If theres one thing ubiquitous with the American holiday of Thanksgiving, its eating turkey. The United States celebrates Thanksgiving with a big meal for millions of people, with turkey as one of the main courses. A big roasted or fried bird has been a staple for hundreds of years because turkey is thought to have been one of the foods that the pilgrims and Native Americans shared at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. NPR says that we now know it’s more likely that they ate ducks, geese, and other birds along with some deer. ).
A simple little tool called a pop-up timer makes roasting a turkey a little easier for a lot of people. This cool tech lets you know when the turkey is done, so you don’t have to worry about it. While you wait for the red stick to appear, you will know that the bird is done and it is time to eat.
But have you ever thought about how that timer knows when the turkey is done? Read on to find out.
Turkey pop-up timers, also known as poppers, are those little devices that are meant to show when your turkey is fully cooked. The idea seems simple enough – just insert the timer, put the turkey in the oven, and wait for the button to pop to indicate doneness. If only it were that easy! The truth about turkey poppers is that they are surprisingly unreliable at properly indicating when your bird is ready.
These pop-up timers have been a Thanksgiving tradition for years. Many cooks fully rely on the poppers to take the guesswork out of knowing when the turkey is perfectly cooked. But experienced chefs and food safety experts agree that this is a recipe for disaster. As it turns out the popper is one of the least accurate ways to test your turkey doneness.
How Do Turkey Pop-Up Timers Work?
A pop-up timer consists of a thin metal rod inserted into the turkey breast. A small button on the end is held down by a plug made of wax or fat. As the turkey cooks, this plug melts at around 165°F to 180°F allowing the button to rise indicating the turkey is ready. Sounds simple enough so what’s the problem?
The Limitations of Pop-Up Timers
While convenient in theory, pop-up timers have some flaws that affect their accuracy:
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Inconsistent calibration – Poppers can be calibrated to pop at varying temps from 160°F to 185°F. Too low can risk undercooking. Too high guarantees overcooking.
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Improper placement – If not inserted precisely in the thickest part of breast or thigh, it won’t read the true internal temp
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Uneven cooking – Since turkeys cook unevenly, the area by the popper may hit higher temps first.
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Defective poppers – Cheap manufacturing means the button may never pop up at all.
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External factors – Basting, oven type, turkey size, and more can significantly impact the accuracy.
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Resting rise – The temp continues rising after removed from oven. A popper at 165°F will still overcook.
More Accurate Ways to Gauge Turkey Doneness
Because of these common popper pitfalls, food experts recommend against solely relying on them to gauge doneness. Here are much more reliable methods:
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Digital meat thermometers – Considered the most precise way to test doneness. Verify it reaches 165°F. in the thickest part of breast and thigh.
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Old-fashioned analog thermometers – Slightly less convenient but still highly accurate when used properly.
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Appearance and texture – Golden brown skin, clear juices, and thigh meat that separates signal doneness without a thermometer.
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Recommended cook times – Use validated cook times as a baseline but confirm with a thermometer.
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Temperature cues – Breast at 165°F and thigh at 175°F means perfect doneness.
Tips for Properly Using Turkey Pop-Up Timers
While pop-up timers shouldn’t be fully trusted, they can still provide a helpful visual cue when used correctly:
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Select a high-quality timer verified to pop around 165°F.
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Insert it deep into the thickest section of turkey thigh parallel to the bone.
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Never rely solely on the popper. Always use a thermometer as well.
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Once it pops, start checking temperature periodically.
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Expect it to pop slightly early and continue cooking afterwards.
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If it hasn’t popped when turkey looks done, it may be defective.
A Funky Thermometer
You don’t need to use a separate meat thermometer if your turkey already has a pop-up timer built in. Most turkeys you buy at the store do. When the turkeys timer pops up, its signaling to you the bird is done. Heres how it works:
A pop-up timer found in a turkey or chicken normally has four parts (see above):
- A: The stick that pops up (typically red)
- B: The outer case (typically white or light blue)
- C: A spring
- D: Piece of soft metal similar to solder
At room temperature, the soft metal (D in the) is solid. At about 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73 degrees Celsius), it melts. The metal melts and the red stick (A) comes loose. The spring (C) then pops the stick up, letting you know the turkey is done.
Turkey is done when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73 degrees Celsius). If your turkey didnt include a pop-up timer, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness. Simply insert the thermometer into the innermost part of the turkeys thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast, being sure not to hit bone. If it registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit, its done.
One little-known fact is that these timers are reusable. To put the pop-up piece back in place, dip the tip in hot water. This will melt the metal again. After it cools, the pop-up piece will be back where it belongs and ready to be used again.
Wild Turkey Jalapeno Poppers
FAQ
How reliable are pop-up turkey timers?
Do turkey poppers work?
Can you trust a turkey popper?
Does a pop-up Turkey timer really pop?
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
How accurate are pop-up timers?
To determine the pop-ups’ accuracy, we also measured the internal temperature of the meat with a calibrated reference thermometer. Our findings may make a few eyebrows pop: Self-inserted and manufacturer-inserted timers generally “popped” in our tests at internal temperatures above 165° F—the minimum safe temperature for all poultry.
Does a pop-up thermometer make a turkey bone dry?
Actually, no. If you want a juicy turkey worth eating, disregard that pop-up thermometer entirely. Be Thanksgiving-ready with the help of the Test Kitchen experts. The little pop-up thermometer in the turkey breast is designed to pop when the internal temperature of the breast meat reaches 178 degrees F. By then, your turkey is bone dry.
Should you buy a Turkey with a pop-up thermometer?
Don’t trust a turkey’s pop-up thermometer. The turkey is often the centerpiece of the meal — why not buy the best you can get your hands on? The holidays are no time to gamble on a bird that cooks up dry and bland—or, worse, exhibits off-flavors. If you do purchase a turkey with one, disregard it and use a thermometer instead.
Does a pop-up thermometer save a turkey breast?
The little pop-up thermometer in the turkey breast is designed to pop when the internal temperature of the breast meat reaches 178 degrees F. By then, your turkey is bone dry. Even the Best Turkey Gravy won’t save it. Our advice? Don’t trust a turkey’s pop-up thermometer.
How do you use a Turkey Popper?
While not completely foolproof, turkey poppers can still provide a helpful visual cue when used properly: Select a high-quality popper and verify it’s calibrated near 165°F. Insert it deep into the thickest part of the thigh, parallel to the leg bone. Use it in conjunction with a thermometer and other doneness cues, not solo.