Best Turkey Basters for Thanksgiving

turkey baster
Amazon

Is basting a turkey really necessary? It depends on how you like your meat and whom you listen to. The theory is that spooning pan juices onto a roasting turkey helps prevent it from drying out. Other experts will say that brining a turkey is the smarter way to prevent a dry bird. If you prefer to baste, here are the basters we recommend.

GoodCook

Safe and sturdy

It comes apart into two pieces for easy cleaning. Amazon

Americans eat an average of 18 pounds of turkey a year. After Thanksgiving and Christmas, the next biggest turkey-eating holiday is Easter Sunday, when 19 million turkeys are gobbled up. This baster from GoodCook probably looks similar to the one your mom or grandmother used – sometimes simplicity is best. The plastic, two-piece tool is made to hold 11 ounces of juice and comes apart for cleaning.

Buy Now: GoodCook Turkey Baster

NoPro

Heat-resistant material

This tool creates powerful suction to pull juices from the pan. Amazon

Don’t retire your baster the day after Thanksgiving – basting is a smart technique to use on pork chops, chicken, pot roasts and even seafood. Use to apply melted butter or marinades to your favorite recipes. This tool from Norpro is heat-resistant up to 450 degrees.

Buy Now: Norpro Plastic Nylon Baster

OXO baster
This tool is made built to get hard-to-reach juices. Amazon

Need a no-fuss way to determine how big of a turkey to get for the family meal? Experts recommend buying 1.5 pounds of bird per person. That will ensure some leftovers. And be sure to allow time for a frozen bird to thaw – at least one day in the fridge for every 5 pounds of turkey. This baster from OXO is angled – which also prevents the baster from rolling off the counter – and has easy-to-read standard and metric measurements on the side.

Buy Now: OXO Good Grips Angled Turkey Baster with Cleaning Brush

JY Cookment

Ready for the holidays

The metal construction stands up to the heat of the meat and juices. Amazon

What do you do with turkey leftovers? The most popular ways to serve leftover bird is as a sandwich, stew, soup, casserole and stir-fry. But before you start thinking about leftovers, you better focus on cooking your bird. This set includes a stainless-steel baster, syringe needs and a cleaning brush. Throw in a disapproving mother-in-law and it’s truly a complete family dinner set.

Buy Now: JY COOKMENT Stainless Steel Turkey Baster Baster Syringe for Cooking Meat Injector Set

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