Thanksgiving Toolbox: The Kitchen Equipment You Actually Need Slideshow

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Poultry Thermometer

Using a thermometer is one of the more accurate ways to measure a turkey's doneness and avoid the possibility of an overcooked, dry bird. Plus, this tool can also be used for other roasted meat dishes.  

Splurge: ThermoWorks Splash-Proof Thermapen, $96

Poultry Thermometer

Bulb Baster

Basting prevents the turkey from drying out and allows the delicious pan juices to be absorbed, producing crispy, flavorful skin and succulent, tender meat.

 

Splurge: Williams-Sonoma Angled Dripless Bulb Baster, $18

Gravy Separator

Gravy Separator: When making your own gravy, separating the drippings from the fat can be a messy and time-consuming process, but this tool makes it much easier (and cleaner).

Splurge: Revol Grands Classiques Fat/Lean Sauce Boat, $49.95

Gravy Separator

Vegetable Peeler

A vegetable peeler is one of the more time-efficient kitchen tools and, because it's so easy to use, anyone can be roped into helping prep the vegetables – no excuses.

 

Splurge: Rosle Julienne Peeler, $27

Vegetable Peeler

Turkey Lifters

Thanksgiving turkeys can be heavy and cumbersome to transport from roasting pan to carving board – these lifters alleviate that problem and prevent the much-awaited dinner from falling on the floor.

 

Splurge: All-Clad Stainless Steel Turkey Lifters, $11.24

Turkey Lifters

Oversized Cutting Board

Oversized Cutting Board: A large, wooden cutting board is not only a beautiful addition to your kitchen, but also comes in handy for prepping a lot of vegetables and carving the turkey. A board with a groove for catching runaway juices is ideal.

 

Splurge: Zwilling J.A. Henckels Hinoki Cutting Board, $119.95

Oversized Cutting Board

Carving Set

Carving sets traditionally consist of a carving fork and knife. The things to look for when purchasing a set are sharpness and heft.

 

Splurge: Saladini Horn Handle Carving Knife Set, $379

Carving Set

Stainless Steel Roaster

Stainless Steel Roaster: A versatile roasting pan is useful for cooking all types of roasts throughout the holiday season and winter.

 

Splurge: All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Roaster, $229

Stainless Steel Roaster

Roasting Rack

Useful for separating the turkey from the pan drippings, producing a slightly less greasy bird and easy access to the pan juices for basting.

 

Splurge: Cuisipro Roasting Rack, $20

Roasting Rack

Potato Masher

Mashing potatoes is much easier and more fun with a masher, which can also be used for crushing whole tomatoes in sauces.

 

Splurge: Rosle Potato Masher, $45

Potato Masher

Immersion Blender

This hand-held tool is perfect for pureeing holiday soups right in the pot, removing the messy step of transferring to a blender and back again.

 

Splurge: Bamix Professional Immersion Blender, $179.95

Immersion Blender

Bulb Baster

Steal: Tovolo Clear Dripless Baster, $7.99