Top 6 Best Container for Brining Turkey In 2023

With the holiday season upon us, many of you might be hosting dinner parties at your place for friends and family.

At the centerpiece of those dinner tables will be a juicy and tender turkey. But without the best container for brining turkey, you will not be able to prepare this amazing meal.

You might be wondering, why can’t I just use a large container I have at home? Well, you can.

However, investing in a turkey brine container is often worth it if you frequently marinate or brine meats of different kinds. And since these units cost very little, there is no real reason to skip them.

In this article, we will give you a quick rundown on some of the best containers to brine turkey to make sure you can enjoy a delicious holiday meal at your home. So, without further ado, let us jump in.

Best Container for Brining Turkey : Top 6 Picks

When you are shopping for a container that is perfect for brining a turkey, you need to account for a couple of things.

For instance, the size and weight need to be perfect. While shopping, you will come across thousands of products, but not all of them will give you good performance.

To make things easy on you, here are our recommendations for the top six best turkey brining container that you can buy without any second thoughts.

1. Rubbermaid Commercial Turkey Brine Container

Starting up this list of reviews, we will be looking at a handy container by Rubbermaid Commercial Products. It features a solid build quality and a reasonable price point, making it a smart choice for a smart person.

It features commercial grade polycarbonate construction that is break-resistant. Since it is a transparent container, you can monitor your cooking progress in real time whether you are marinating or brining meat.

It has a total capacity of 22 Qt. which is perfect for turkey brining. Thanks to its excellent temperature tolerance of -40 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it not only serves well as a storage container, but you can even use it for other applications.

In addition, the unit is dishwasher friendly, ensuring you have no trouble cleaning it after a cooking session.

Its square design also saves space on your kitchen counter, taking up minimal space when you want to store it away.

Highlighted Features

• Large capacity
• Square shaped design that saves kitchen space.
• An excellent temperature tolerance range
• Strong, break-resistant construction

2. 5 Gallon Bucket Liner Bags for Marinading and Brining

If you are on the market for the best bucket for brining turkey, then you definitely need a brining liner. Since brining a turkey requires massive room, many people prefer going with brining buckets. This liner by the brand PBKay is an excellent choice if you are one of them.

Construction-wise, you have nothing to complain about with this option. It features heavy-duty construction and will not break easily even if you use it frequently. In addition, it is completely BPA-free, ensuring your food remains free of toxins.

It works perfectly with 5-gallon buckets and can cover its entirety without any fuss. The wet load capacity of the unit is 25 pounds, whereas the dry load tops out at around 50 pounds making it perfectly capable of handling a large turkey.

Besides, the low price of the unit makes it a must buy when you are brining or marinating large quantities of meat. It is also reusable and washable, allowing you to get the most out of your investment.

Highlighted Features

• High-quality construction
• Affordable price tag
• Excellent weight capacity
• Works with 5-gallon buckets

3. New and Improved Liquid Solution Turkey Brining Bags

The next brine container for turkey on our list is not a container but is still a viable solution if you want to brine turkey without spending too much.

This turkey brining bag by the brand Liquid Solution is a quick and easy way to take care of all your brining necessities.

You get two bags included with your purchase that is fully equipped to handle a large turkey of your choosing. It also features double tack zippers to close it up once you have everything set up.

In addition, the two 18-inch-long strings of twine that comes with your purchase really come in handy for trussing your turkey. Because of the strong heavy-duty nature of the bags, it will not break under pressure.

Besides brining, these bags are also capable of storing meat in the freezer. Its thickness and double seams ensure it will not tear under any circumstances. Furthermore, it does not contain any BPA, which means there are no health risks involved.

Highlighted Features

• Two extra-large bags capable of holding a 25-pound turkey
• Strong construction material
• Includes two 18-inch twine
• It comes with double tack zippers

4. Rubbermaid Turkey Brining Container

Next up, we will be looking at another unit by the brand Rubbermaid Commercial Products. The last offering by the brand should already give you an idea about the quality you can expect from them; this one also embodies the same level of quality.

The container, unlike the previous one from this brand, comes with a wider base. This design, however, can be preferable to some since you will be able to fit a whole turkey inside it without any hassle.

In terms of capacity, it can hold around 20 quarts. Its durable BPA free construction ensures you will not break it regardless of how you handle it. In addition, it does not introduce any sort of toxins into the food.

Similar to the other product by the brand, it is completely safe to clean in the dishwasher or store in the freezer.

The rounded corners of the container further ensure you have an easy time when you want to clean it after preparing your meal.

Highlighted Features

• A capacity of 20 Quart
• A Large flat-base design
• Strong polycarbonate construction
• Dishwasher and freezer safe

5. The Briner - The Ultimate Bucket for Brining tTurkey

If you want the best container to brine turkey, then there can only be one choice: The Ultimate Brine Container by The Briner. You get two different sizes of brining containers with this unit, so you are prepared for anything.

Firstly, you get the large The Briner bucket with its massive 22 quarts size. This unit is perfect for brining food items like turkeys and can keep them fully submerged. Secondly, The Briner Jr. bucket comes with 8 quarts capacity for smaller animals.

Both the containers are constructed with heavy-duty materials ensuring a long lifespan. Its high-quality food-grade plastic construction prevents any harmful toxin from seeping into your dish.

The briner can hold up 20 pounds of whole turkey or several chickens without any question.

It is easy to clean and will give you a consistent brining experience every time you use it. There is a reason why it is used by many professional chefs around the world.

Highlighted Features:

• It comes as a set of two
• Strong and sturdy construction
• Easy to clean
• Consistent brining experience

6. Cambro RFS6PP190 6 Qt Round Container for Brining Turkey

Wrapping up our list of reviews, we are looking at a smaller container for turkey brine that you might choose if you want to brine a smaller turkey. This round unit by the brand Cambro is an excellent choice for minimalistic people.

It has a total capacity of 6 quarts, which might seem a bit small for larger turkeys. However, if you are brining smaller animals, this is an excellent choice. So, before you go with it, consider your requirements carefully.

The unit features a translucent polypropylene material, which allows you to monitor its interior while giving it a sturdy and durable construction. Its shape further enhances air circulation inside the container.

You even get a matching lid with this unit, which is a welcome addition since most containers require you to buy separate covers. All in all, it is an excellent choice as long as you know what you will be using it for.

Highlighted Features

• 6 quarts of capacity
• Translucent polypropylene construction
• Includes a matching lid
• Excellent air circulation

Things to Consider When Buying the Container for Brining Turkey

While making our shortlist of products for your selection, we have done extensive research on the do’s and don’ts of choosing a brining container.

And if you want to ensure you make the best choice, you need to know about these factors too. When buying the best container for brining a turkey, you want to prioritize these features.

Size

The first and probably the most important element of a brining container is its size. Let’s face it; turkeys are big, and you cannot brine a turkey unless you invest in a big container. Since containers are available in all sizes, you want to go with one that can handle a large turkey.

Ideally, it is best to go with something that has at least 20 quarts of capacity. You could even go with larger containers if you want to go with bigger turkeys.

As long as you stay above the 20 quarts mark, you should be good. On the other hand, if you want to marinate smaller pieces of meat, any size of container would do.

Lid

The lid is a critical element to any container. When you are using a container for brining, you need to use a tight-fitted lid.

But not all containers come with their own lids, and even if they do, not all lids can properly seal them. So before investing in a unit, it is best to give this factor some thought.

If you end up with a unit that does not come with its own cover, you need to invest in a lid yourself. This can add an extra cost that not everyone looks forward to.

For people who do not mind the investment, however, it is perfectly fine to go with a lid-less container as long as it is high-quality.

Durability

The durability of the container is a factor that you should check without even thinking about it. Naturally, you do not want your container to break just after a couple of uses.

You want the material of the unit to strong and sturdy enough to handle any type of abuse.

Furthermore, make sure that the container does not have any cracks or blemishes on the body.

Since most containers sit on the shelf for a good while before anyone buys them, damages can be a possibility. It is best to check for it beforehand rather than regret it later when you bring it home.

How to Brine a Turkey: Beginner’s Edition 

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and brining is the way to go if you're looking to make a delicious and juicy turkey. Brining is an easy process that helps lock in moisture and add flavor to your turkey.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to brine a turkey for beginners:

1. Start by preparing your brine. You'll need 1/2 cup of salt per gallon of water. If you're using a large turkey, you may need to double the amount of salt. Add sugar, herbs, and spices to your brine for extra flavor.

2. Place the turkey in a large container or bucket and pour the brine over it. Completely submerge it.

3. Place the container in the refrigerator and let it brine for at least 8 hours but no more than 24 hours.

4. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with a paper towel.

5. Your turkey is now ready to be cooked!

Tips for Brining a Smoked Turkey 

Are you ready to try your hand at smoking a turkey? Here are some tips to help you get started.

Step 1: Start by preparing the brine. You'll need a good mix of salt, sugar, and water. The ratio is usually one cup of salt per gallon of water.

You can add seasonings and aromatics to the brine, such as rosemary, thyme, peppercorns, cloves of garlic, or bay leaves.

Step 2: Place the turkey in a large container or brining bag. Make sure the bird is completely submerged.

Step 3: Let the turkey brine for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it brines, the more flavor it will absorb.

Step 4: Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Step 5: Prepare the smoker and preheat it to 225-250 degrees.

Step 6: Place the turkey on the smoker, close the lid, and smoke it for about eight hours. Baste the bird with butter or cooking oil every hour or so.

Step 7: When the turkey is done, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Enjoy!

Tips for Brining a Turkey

1. Start brining early. 

You should start brining your turkey at least one day before cooking it. This will ensure that the flavors from the brine permeate the entire bird and make it even more flavorful.

2. Use the right ingredients. 

When brining your turkey, make sure to use the right ingredients. You should use water, salt, sugar, and spices. This will ensure that the turkey is flavorful and juicy.

3. Don’t forget to rinse.

Once you’re done brining your turkey, it’s important to rinse it off with cold water to remove any excess salt. This will keep the flavor of your bird from becoming too salty.

4. Refrigerate the turkey. 

After you've brined your turkey, place it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors of the brine to continue to penetrate the turkey and make it even more flavorful.

5. Don't overcook the turkey.

Once your turkey is cooked, make sure not to overcook it. This will ensure that the turkey is juicy and flavorful. By following these tips, you can ensure that your turkey is juicy and delicious.

Perks of Using a Turkey Briner 

Here are just a few of the perks of buying a turkey briner.

1. Optimum Flavor and Moisture 

Turkey is lean meat, so it's prone to drying out when cooked. Brining it before roasting helps to add moisture and flavor all the way through. As the turkey soaks, the brine is absorbed, creating an incredibly moist and delicious bird.

2. Time-Saver 

Brining is time-consuming, but using a turkey briner eliminates the need to mix up a separate brine and store it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. The briner does all the work for you, and the turkey will be ready to cook in no time.

3. Easy Cleanup 

Brining can be messy, but turkey briners are designed with convenience in mind. They're easy to use, and cleanup is a breeze. Turkey briners are a great way to ensure a flavorful and juicy bird this Thanksgiving.

Using one will save you time and hassle and make dinner prep much easier. So put away the measuring cups and mixers, and get ready for a delicious meal with a turkey briner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I brine a turkey in a 5-gallon bucket?

Yes, you can. It is perfectly fine to use a bucket as a brining container as long as you can fit the turkey.

A 5-gallon one should be able to fit a turkey of any size without any issue. However, make sure you use a bucket liner if you are planning on using a bucket.

2. Is it okay to use a plastic bag to brine a turkey?

Yes, you can brine a turkey in a plastic bag. However, make sure the bag is strong enough not to tear up. Additionally, it should not contain any BPA as it can introduce harmful toxins in your food.

3. How long before should I brine a turkey before roasting it?

You should brine your turkey at least a day before you decide to roast it. But for the best result, we recommend keeping it in the freezer after brining it two to three days beforehand.

Final Words

Brining a turkey is a simple enough task as long as you have the right container in your hands.

BY investing in the best container for brining turkey, you should have no trouble preparing a wonderful turkey dinner.

We hope you found our article informative and helpful in picking out the correct container or bucket for your kitchen

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About the Author

Tamara J. Sims
EXECUTE CHEF

As a seasoned kitchen and food writer, Tamara has a remarkable ability to weave words together, transporting readers to the heart of the culinary world. Tamara’s articles are written with an engaging blend of insightful commentary, honesty, and real-world examples based on personal experiences. She has the ability to captivate seasoned food enthusiasts and novice cooks alike.