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.
As Thanksgiving approaches, home cooks everywhere are preparing to roast turkeys for the big feast. Getting the turkey cooked just right can be tricky, but pop-up turkey timers make it much easier These ingenious devices accurately indicate when the turkey is done by popping up when it reaches the ideal internal temperature But in order to work properly, you have to put the pop-up timer in the right place in the turkey.
What Are Pop-Up Turkey Timers?
Pop-up turkey timers are small disposable thermometers that are inserted into the turkey before roasting. They contain a small cylinder filled with a food-grade colored liquid. When the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, the liquid expands, causing a button on the end of the timer to “pop up.” This provides a clear visual cue that the turkey is fully cooked and ready to come out of the oven.
Pop-up timers are pre-calibrated to pop when the turkey reaches 165°F. This is the minimum safe temperature recommended by the USDA to ensure any bacteria are killed and the turkey is safe to eat. The timers eliminate guesswork and reduce the risk of undercooking the turkey.
Why Getting the Right Location Matters
In order for a pop-up timer to work properly, you have to put it in the thickest part of the turkey breast. This ensures it is registering the lowest internal temperature of the turkey as it cooks.
The breast is the ideal location because it is the largest thickest muscle on the turkey. The thick breast muscle takes the longest to reach 165°F. If the timer pops while the breast is still undercooked, you know you need to keep roasting longer.
If you place the timer in a thinner area like the leg or wing, it will pop earlier when that area is done, while the breast is still undercooked. This could lead you to take the turkey out too soon, before the breast reaches the safe minimum internal temperature.
How to Find the Thickest Part of the Breast
Finding the thickest part of the turkey breast is easy:
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Remove the pop-up timer from its packaging.
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Use your fingers to gently press around the turkey breast, feeling for the area that feels most thick and dense.
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Once you’ve located the thickest portion, use a paring knife to cut a small slit about 2 inches into the breast meat.
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Insert the timer deep into this slit, then push the meat closed around it. This helps keep it in place and in contact with the meat to get an accurate reading.
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If you’re having trouble determining the thickest area, a good rule of thumb is to insert the timer into the upper half of the breast, closer to the neck area.
Troubleshooting Pop-Up Timer Placement
Here are some common issues that can occur if the pop-up timer isn’t put in the right place:
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Timer pops while breast is undercooked: This happens if the timer isn’t deep enough in the breast meat. Ensure it’s inserted at least 2 inches into the thickest portion.
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Turkey is overcooked and dry: If the timer is placed in the thinner lower breast or too close to the ribs, it will pop before the thick meat is finished. Next time, aim the timer higher up and closer to the neck.
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Timer falls out: Make sure you are securely inserting the timer deep into the slit and the meat is closed up tightly around it. Consider tying the legs together to secure it.
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Timer doesn’t pop: It may not have been fully inserted into the breast meat. Also, double check that you have removed the plastic packing, which can prevent it from popping.
Other Turkey Roasting Tips
Along with the pop-up timer placement, keep these tips in mind for roasting turkey success:
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Brine the turkey overnight in a saltwater solution to ensure tender, flavorful meat.
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Rub butter or oil on the skin and season underneath to get crispy, browned skin.
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Use a roasting rack in the pan to allow air circulation for even cooking.
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Tent the turkey with foil if the skin gets too brown before the timer pops.
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Let the turkey rest at least 30 minutes before carving for juicy meat.
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Use a meat thermometer to double check the breast and thigh reach 165°F.
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Carve the turkey and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Turkey
By properly placing your pop-up turkey timer in the thickest part of the breast, you can relax knowing your turkey will be cooked to safe, delicious perfection this Thanksgiving. The timer takes the guesswork and stress out of roasting this holiday centerpiece. Follow these placement tips for ideal doneness. Soon you’ll be carving up juicy, flavorful slices of turkey with confidence.
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 to Use the Pop-Up Timer in Your Turkey
FAQ
Do I remove the pop up timer from turkey?
Does the turkey pop-up timer work?
How do you cook a Turkey in a pop-up timer?
1. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. 2. Insert the turkey pop-up timer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, making sure that it is not touching any bones. 3. Roast the turkey according to the recipe instructions. 4. When the turkey pop-up timer pops up, the turkey is done.
What temperature should a pop up timer pop up?
The temperature at which the pop up timer pops up varies depending on the brand of the timer. However, most timers are designed to pop up at a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the safe internal temperature for cooked turkey. Turkey cooking pop up timers are a safe and reliable way to cook your turkey.
Can you use a Turkey pop-up timer in a smoker?
A: Yes, you can use a turkey pop-up timer in a smoker. However, you should keep in mind that the smoke from the smoker can cause the timer to malfunction. Q: Where can I buy a turkey pop-up timer?
Does a pop-up timer really work for Thanksgiving turkeys?
For decades, one purported solution to this holiday hassle has been the pop-up timer that comes with some birds, a device invented to take the uncertainty out of poultry cooking times, especially for Thanksgiving turkeys.