7 Thanksgiving Essentials You'll Need This Year

Thanksgiving essentials involve more than having a turkey prepared. The necessary kitchen appliances make the day run much simpler and more enjoyable. Between the prepping, cooking, and hosting, there’s a lot to handle. Fleet Farm has everything you need to make sure your kitchen is ready, whether you’re roasting the bird or bringing a dish to Grandma’s house.

No. 1: Free Up the Oven with an Electric Roaster

If you’re looking for Thanksgiving essentials that make life easier, an electric roaster oven is a great place to begin. It cooks your turkey faster, keeps it juicy with self-basting, and clears up valuable space in the main oven for sides and desserts.

Roaster ovens trim cooking time by about 30% and use less energy than a traditional oven. That means you’re saving time and keeping your kitchen cooler. Dinner will be ready before you know it.

No. 2: Fry a Turkey the Correct Way – Outdoors

Deep-fried turkey has become one of the top Thanksgiving essentials for families who want the crispy skin and juicy center. The key is using a proper setup: outside and at a safe distance from your home.

The Chard 30 Qt Outdoor Cooker Kit includes everything you need for outdoor frying. Just make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry before lowering it into the oil.

While the results are delicious, it’s essential to be safe. Thanksgiving sees more than 2,000 cooking fires and $15 million in property damages each year, and deep fryers are often the cause. Keep your fryer at least 10 feet away from buildings and never leave it unattended. 

No. 3: Keep Sides Warm and Ready with a Slow Cooker

A dependable slow cooker is great to have for Thanksgiving. It’s perfect for stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, or cranberry sauce. Plus, you don’t have to watch over it. Just set it and let it do its thing while you focus on the rest of the meal.

Slow cooker stuffing typically takes 3-4 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low, which opens up oven space. This method also clears space on your stovetop and keeps dishes warm until it’s time to eat.

The Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6 qt Slow Cooker has a locking lid for easy transport and a spacious interior for all your side dish favorites.

No. 4: Bring a Homemade Dish Anywhere

Heading to a potluck, Friendsgiving, or family get-together? A portable slow cooker is a great way to keep your dish warm and ready to serve. The Presto Nomad 6 qt Traveling Slow Cooker is designed for travel, with a locking lid, stay-cool handle, and wide base that won’t tip over in the car.

It’s perfect for chili, mac and cheese, or even warm cider. You can cook your dish at home, plug it in when you arrive, and it’s ready to go.

No. 5: Add Crunch and Speed with a Dual-Basket Air Fryer

If you’re looking for the best kitchen appliances to handle holiday sides, an air fryer is hard to beat. It gives veggies and appetizers that crispy finish without heating up the entire kitchen. Plus, it works fast: Brussels sprouts cook in under 15 minutes, green beans in 10, and sweet potato fries in about 16. 

The Ninja Foodi 8 qt Black Dual Basket Air Fryer has two baskets, so you can cook different foods at the same time. Each one has its own settings, which means crispy snacks and golden veggies can be ready together. 

No. 6: Quick Bites Made Easy with a Deep Fryer

If you’re stocking up on Thanksgiving party supplies, a small deep fryer is great for appetizers and snacks. Fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, hush puppies, and other bite-sized favorites come out hot and crispy in just minutes.

The Presto FryDaddy Deep Fryer is simple to use, with a built-in thermostat and no need for messy baskets. It’s the ideal size for small batches, and it’s easy to clean and store when you’re finished. 

No. 7: Smoke the Turkey for Big Flavor

Pellet grills are one of the best kitchen appliances for backyard cooks who want something a little different for Thanksgiving. Smoking your turkey gives it rich flavor and crispy skin, and pellet grills keep a steady temperature the whole way through.

The Pit Boss 700FB2 Pellet Grill holds enough food for the entire crew and works well for low-and-slow smoking or faster grilling.

At 225°F, plan for about 30 minutes per pound. Bump it up to 350°F and your bird will cook in roughly 15 minutes per pound with a golden, crispy outside. 

Your Complete Thanksgiving Kitchen Starts at Fleet Farm

With the proper appliances, holiday cooking is a lot more enjoyable.

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Free up open space with a roaster oven.
• Use slow cookers for easy side prep and transport.
• Try air fryers and deep fryers for crispy favorites.
• Cook outdoors with a fryer or pellet grill.

For Thanksgiving party supplies and must-have appliances, upgrade your holiday game. Choose top-rated picks from Fleet Farm's Kitchen & Dining department.