Before Thanksgiving, you should not use this one tool in the kitchen. It will help you cook the best turkey. Ironically, it’s the pop-up turkey timer.
As far as kitchen tools go, the pop-up turkey timer that comes with store-bought birds is probably the least reliable 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, but you should take the turkey out of the oven when it reaches 160 degrees F. Its temperature will continue to rise as it rests on the counter, reaching the 165 degrees Fahrenheit that the FDA recommends. If you use a pop-up timer, you end up drastically overcooking your turkey.
The iconic turkey pop-up timer has become a Thanksgiving tradition – a red plastic indicator that supposedly “pops” when the turkey is perfectly cooked But are these timers really accurate and reliable? The short answer is no. While pop-up timers seem convenient, they can provide false assurances about doneness Read on to learn why pop-up timers are not foolproof, how accurate they really are, and safer ways to ensure your turkey is fully and safely cooked.
What Are Turkey Pop-Up Timers?
A pop-up timer is a small red plastic indicator embedded into the breast meat of some store-bought turkeys It is designed to pop up when the turkey reaches a supposed safe minimum internal temperature The concept is that the pop-up timer takes the guesswork out of cooking times and lets you know when the turkey is ready,
Pop-up timers have been around since the 1950s. Many home cooks came to rely on them as a sign their turkey was fully cooked and safe to eat. However, research has shown pop-up timers are far from accurate or consistent.
Why Pop-Up Timers Can Be Unreliable
There are a few key reasons why pop-up turkey timers can fail at properly indicating doneness
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Inaccurate temperatures – Pop-up timers are designed to pop around 185°F. However, food safety experts recommend turkey reach 165°F internally.
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Inconsistent results – Tests show wide variability in temperatures when different pop-up timers activate. Some pop as low as 135°F while others go as high as 185°F.
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User error – Pop-up timers only work properly if inserted correctly into the turkey breast. If placed incorrectly, activation temps can be way off.
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False assurance – Popped timers lull cooks into thinking their turkey is definitely safe, even if it’s undercooked.
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Failure to pop – Timers can simply fail to pop at all, leaving cooks without a doneness indicator.
Pop-Up Timer Accuracy Testing
Several scientific studies have tested the accuracy and reliability of pop-up turkey timers, with concerning results:
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A 2011 USDA study found only 6 of 16 timers popped between 165-185°F. 4 popped under 165°F and 6 didn’t pop at all.
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Consumer Reports tested 21 timers in 2015. 3 popped under 165°F while the rest popped around 185°F.
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Canada’s Alberta Agriculture and Forestry department tested timers in 2018. 1 popped at 154°F while 2 didn’t pop until 203-212°F.
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Kansas State University tested timers in 2006. They found “considerable variation” in pop temperatures from 135.5 to 184°F.
Dangers of Undercooked Turkey
Eating turkey that is undercooked due to reliance on an inaccurate pop-up timer can lead to dangerous foodborne illness. Salmonella and campylobacter bacteria are common risks with raw poultry. Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps
- Fever and chills
- Headaches
- Fatigue that can last weeks
Don’t take chances with your holiday meal. The FDA recommends cooking turkey to 165°F to destroy potential bacteria.
Safer Ways to Determine Turkey Doneness
Pop-up timers are unreliable at properly gauging turkey doneness. Here are safer methods to use:
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Instant-read meat thermometer – Insert into thickest parts of breast and thigh to ensure 165°F minimum.
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Probe thermometer – Leave probe in meat throughout cooking for constant monitoring.
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Time and temperature – Cook 15 minutes per pound at 325°F then check temps.
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Visual signs – Clear juices, easily moving joints, golden brown skin indicate doneness.
Reviews of the Best Instant-Read Thermometers
Quality instant-read thermometers are inexpensive, foolproof turkey doneness detectors. Here are top-rated options:
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ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk4 – Super-fast and precise to 0.7°F. Easy calibration. ~$100.
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ThermoWorks Dot – Accurate, splashproof. Auto on/off. ~$40.
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CDN ProAccurate Thermometer – NSF-certified accuracy. Foldable probe. ~$25.
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Habor Instant Read Thermometer – Affordable. Reads in 4-6 seconds. Comes with batteries. ~$13.
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Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer – Waterproof. Useful probe clip. Backlit screen. ~$15.
Don’t Depend on the Pop
Here’s how turkey timers actually work.
Inside a standard pop-up turkey timer, there’s a red plastic indicator stick that sits in a plastic casing. The stick has a spring wrapped around it. The soft metal in the tip warms as the turkey roasts and eventually melts at around 180 degrees F. Then the red stick is released from the metal and the spring makes it pop up. That’s 15 degrees higher than the recommended 165, making your turkey extremely dry.Advertisement
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Before Thanksgiving, you should not use this one tool in the kitchen. It will help you cook the best turkey. Ironically, it’s the pop-up turkey timer.
As far as kitchen tools go, the pop-up turkey timer that comes with store-bought birds is probably the least reliable 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
Can you trust the pop-up timer in a turkey?
At what temperature does a turkey timer pop?
Why hasn’t my turkey popped?
How accurate is the turkey popper on Reddit?
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.
Are pop-up timers accurate?
1. They can be inaccurate. Turkey cooking pop-up timers are not always accurate. The temperature at which the turkey is cooked, the size of the turkey, and the cooking method can all affect how long it takes for the turkey to cook. As a result, the pop-up timer may not go off at the same time for every turkey.
What is a pop-up Turkey timer?
The pop-up turkey timer, also known as a popper, is a handy little device included with most store-bought turkeys to help determine doneness. It’s designed to pop up when the turkey reaches the ideal internal temperature, taking the guesswork out of cook times. But just how accurate and reliable are these pop-up turkey timers really?
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.
Can a pop-up timer burn a Turkey?
Turkey cooking pop-up timers are made of metal, which can become hot during cooking. If you touch the timer while it is in the oven, you could burn yourself. Additionally, if the timer falls into the turkey, it could cause a fire. 3. They can be difficult to remove. Once the turkey is cooked, the pop-up timer can be difficult to remove.
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.