Post: Cooking A Turkey – Frequently Asked Questions
Publisher: EuroChef
Published: October 21, 2018
What size turkey will fit in my range?
- In a 30” or wider single oven or range, expect that a 25 lb. or more turkey will fit easily.
- In a double oven, a 10 lb. turkey pan will fit in the smaller oven as shown in the photo below.
- In our smallest 24” wall oven interior, a 16” X 13” X 3” inch pan will fit which holds about a 20 lb. turkey.
How long should I cook my turkey and on what cycle(s)?
One of the best recipe and cooking guides we love to follow is from Sur La Table at:
The times below are based on roasting the bird (unfrozen), breast side up, at 400°F for the first 30 minutes, then reducing the oven to 325°F and roasting until done. Aim to have the bird done about 45 minutes before serving to allow it to rest for 30 minutes – and time to carve. The times below reflect an unstuffed bird.
Turkey Weight Roasting Time
10 to 12 lb. 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours
12 to 14 lb. 2 to 2 1/2 hours
14 to 16 lb. 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours
16 to 18 lb. 2 1/2 to 3 hours
18 to 20 lb. 2 3/4 to 3 1/4 hours
20+ lb. 3 to 3 3/4 hours
How do I know if my turkey is done?
A meat thermometer is the best way to determine when the turkey is properly cooked. The breast should register 165°F and the thigh, 175°F.
Cook with stuffing or not?
According to Epicurious, “If the bird is removed from the oven before the stuffing reaches 165°F, some bacteria could remain alive and make you and your guests sick and unfortunately, getting the stuffing all the way up to 165°F is a little trickier than you might think.” A good alternative is to make the stuffing separate – but use the drippings from the bird in the gravy and a bit in stuffing as well to moisten and add that flavor.
Will brining reduce cooking time?
In some cases, brining can cause a turkey to finish faster – a meat thermometer is best method for telling if a turkey is safely cooked to its moist perfection.
European Convection
Verona ovens use True Convection cooking which means that the turkey will roast evenly on all sides. Many people do not baste in between with convection as the even airflow insures the Turkey will stay moist without the interruption. Each time an oven door is opened, the cooking temperature drops and it takes longer for the meal to roast – increasing the chance for it also to dry out. So frequent basting could have the opposite impact of drying out the meat instead of keeping it sealed/moist. The best method is to sear and seal at 400 degrees first and then slow roasting without opening the door unless necessary. There are even cooking thermometers that measure wirelessly or wired outside the oven so you don’t even need to open door to see if it’s done.
Once the turkey is done, true convection cooking prevents flavor transfer so you can safely warm your casseroles on multiple shelves as the turkey rests for 30-45 minutes.
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EuroChef USA is the exclusive importer of ILVE and Verona brand cooking appliances in the United States. Since 2001, the EuroChef USA brands offer innovative Italian ranges, ovens, cooktops and ventilation systems that are internationally recognized and exquisitely designed to complement any kitchen. The EuroChef mission is to offer a unique collection of European professional appliances that are affordable, distinctive and of the highest quality. EuroChef USA prides itself on product excellence and the highest quality of customer service for customers around the country.
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