, your oven temperature, altitude, and other factors. Relying solely on a pop-up timer is not always advisable.
In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at turkey pop-up timers including
- How they work
- Their history
- Accuracy and reliability issues
- Pros and cons of using them
- Alternatives for determining doneness
Let’s get started!
A Closer Look at Turkey Pop-Up Timers
Turkey pop-up timers are small devices that are inserted into the turkey before roasting. They contain a spring-loaded mechanism that pops up when a certain internal temperature is reached, indicating the turkey is fully cooked.
Most turkey pop-up timers are designed to pop up when the breast reaches 165-175°F. This target range is based on USDA recommendations for safe poultry cooking temperatures.
Pop-up timers have been around since the 1950s. The first ones were made of metal and tended to be less reliable. Modern pop-up timers are made of plastic and are more durable and affordable.
How Accurate Are Pop-Up Turkey Timers?
The short answer is that pop-up turkey timers can be accurate, but a number of factors affect their precision:
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Turkey size and shape – A small 12 lb turkey will heat faster than an 18 lb one. Irregular shapes also lead to uneven cooking.
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Oven temperature – Accuracy depends on proper oven preheating and maintenance of a steady temperature.
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Cooking method – A spatchcocked or deep fried turkey will cook much faster than a traditionally roasted one.
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Timer design – Some timers are more precise and consistent than others.
Consumer Reports tested 21 pop-up timers and found most popped up between 165-175°F as expected. However, a few popped up at temperatures as low as 140°F, which is unsafe.
Other pros and cons of pop-up timers include:
Pros
- Inexpensive and easy to find
- Provide a ballpark doneness estimate
- Reassuring pop-up signal
Cons
- Questionable accuracy in some cases
- Can pop up when turkey is undercooked
- Difficult to see pop-up on browned turkeys
- No temperature specifics like a meat thermometer
Alternatives for Determining Turkey Doneness
Due to the potential inaccuracies, many chefs recommend using alternative methods in combination with a pop-up timer:
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Meat thermometers – Instant read or leave-in thermometers that display exact internal temperatures. Highly accurate when used properly.
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Temperature probes – Leave-in probes that connect wirelessly to external base units. Alert when pre-set temperature is reached.
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Visual checks – Juices running clear, drumsticks loosening, meat pulling away from bone. Should be clear at 165°F.
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Timetables – USDA recommended roasting times adjusted for size, shape and cooking method. Provide rough estimates.
Experts suggest checking turkeys with a meat thermometer regardless of pop-up timers. A few temperature readings in both breast and thigh areas can confirm safety and doneness.
Turkey pop-up timers provide a helpful ballpark estimate for doneness. However, their precision can be affected by many variables. For optimal safety and accuracy, always use a reliable meat thermometer in addition to the pop-up timer. This will ensure your turkey cooks to a safe minimum internal temperature throughout.
Following the above tips will help you roast the perfect turkey this Thanksgiving! Just remember to still make use of a meat thermometer for the most reliable results.
But the best way to take the temperature of a turkey is with a digital instant-read thermometer.
It’s not that hard to jab a turkey with a thermometer and see if it’s done or not. Simply insert a digital instant-read thermometer into the space between the thigh and the breast to get an accurate reading. We also recommend probe-style digital thermometers, which can be inserted into your bird with a wire leading out of the oven door to a digital display that monitors the temperature. (And if you buy a turkey that already has a pop-up timer inserted, either ignore it or pull it out, if you can do so without mangling the bird.)
Get yourself a good meat thermometer before it’s too late.
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This Thanksgiving, there’s one tool you need to keep out of the kitchen in order to cook the perfect turkey. Ironically, it’s the pop-up turkey timer.
A pop-up turkey timer ― the kind that comes pre-inserted in your store-bought bird ― is probably one of the most unreliable kitchen gadgets of all time. 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.
How Do Pop-Up Timers Work?
FAQ
Can you trust the pop-up timer in a turkey?
Is A pop-up timer accurate?
Is turkey done when timer pops out?
Why don’t turkeys have pop-up timers anymore?
Are Turkey pop-up timers accurate?
Turkey pop-up timers are a convenient way to ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection. However, it is important to note that turkey pop-up timers are not always accurate, so it is still important to check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to make sure that it is cooked to the desired doneness.
What is a Turkey pop-up timer?
A: A turkey pop-up timer is a small, round device that is inserted into the turkey breast during cooking. When the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature, the timer will pop up, indicating that the turkey is done. Q: How do I use a turkey pop-up timer? 1. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. 2.
Do you need a pop-up timer to cook a Turkey?
* Make sure that the pop-up timer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, not the breast. The breast will cook faster than the thigh, so if the timer is inserted into the breast, it will pop up before the turkey is fully cooked. * If you are cooking a large turkey, you may need to insert two pop-up timers.
What temperature does a Turkey pop-up timer pop up?
The temperature at which the turkey pop-up timer pops up varies depending on the brand of the timer. Some timers pop up at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, while others pop up at 180 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the correct temperature for your turkey pop-up timer.