FoodBanter.com - View Single Post - How long does it take the fridge to go from room temp to turkey defrosting temps?

Pete C.

wrote:
>
> Pete C. wrote:
> > maxine in ri wrote:
> > >
> > > I just finished cleaning out the fridge, and there's still not a lot of
> > > room, so I plan to plug in the spare fridge and stock it with the
> > > ingredients for the big meal next Thursday. I also have to defrost the
> > > 16 pound turkey, which I figure I'll give 5 days, so I have time to air
> > > dry the skin and give the spices time to aromate their way in.
>
> > Have you considered defrosting it in cold water? That only takes a few
> > hours and doesn't take up tons of freezer space.
> >
>
> Pete, you took the words right out of my mouth. Off of my keyboard.
> Something...
>
> Once upon a time I tried thawing the turkey in the fridge, just like
> the wrapper said. I forget how long it was spozed to be in there....
> but by the time Thanksgiving Eve rolled around the bird was still
> pretty doggone solid. So I did the cold-water thaw Thanksgiving
> morning, which worked a treat and saved the day.
>
> Obviously my fridge is colder than most others. Or my turkey was just
> being mean. Or something. But since then I've always thawed the
> turkey in cold water, it's much more predictable.
>
> Best -- Terry

I think that the air circulation in the refrigerator is the biggest
factor. Most people's refrigerators would be 35-38 degrees or so, but
the air circulation would vary greatly. No air circulation and the
turkey would not thaw at anywhere near the predicted rate.

Pete C.