Turkey Thawing Calculator
Work out how long it takes to thaw a turkey safely, how long to roast it and which method to choose.
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Disclaimer: this calculation is for informational purposes only. For important decisions, consult a qualified professional.
How long it takes to thaw a turkey
A whole frozen turkey takes days to thaw safely, and realising this the day before the holiday is one of the most common kitchen mishaps. This calculator uses guidance from the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA) to estimate thawing times in the fridge and in cold water, the oven roasting time and, based on the hours you have, which method to use.
How the calculation works
- Fridge: about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds, that is every 2-2.3 kg, at 4 °C (40 °F) or below.
- Cold water: about 30 minutes per pound, roughly an hour per 0.9 kg, with the turkey in a tightly sealed bag and the water changed every 30 minutes.
- Oven: the USDA chart times at 325 °F (163 °C) for a whole unstuffed turkey, until 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part.
- From frozen: if there is no time, a turkey can be cooked still frozen, allowing about 50% more time.
The verdict compares the hours you have with the time each method needs.
Times by weight
| Weight | Fridge | Cold water | Oven at 163 °C (325 °F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kg (8.8 lb) | 42-53 hours (about 2 days) | 4 h 25 min | 2 h 45 min - 3 h 00 min |
| 5 kg (11.0 lb) | 53-66 hours (2-3 days) | 5 h 31 min | 2 h 45 min - 3 h 00 min |
| 6 kg (13.2 lb) | 63-79 hours (about 3 days) | 6 h 37 min | 3 h 00 min - 3 h 45 min |
| 7 kg (15.4 lb) | 74-93 hours (3-4 days) | 7 h 43 min | 3 h 45 min - 4 h 15 min |
| 8 kg (17.6 lb) | 85-106 hours (about 4 days) | 8 h 49 min | 3 h 45 min - 4 h 15 min |
| 9 kg (19.8 lb) | 95-119 hours (4-5 days) | 9 h 55 min | 4 h 15 min - 4 h 30 min |
| 10 kg (22.0 lb) | 106-132 hours (about 5 days) | 11 h 01 min | 4 h 30 min - 5 h 00 min |
The point to remember: a large turkey needs four or five days in the fridge. For a holiday dinner it is best to start thawing it almost a week ahead.
The three safe methods
- In the fridge: the safest and most convenient. Once thawed, the turkey can stay in the fridge another one or two days before cooking.
- In cold water: faster, but the water must be changed every half hour; the turkey must be cooked straight afterwards.
- In the microwave: possible for small turkeys that fit, following the manufacturer's instructions, with immediate cooking.
Never thaw it at room temperature, on the counter or in the garage: the surface quickly rises above the safe temperature while the inside is still frozen.
The four readings of the verdict
- Fridge with margin: you have time for the safest method.
- Fridge at the limit: put it in the fridge now and, if it is still hard at the centre, finish in cold water.
- Cold water: the fridge will no longer make it in time.
- From frozen: there is no time to thaw it; it cooks for longer.
Cooking and temperature
The reliable way to know the turkey is done is a food thermometer: it should read at least 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part of the breast, in the thigh near the bone and in the wing. If the turkey is stuffed, the centre of the stuffing must also reach 165 °F, and cooking takes longer. Let the turkey rest for about twenty minutes before carving.
Limits of the calculator
Times are estimates: they depend on the real temperature of the fridge and oven, the shape of the turkey and whether it is stuffed. The roasting chart applies to whole turkeys between 3.6 and 11 kg (8-24 lb) and conventional ovens; fan ovens and other temperatures need different times. Always check the internal temperature with a thermometer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a turkey take to thaw in the fridge?
About 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds: a 13 lb (6 kg) turkey needs about 3 days, a 20 lb (9 kg) one 4-5 days.
How do you thaw a turkey in cold water?
In a tightly sealed bag, submerged in cold water changed every 30 minutes: it takes about 30 minutes per pound, a little over 6.5 hours for 13 lb. Cook it straight afterwards.
Can I thaw it at room temperature?
No: the surface quickly rises above the safe temperature while the inside is still frozen. Use the fridge, cold water or the microwave.
Can I cook a turkey from frozen?
Yes, according to the USDA it is safe, but cooking takes about 50% longer.
How long do you roast a 13 lb turkey?
Unstuffed, at 325 °F, about 3 to 3¾ hours, until 165 °F in the thickest part.
What temperature is a cooked turkey?
At least 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part of the breast, the thigh and the wing, measured with a thermometer.
How long can it stay in the fridge after thawing?
If thawed in the fridge, another one or two days before cooking. If thawed in water or the microwave it must be cooked straight away.
Does a stuffed turkey take longer?
Yes, and the centre of the stuffing must also reach 165 °F. Many people prefer to cook the stuffing separately.
Can I refreeze a thawed turkey?
If thawed in the fridge it can be refrozen before cooking, with some possible loss of quality. If thawed in water or the microwave, cook it first.
Does the calculator apply to fan ovens?
The chart is for conventional ovens at 325 °F: with a fan oven times are usually shorter. Go by the internal temperature.
How long should the turkey rest before carving?
About 20 minutes: the juices redistribute and the meat carves better.
Why does the calculator use pounds?
Because the USDA guidance is in pounds. The calculator converts the weight from kg and also shows it in pounds.
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