All the little things we do to raise happy and healthy turkeys adds up to a superior product, the smartest choice for those who care about the food they feed their families. Perdue’s PREMIUM whole turkeys are:
The star of most Thanksgiving feasts is undoubtedly the turkey. When preparing your holiday bird, an important consideration is figuring out what size turkey to get. A popular choice is a 20 lb turkey, which can feed a crowd of 10-12 people. But how tall are these 20 lb birds? What oven size do you need to cook them? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about 20 lb turkeys.
Typical Height of a 20 lb Turkey
The height of a 20 lb turkey can vary quite a bit depending on factors like whether it’s fresh or frozen if it’s a whole turkey or spatchcocked, and characteristics of the specific bird. Here are some general guidelines on 20 lb turkey heights
- Fresh, uncooked whole turkey: 10-12 inches tall
- Frozen whole turkey: 8-10 inches tall
- Spatchcocked turkey: 4-6 inches tall
Fresh turkeys that haven’t been frozen are often the tallest, since freezing can compress the bird slightly. Spatchcocking, which involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird, significantly reduces height.
Oven Size Needed for a 20 lb Turkey
To comfortably fit a 20 lb turkey you’ll need an oven that’s at least 2 inches taller and wider than the bird. For a turkey around 12 inches tall that means you’ll want an oven at least 14 inches high. The oven will also need to be at least 16 inches wide and deep enough to fit a roasting pan.
Here are the recommended minimum oven dimensions for 20 lb turkeys:
- Height: 14 inches
- Width: 16 inches
- Depth: 18 inches
Standard ovens, wall ovens, and lower ovens in double oven ranges can generally accommodate 20 lb turkeys. Smaller turkeys of 12-16 lbs may fit in compact, apartment-sized ovens. Always measure your oven first to ensure proper clearance.
Thawing a Frozen 20 lb Turkey
If your 20 lb turkey is frozen, proper thawing is crucial for even cooking. Never thaw a turkey at room temperature, as this risks bacterial growth. The safest method is thawing in the refrigerator, which takes about 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs of turkey weight.
For a 20 lb turkey, figure 5-6 days in the fridge on a tray to catch drips. You can speed up the process with a cold water thaw, keeping the wrapped turkey submerged while changing the water every 30 mins. This may take 4-6 hours for a 20 lb bird.
Cooking Time for a 20 lb Turkey
A whole 20 lb turkey cooked at 325°F will need around 4.5 to 5 hours in the oven. Always rely on a meat thermometer rather than time to gauge doneness. Turkey is safely cooked once the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches 165°F.
Frozen turkeys require more time, so they may take 5.5-6 hours at 325°F. Convection ovens can reduce cooking time slightly due to increased hot air circulation. Let the turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving for juicy, tender meat.
Trussing, Seasoning and Basting
Trussing brings the turkey wings and legs close to the body with string, which helps ensure even cooking. Combine softened butter with herbs and rub it under the skin before roasting. Season the cavity and exterior with salt, pepper and other spices.
Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with pan juices or butter. Tenting foil over the breast prevents overcooking. Add broth or water to the roasting pan to prevent burning and create a flavorful base for gravy.
Carving and Serving the Turkey
Using a sharp carving knife, first remove the legs and wings. Then slice the breast meat, cutting across the grain for tenderness. Arrange slices on a platter with legs and wings. Serve with pan juices and gravy. Leftovers can be used in casseroles, soups, sandwiches and other creative dishes.
46 MILLION turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving
3 lbs. turkey breast (1 lb. cooked turkey)
6 to 7 lbs. turkey breast (2 lbs. cooked turkey)
5 lbs. turkey breast (1 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
10-lb. whole turkey (3 lbs. cooked turkey)
6 to 7 lbs. turkey breast (2 lbs. cooked turkey)
13-lb. whole turkey (4 lbs. cooked turkey)
8 lbs. turkey breast (2 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
16- to 17-lb. whole turkey (5 lbs. cooked turkey)
10-lb. whole turkey (3 lbs. cooked turkey)
20-lb. whole turkey (6 lbs. cooked turkey)
11- to 12-lb. whole turkey (3 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 12-lb. whole turkeys (7 lbs. cooked turkey)
13-lb. whole turkey (4 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 14-lb. whole turkeys (8 lbs. cooked turkey)
15-lb. whole turkey (4 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 15-lb. whole turkeys (9 lbs. cooked turkey)
16- to 17-lb. whole turkey (5 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 17-lb. whole turkeys (10 lbs. cooked turkey)
20-lb. whole turkey (6 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 20-lb. whole turkeys (12 lbs. cooked turkey)
20-lb. whole turkey plus 6 to 7 lbs. turkey breast (7 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 20-lb. whole turkeys plus 10 lbs. turkey breast (15 lbs. cooked turkey)
HOW DO I COOK MY PERDUE FARMS TURKEY?
PERFECTLY COOK A TURKEY
Hungry for more? Check out these main and side dish recipes from Perdue Farms culinary team.
The Perfect Roast: 20-Pound Turkey Edition
FAQ
How tall is a 20 pound turkey?
Typical Dimensions: A frozen 20-pound turkey generally measures around 12.2 inches in length, 8.8 inches in width, and 7 inches in height. Packaging Details: The case dimensions for a 16-20 pound turkey are approximately 23.5 inches in length, 15.25 inches in width, and 8.75 inches in height.
What are the dimensions of a turkey?
The body of the Domestic Turkey has an overall length between 39.4”-49.2” (100-125 cm), body width of 15”-18.5” (38-47 cm), and standing height of roughly 25.6”-31.5” (65-80 cm). The typical lifespan of the Domestic Turkey is between 5-6 months when farmed, and 3-5 years in the wild.
Will a 20lb turkey fit in a 5 gallon bucket?
A 5-gallon container is typically large enough to fit any size turkey. Be sure to clear out some fridge space before you brine.
Will a 20 pound turkey fit in my oven?
For a 30″ Freestanding Double Oven Range (and most 2017 and newer Slide-in Double Oven Ranges), the lower oven will hold a turkey that is about 20 pounds.
How big is a 20 lb Turkey?
In conclusion, the dimensions of a 20 lb turkey can vary, but generally fall within the range of 12-14 inches in height, 18-20 inches in length, and 12-14 inches in width. Remember to consider factors like cooking time, number of servings, and available oven space when planning your holiday meal.
How much weight can a 30 lb Turkey hold?
General Electric () says: • A 30″ Freestanding Range will hold a turkey about 24-26 lbs. • A 30″ Freestanding Double Oven Range (lower oven) will hold a turkey about 20 lbs. Note: The turkeys we test are normally in the 20-25lb range, and in those cases we use the lower oven of the double oven.
How much does a 20 lb Turkey cost?
The price of a 20 lb turkey can vary based on factors like location, brand, and quality. Typically, expect to spend around $2-$4 per pound, so a 20 lb turkey may cost approximately $40-$80. 7. Is a 20 lb turkey too big for a standard oven? A standard oven should be able to accommodate a 20 lb turkey without any issues.
Can a 20 lb Turkey be cooked in an oven?
A standard oven should be able to accommodate a 20 lb turkey without any issues. However, it is always a good idea to measure the dimensions of your oven beforehand to ensure a proper fit. 8. How do I know if a 20 lb turkey is fully cooked? The best way to determine if a turkey is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer.
What size roasting pan do I need for a 23 lb Turkey?
Last Thanksgiving, I cooked a 23 lb. turkey in my 24″ oven with great results – they don’t sell turkeys much larger than that. suggests that for a 17-20 lb bird, you need a roasting pan that is 16 x 13 x 3 inches (about 41 x 33 x 8cm).
How long does it take to cook a 20 lb Turkey?
Roasting a 20 lb turkey at 325°F (162°C) usually takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. However, it’s crucial to rely on a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 3. How should I thaw a 20 lb frozen turkey? Thawing a 20 lb frozen turkey in the refrigerator can take around 4-5 days.