10 Essential Kitchen Tools You Need for Thanksgiving

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Family eating a Thanksgiving meal
Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock.com

The last thing you want on Thanksgiving is an undercooked turkey or overdone biscuits. That’s why careful preparation goes into the big day.

Whether you’re cooking for two people or 20, it pays to have a fully stocked kitchen — and we’re not just talking about the food.

Following are gadgets and accessories you need to bake, brine and baste your way to a picture-perfect feast.

All these items get at least four stars from reviewers on Amazon. Many are eligible for fast and free delivery if you’re a Prime member. Regardless, start shopping now to guarantee a timely arrival.

Note: Prices were current as of publication time, but prices and availability are subject to change.

1. Digital meat thermometer

Digital cooking probe
Taylor Precision Products / Amazon

With this programmable digital thermometer from Taylor Precision Products ($16.68), you can set a target temperature and monitor the progress without ever having to open the oven door. It has a 4-foot silicone cord that reaches into the oven, while the large display screen sits on the counter.

Two AAA batteries are included with purchase.

2. Pre-cut parchment paper

mother baking with her child
Lordn / Shutterstock.com

Reynolds has made pre-cut sheets of parchment paper ($2.98) and packaged them in a convenient pop-up dispensing box for easy, one-handed grabs. The sheets offer a nonstick surface for baking and are compostable after use.

One box supplies 30 sheets of parchment, each of which measures 10.7 by 13.6 inches.

3. Masher

masher
Oxo / Amazon

Get exactly the consistency you want with the Oxo Good Grips stainless steel potato masher ($13.99). It features a broad, soft-grip handle that is designed to absorb some of the pressure as you mash straight down.

This masher also can be used on other root vegetables as well as fruit, Oxo says. It is dishwasher-safe.

4. Cooking twine

Chicken and herbs tied with cooking twine
Shaiith / Shutterstock.com

For more than 35 years, this natural-cotton cooking twine from Regency Wraps ($9.39 to $13.49) has been used by professional chefs around the world. It’s useful in and out of the kitchen for things like trussing turkeys, rolling steak and even wrapping presents.

One cone offers 500 feet of 16-ply twine.

5. Vegetable peeler

Spring Chef peeler
Spring Chef / Amazon

This Spring Chef vegetable peeler ($8.97) has dual stainless steel blades designed to swivel and glide with ease. It also has a blemish remover — handy for removing potato eyes — and a nonslip handle that can be used by left-handed and right-handed chefs alike.

6. Brining bag

Turkey brining in a bag
Candice Bell / Shutterstock.com

With a double zipper, this Norpro brining bag ($10.13 to $21.83) is designed to prevent leaks. All the juices stay put, creating moist, flavorful meats.

Believe it or not, this 24-inch square bag holds up to a 25-pound turkey.

7. Gravy boat

gravy boat
Norpro / Amazon

Never serve cold, congealed gravy again. This Norpro porcelain gravy boat ($29.83) comes with a warming stand, which holds a tealight candle.

The gravy boat has a 16-ounce capacity and can be used without the stand just as well.

8. Baster

Cooking Light meat and poultry baster
Cooking Light / Amazon

The measurement markings on this Cooking Light meat and poultry baster ($13.25) can help guide your cooking, while the silicone bulb makes it safe for use with hot liquids.

This baster also comes with its own cleaning brush and injector needle (not pictured).

9. Rolling pin

Farberware wood rolling pin
Farberware / Amazon

Moisture-resistant hardwood and rust-proof nylon bearings make this classic rolling pin from Farberware ($9.99) a durable choice for your kitchen. The easy-grip handles help you roll out pizza dough, pie crusts, cookies and more with minimal effort.

The rolling pin measures a generous 17.75 inches long.

10. Roasting pan

Calphalon roasting pan with rack
Calphalon / Amazon

This Calphalon roasting pan ($139.99) is made with stainless steel and an aluminum core designed to promote even heating all around. It comes with a nonstick V-shaped rack (not pictured).

The pan measures 16.25 by 13.75 inches and is 4.25 inches tall. It is sturdy enough to handle up to a 25-pound turkey.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.