Preparing for Thanksgiving can be a lot of work!  As we make our way through October and November, and start to see all of the great Thanksgiving sales at our local grocery stores, food seems to take over our minds, and often times we forget about the tools we need to make Thanksgiving foolproof!

I recently shared a post on how to make your Thanksgiving as foolproof as possible with a FREE printable Thanksgiving Game Plan and grocery list.  Check your kitchen for these tools before you start making dinner.  These tools will not only make cooking Thanksgiving dinner easier, but will make clean up a lot easier too.

10 Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Thanksgiving Foolproof

Roasting Pan

A heavy duty, stainless steel roasting pan is essential.  You’ll be able to roast your bird, and make your gravy all in the same pan.  Look for a pan with a heavy bottom and well constructed handles which will make lifting easier.  Learn more about roasting a perfect turkey with these turkey tips.

Roasting Rack

Using a roasting rack ensures a perfectly roasted turkey.  By lifting the bottom of the turkey off of the bottom of the roasting pan allows the heat to circulate around the turkey for even cooking.

Instant Read Thermometer

This is the most accurate way to tell when your turkey is done.  If your turkey comes with a pop up timer, remove it and throw it away.  An instant read thermometer is quick and simple to use, just place it in the thigh of the turkey and check his temperature.  A cooked turkey will register 160 degrees.

Turkey Lifters

These wide forks that usually come with your roasting pan are great to lift and balance your turkey as you move it to a cutting board or serving platter.

Fat Separator

This is essential for great gravy.  A fat separator is a nifty low spout measuring cup that separates pan juices from the fat.  After roasting your turkey, remove it from pan, and pour drippings into fat separator.  Allow to cool slightly, and watch the fat float to the surface.  Follow this step by step guide for Great Gravy in 10 Steps.

Cutting Board and Carving Knife

A large cutting board provides the perfect surface for carving your turkey.  Look for a board with a well to collect any juices.  Some cutting boards are even nice enough to go from kitchen to table.  For a knife, you want to choose something very sharp to ensure effortless slicing.  A long thin blade allows you to slice through the turkey and not saw through.

Stand Mixer

A stand mixer can be used for so many things.  Use it to whip up your mashed potatoes, or for all of your baking needs.  With all of the attachments a stand mixer comes with, your options are endless.  Use the meat grinder attachment, and make your own sausage for your stuffing.

Immersion Blender

I love my immersion blender.  It’s great to whip up a quick milkshake, and makes soups velvety smooth.  Use an immersion blender to puree your soups like this Butternut Squash Soup, or use it to get rid of lumps in your gravy.

Food Mill

Make the fluffiest potatoes with a food mill.  Boil potatoes and process through food mill like in this recipe for The Best Mashed Potatoes Ever

Other Handy Tools:

Basting Bulb and Brush Set

Pie Weights

Pastry Cutter

Kitchen Twine

• whisks
• wooden spoons
• silicone spatula
• vegetable peeler
• chefs knife
• paring knife
• fine mesh sieve
• glass measuring cups
• measuring cups and spoons
• apple corer
• kitchen timer

With the right tools for the job, and a little planning, Thanksgiving dinner will be a breeze to prepare.