Top 13 Must-Haves Kitchen Thanksgiving Tools

Making Thanksgiving dinner is like putting together a holiday masterpiece in the kitchen, making sure that every dish and detail is just right. That is why it is important to have the right Thanksgiving tools on hand for everything from basting the turkey to making pie. Right, every tool for Thanksgiving is important for making the day go smoothly. There is sturdy Thanksgiving cookware, sturdy Thanksgiving utensils, and a set of Thanksgiving measuring cups for all those exact holiday recipes. Don't forget the Thanksgiving baking spatulas for getting every last bit of pumpkin pie filling. With that, here is a list of things that you must have for the big feast!

1. Potato Masher: The Key to Perfectly Creamy Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, mashed potatoes are non-negotiable. Some people might not mind if their mashed potatoes are lumpy. But for me, a potato masher is useful to have in the kitchen, whether you like your mashed potatoes extra fluffy or rich and creamy. A sturdy potato masher is essential for creating that smooth, fluffy texture that everyone loves. Using a masher instead of an electric mixer prevents over-mixing, so your potatoes stay creamy instead of gluey. 

You can also use a good potato ricer, which is also useful for making sauces extra smooth. But you likely don't need both. Read this guide to find out which one you should have in your home.

• Benefits: Easy to use, helps achieve a uniform texture, and is versatile enough for other recipes.
• Uses: Ideal for mashed potatoes, of course, but also great for smashing beans for casseroles or crushing vegetables.
• Recipe Suggestion: Try using the potato masher for classic Garlic Mashed Potatoes, my go-to side dish for Thanksgiving!

Zulay Says: Add roasted garlic or a dollop of cream cheese while mashing for an extra flavorful twist.

2. Turkey Baster: A Juicy, Flavorful Turkey

Turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table, and a turkey baster is one of the leading turkey cooking tools to keep it moist and flavorful. Basting is an excellent idea, particularly if you decide not to brine. A turkey baster lets you coat the turkey in its own juices (or a melted butter mix) without having to open the oven door constantly, which helps it cook evenly. This method imparts moisture and taste to the meat. It also creates a consistent roasted hue for display.

• Benefits: Keeps the turkey juicy, easy to use, and prevents opening the oven repeatedly.
• Uses: Best for basting turkey, but also useful for other meats, sauces, or even desserts that require drizzling.
• Recipe Suggestion: Perfectly Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey with Herb Butter—a recipe where a baster makes all the difference.

Zulay Says: Use it with a melted butter and herb mix to add more flavor to your bird.

3. Citrus Juicer: Adds Freshness to Recipes

You might not think of a citrus juicer as a Thanksgiving must-have, but it’s incredibly versatile. Adding fresh lemon or orange juice to recipes like cranberry sauce, turkey brine, or salad dressings brings out a brightness that bottled juice can’t match.

• Benefits: Easy to use, efficient, perfect for adding fresh zest to recipes.
• Uses: Turkey brine, cranberry sauce, salad dressings, and even some desserts.
• Recipe Suggestion: Try a Zesty Cranberry Sauce made with a touch of orange juice for a fresh twist on a classic.

Zulay Says: Use the zest as well! The zest adds a pop of flavor and aroma to dishes.

4. Meat Thermometer: Ensuring a Perfectly Cooked Turkey

Undercooked meat paranoia does really happen. That's why I use an instant-read thermometer to alleviate my fear of giving my entire family food sickness. You will also discover that thermometers are handy for more than simply meat. They'll offer you lightning-fast findings (in under two seconds), whether you want the temperature of sugar for confectionery or oil for deep-frying.

Zulay Kitchen's thermometers are my favorites because of their exceptional quality and accuracy. It ensures your turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without the guesswork, which helps you avoid undercooked (or overcooked) meat. Another thing we like about Zulay Kitchen products is that they come in several colors. Choose your favorite and simply locate it in your utensil drawer!

• Benefits: Accurate, easy to read, and helps prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Uses: Ideal for turkey, but also useful for roasts, casseroles, and more.
• Recipe Suggestion: Perfectly Roasted Herb Butter Turkey—your foolproof guide to a safe and delicious centerpiece.

Zulay Says: Test the thickest part of the turkey breast and thigh to ensure it’s fully cooked.

5. Garlic Press: Add Depth of Flavor with Minimal Effort

Thanksgiving is all about bold flavors, and garlic is a key ingredient in many dishes. A garlic press makes it easy to add that depth of flavor without the hassle of chopping, and getting your hands slimy.

• Benefits: Quick, mess-free, keeps hands clean.
• Uses: Great for mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and salad dressings.
• Recipe Suggestion: Use it in Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes for an extra kick!

Zulay Says: For the best flavor, add the garlic toward the end of cooking to keep it from burning.

6. Classic Kitchen Knife: A Sharp and Reliable Cutting Tool

A sharp kitchen knife is a must-have Thanksgiving tool for slicing, dicing, and carving everything from veggies to the turkey itself. This tool is one you’ll reach for over and over during your meal prep.

• Benefits: Versatile, efficient, and essential for quick, clean cuts.
• Uses: Chopping herbs, dicing veggies, and carving the turkey.
• Recipe Suggestion: A Root Vegetable Medley makes prep easy with a sharp chef’s knife.

Zulay Says: Keep your knife sharp for easier, safer slicing.

7. Silicone Spatulas: Perfect for Every Mixing and Scraping Need

A nice set of spatulas is an essential kitchen tool for baking and sautéing. They are excellent instruments for scraping every last part of your creation, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. They're also an excellent tool for folding ingredients. I like them since they are heat resistant. They also come in a range of forms that are suitable for different applications. They also work well on nonstick surfaces.

• Benefits: Non-stick, easy to clean, and gentle on cookware.
• Uses: Mixing pie filling, stirring gravy, folding in whipped cream.
• Recipe Suggestion: Use your spatula to stir and scrape every bit of Pumpkin Pie filling.

Zulay Says: Use different sizes for various tasks—from mixing batters to scraping bowls.

8. Baking Mats: Foolproof, No-Stick Baking

Rolling out pie or noodle dough requires a clean, nonstick surface. That's why this silicone baking mat impressed us with its enormous size and level surface. They help ensure even baking and make cleanup a breeze, which is exactly what you need on a busy holiday. It also sticks well to the work surface - an essential!

• Benefits: Prevents sticking, even heating, easy to clean.
• Uses: Cookies, rolls, pastries, pie crusts, and even roasting veggies.
• Recipe Suggestion: Golden dinner rolls without any sticking—perfect every time.

Zulay Says: A baking mat also works as a surface for rolling out dough, reducing mess.

9. Tongs: A Multipurpose Tool for Hot Dishes

Tongs are one of the best Thanksgiving utensils that give you control when flipping, turning, or lifting hot dishes. From grabbing a turkey to handling veggies, tongs are a true Thanksgiving MVP.

• Benefits: Versatile, heat-resistant, and perfect for handling hot food safely.
• Uses: Great for turning veggies, handling turkey, and even tossing salads.
• Recipe Suggestion: Use them for flipping Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic for that perfect caramelization.

Zulay Says: Use stainless steel tongs for maximum durability.

10. Mixing Bowls: Essentials for All Your Prep Work

Mixing bowls are the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving meal prep. Having a set of different sizes on hand makes it easy to whip, mix, and serve various recipes, from mashed potatoes to pie filling.

• Benefits: Variety of sizes, stackable, easy to use and clean.
• Uses: Whipping cream, mixing stuffing, preparing salad ingredients.
• Recipe Suggestion: Mix up your Best Homemade Stuffing in a large bowl for easy tossing.

Zulay Says: Use Non-Slip Mats for Stability. If your mixing bowl tends to slide around, place a damp kitchen towel or a non-slip mat underneath it. This will keep it steady while you whisk or mix, giving you better control.

11. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision for Perfect Recipes

Thanksgiving is all about precision, so having Thanksgiving measuring cups and spoons is essential. They’re great for measuring out ingredients precisely, ensuring every recipe turns out just right.

• Benefits: Accurate, easy to use, and crucial for consistent results.
• Uses: Baking, sauces, stuffing, gravy, and more.
• Recipe Suggestion: Pumpkin Pie filling needs just the right amount of spices, making measuring cups indispensable.

Zulay Says: Have separate sets for dry and liquid ingredients for best results.

12. Can Opener: Access to All the Canned Essentials

A sturdy can opener is a necessity, especially for opening canned ingredients like pumpkin, cranberry sauce, and more. It’s one of those Thanksgiving gadgets you’ll be glad to have on hand.

• Benefits: Easy access to canned ingredients, quick, and reliable.
• Uses: Opening canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, and canned broth.
• Recipe Suggestion: Use it to access ingredients for your homemade Cranberry Sauce.

Zulay Says: Opt for a heavy-duty can opener for durability.

13. Whisk: Essential for Smooth, Lumps-Free Sauces

Finally, no Thanksgiving is complete without a whisk. From whipping up sauces to stirring gravy, a good whisk is essential for achieving smooth textures without lumps.

• Benefits: Easy to use, perfect for mixing and whipping, versatile.
• Uses: Making gravy, pie filling, sauces, and whipping cream.
• Recipe Suggestion: Whisk up a creamy, lump-free Turkey Gravy for your Thanksgiving table.

Zulay Says: Use a balloon whisk for fluffier textures, and a flat whisk for sauces.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

With these 13 Thanksgiving tools, you'll be ready to make any dish this holiday season. A baster helps you prepare the turkey, and a potato masher makes your mashed potatoes just right. Each tool makes your Thanksgiving meal easier, faster, and more fun. You can have a stress-free and delicious Thanksgiving by getting these gadgets, utensils, and bakeware. Have fun cooking and eating your Thanksgiving meal!

FAQs about Essential Thanksgiving Kitchen Tools

What’s the best type of potato masher to use?

Look for a potato masher with a sturdy handle and a wide, stainless-steel mashing surface. Some people prefer a wavy design to ensure an even, smooth texture. Avoid plastic mashers, as they can bend or break with heavier batches.

What type of mixing bowls should I use?

Glass, stainless steel, or ceramic mixing bowls are ideal for Thanksgiving cooking. Glass bowls are great for visibility, while stainless steel bowls are lightweight, durable, and can be chilled or used with hot ingredients. Consider having a variety of sizes on hand.

How do I clean and store my Thanksgiving tools?

Most Thanksgiving tools can be hand-washed, especially delicate items like a meat thermometer or garlic press. Silicone and stainless steel items are usually dishwasher-safe, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations. Store them in a dry, accessible place for easy use during the busy holiday.

Do I need a different set of measuring cups and spoons for Thanksgiving?

If you already have a set, you don’t need to buy new ones. However, if you’re cooking multiple dishes, having a second set of Thanksgiving measuring cups and spoons can save you time and prevent cross-contamination between ingredients.

Can I use my kitchen knife to carve the turkey?

Yes, a chef’s knife is versatile and can work well for carving. However, if you have a carving knife, it’s ideal for slicing thinner, more uniform pieces of meat. Either tool will work; it’s all about preference.

How can I make my Thanksgiving cleanup easier?

Use tools that minimize mess, like baking mats and silicone spatulas. Mixing bowls that stack save space, and tools like potato mashers and garlic presses that are easy to wash by hand also save time. Cleaning as you go helps keep things manageable.