Holds Turkeys up to 20 lbs+, 4 whole chickens, several pork shoulders or racks of ribs
The Briner completely resolves the #1 challenge to successful brining – floating food! Our Patented design keeps food completely submerged in the brine solution. A Simple design that is easy to use with consistently great results. A must have in every foodies kitchen. No guesswork – beginners will brine like the pros. Brine turkey, chicken, pork & seafood before you roast, smoke, grill, or fry to seal in moisture and add flavor.
Used by professional chefs, restaurants, caterers, culinary schools, competition BBQ cooking teams and backyard chefs all over the USA & Canada.
Brining a turkey is a time-honored tradition that helps ensure a moist, flavorful bird on the big day. But before you can brine, you need the right container I’ll walk you through the options so you can pick the perfect vessel for brining success
Why Brine a Turkey?
Brining involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution before cooking This allows the turkey to absorb moisture, seasoning the meat and helping it stay juicy when cooked. The results are a more tender, flavorful turkey that’s nearly impossible to overcook
Choosing a Container for Brining
You’ll need a container big enough to submerge the turkey completely in brine. Here are some options:
Stock Pots or Food-Safe Buckets
Large stock pots or food-safe buckets work well for brining. Look for a container that will fit in your fridge with a little room to spare. Stainless steel or food-grade plastic are good options. Make sure the container has a lid.
Pros:
- Readily available
- Allows you to brine a large bird
- Reusable for other cooking
Cons:
- Take up significant fridge space
- Can be heavy when full
Brining Bags
Special brining bags are designed just for this purpose. They are large, food-safe plastic bags that fit a whole turkey and tie at the top.
Pros:
- More space efficient in the fridge
- Easy cleanup
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Can tear or leak
- Not reusable
- Not as sturdy as rigid containers
Coolers
In a pinch, you can use a clean cooler to brine a turkey. Line it with a food-safe plastic bag and add ice to keep temps cold.
Pros:
- Allows brining large birds outside the fridge
- Provides lots of brining space
Cons:
- Need to monitor ice level
- Requires bag liners
- Not as convenient as other options
Key Tips for Turkey Brining Containers
-
Food-safe – Make sure your container is specifically rated as food-safe. Some plastics can leach chemicals.
-
Clean – Thoroughly wash and sanitize any containers before brining. Don’t reuse old brining containers.
-
Size – Choose a container that fits your turkey with 2-3 inches of clearance on all sides.
-
Sealed – Lids or tie tops help keep brine submerged and prevent leaks.
-
Chilled – Keep brining container in the fridge or use ice to maintain a temperature below 40°F.
My Top Container Recommendations
Based on the pros and cons, here are my top picks for turkey brining containers:
-
For large birds, a food-safe bucket offers lots of brining space. Go for 15-20 quart capacity.
-
Brining bags are best for convenience and fridge space savings. Look for commercial bags designed for turkeys.
-
A large stock pot with lid can work nicely. An 18-20 quart size fits most turkeys.
-
Coolers are great for large outdoor brining but need bag liners and ice. 50+ quart capacity is ideal.
No matter which type of container you use, following proper brining techniques is key. Make sure your turkey is fully submerged, chill to 34-40°F, and brine 12-24 hours depending on size. Then rinse, pat dry, and roast for a deliciously moist Thanksgiving bird. Enjoy!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Promotions, new products and sales. Directly to your inbox.
What is the best container to brine a turkey in?
FAQ
What kind of container to brine a turkey in?
A Cambro container is the best vessel for brining because it is food safe, protects your turkey and you can see through it to watch what’s happening. Chef JT Walker, Executive Sous Chef at SoFi Stadium, shares his simple, easy brine recipe for a 14 to 16 lb.
Is it safe to brine a turkey in a 5 gallon bucket?
5 gallon buckets work great for whole turkey but pieces will float and then you need weights or plates to hold them down.
Should you brine a turkey in a bag or bucket?
Other metal containers will react with the brine solution and give the turkey a metallic flavor. One trick is to use a large, food-safe sealable bag. Both Reynolds (Oven Roasting Bag for Turkeys) and Ziploc (XL Storage Bag) make very large food-safe bags that are great for brining.
What are the best containers for brining?
When choosing a container for brining, keep in mind that it must be food safe. Bowls (glass, stainless-steel or ceramic), stainless-steel stock pots, brining bags or plastic containers are all suitable. Many restaurant-supply stores sell larger food grade containers, which are often sold to the general public as well.