How Much Does a Turkey Bag Weigh? A Complete Guide

As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks are gearing up to roast a juicy, delicious turkey. An essential tool for achieving turkey perfection is the humble turkey bag. But a common question arises – just how much does a turkey bag weigh? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the factors that determine the weight of a turkey bag, from empty to stuffed with a full bird.

The Weight of an Empty Turkey Bag

An empty oven-roasting turkey bag typically weighs around 1-2 ounces or 28-57 grams However, there can be some variation

• Size of the bag – Larger bags designed for bigger birds will weigh more than smaller bags.

• Material – Some bags are made of heavier, more durable oven-safe materials These weigh more than lightweight versions

• Brand – Different brands construct their bags with different materials, so weights vary. Premium brands tend to use heavier materials.

• Special features – Some turkey bags have handy additions like handles, vents, or flavor injectors. These can add weight.

So when empty, a turkey bag can weigh anywhere from around 25 grams for a lightweight small bag up to around 85 grams for a heavy-duty large bag.

Factors That Increase the Weight

Once you add a turkey, the weight obviously increases significantly. How much the bag weighs will depend on:

• Turkey size – A 15 lb turkey will make the bag much heavier than a 10 lb one.

• Stuffing – Stuffed turkeys weigh more than unstuffed.

• Basting – Basting liquids like butter or oil adds weight.

• Aromatics – Herbs, spices, lemons etc. also increase the weight.

Typical Weights of a Stuffed Turkey Bag

Here are some typical weights of a stuffed turkey bag based on turkey size:

• 10 lb turkey = 4.5 kg (bag + turkey)
• 12 lb turkey = 5.4 kg
• 15 lb turkey = 6.8 kg
• 18 lb turkey = 8.2 kg
• 20 lb turkey = 9 kg

As you can see, once the turkey is added, the bag’s weight ranges from around 4.5 kg up to 9 kg or more for very large birds.

Why the Weight Matters

The weight of the stuffed turkey bag is important because it directly impacts cooking times. The heavier the bag, the longer the turkey will need to roast.

Here are some general roasting guidelines based on the weight:

• 4-5 kg turkey bag: Cook for 3-4 hours
• 6-7 kg turkey bag: Cook for about 5 hours
• 8+ kg turkey bag: Cook for 6 hours or more

So accurately weighing your bagged bird will help you determine the correct roasting times for perfectly cooked turkey.

Other Turkey Bag Tips

Here are some additional tips for handling turkey bags:

• Choose the right size bag for your bird. If the bag is too small, it could burst.

• Use flour in the bag to absorb excess moisture and prevent bursting.

• Make slits or vents on the top of the bag for steam to escape.

• Weigh the stuffed bag. Don’t rely on the turkey weight alone.

• Plan for a longer cook time if you have a heavy bird and bag.

Turkey Bag FAQs

How much does an empty Reynolds turkey bag weigh?

An empty Reynolds Oven Cooking Bag weighs approximately 1 ounce or 28 grams.

What is the weight of a 12 lb turkey in a bag?

A 12 lb turkey stuffed in a bag will weigh around 5.4 kg total.

Is it better to cook a turkey with or without a bag?

Cooking with a bag keeps the turkey extra moist andtender. But some people feel it can make the skin less crispy.

Should I flour and oil the bag?

Flour helps absorb moisture, while oil helps brown the bird. Using both can lead to the perfect turkey.

What happens if the turkey bag get a hole?

If the bag gets a hole, moisture can escape so the turkey may cook faster and be drier. Monitor it closely and adjust cook times.

Can you reuse turkey bags?

Most turkey bags are designed only for a single use. However, if thoroughly cleaned, some higher quality reusable options can be used again.