Gobble-Worthy Gadgets

By Reena Jana
November 2, 2011

Thanksgiving Gadgets

Thanksgiving gadgets on eBay, clockwise from left: Microplane Zester, OXO Good Grips Digital Meat Thermometer, Trudeau Corporation Stress Less Can Opener, All-Clad Roasting Pan, Emile Henry Pie Dishes

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and so is the nervous excitement felt by anyone attempting to host a holiday feast. Maybe that's why listings for Thanksgiving-related items in eBay's "Inside the Home" category were up over 50 percent in the latter part half of October compared to the former. Even if you're not a professional chef, it's possible to put together an unforgettable meal (and even enjoy the experience of preparing it!) with the right equipment.

Some tools aren't as obvious as you'd think. Take, for instance, the Microplane zester, a kitchen secret of numerous chefs and cooking instructors: "You can do a lot with a zester, which is an important tool for any kitchen, especially at Thanksgiving, when you're trying to add character and flavor to what is expected to be a beautiful, special meal," says Bonny Giardina, who runs the Seattle studio of HipCooks, a popular chain of chic yet relaxed cooking schools on the West Coast.

"You can achieve a lot of character by zesting fruit and tossing it into salad dressing. You can add orange zest in the cranberry sauce. When you use a Microplane zester with fresh cinnamon sticks, nutmeg or star anise, your spices are fresh and bright—perfect in the pumpkin pie, in the stuffing... " Giardina says. "Plus a Microplane zester doesn't take up a lot of space. It's the most versatile kitchen tool, even for those who have tight city kitchens."

Thanksgiving Gadgets

Thanksgiving pies (via Flickr)

When looking for Thanksgiving gadgets, it's important to think of practicality and ease of use. "It's the most important to be comfortable in kitchen when preparing a Thanksgiving meal. When else are you peeling potatoes for an hour? There are companies like OXO that have a great history of making tools that anyone can use comfortably," says Giardina.

When choosing new gadgets for making Thanksgiving dinner, it's wise to purchase equipment that will last for a long time and do more than one thing—this not only saves money, but also space, she advises.

One common mistake that some hosts and hostesses make when shopping for Thanksgiving tools is scrimping on a throwaway roasting pan. "You really want to avoid the worst-case, nightmare scenario: the pan collapses when the turkey comes out of the oven," Giardina says. This really happens, she cautions, after hearing numerous accounts from her cooking students.

Thanksgiving Gadgets

Thanksgiving turkey (via Flickr)

While the cost of a roasting pan might reach into the triple digits, Giardina suggests that if a Thanksgiving host does decide to invest in one, it can be used to prepare other meats and vegetables all year long. Many roasting pans are also more versatile than most casual cooks think; they often also work on stovetops and can do double-duty to cook soups and other dishes (although it's wise to double check the pan manufacturer's instruction manual), so if your kitchen space and budget are tight, such a purchase could pay off.

"At the end of any day, and not just Thanksgiving, cooking is about preparing the food well; you don't need to spend your life savings on cooking equipment," Giardina says. "Versatile gadgets help make cooking—and cleanup—easier. After all, It's how you prepare the food, and whom you share it with, that makes it memorable and delicious."

With Giardina's advice in mind, we've put together a list of 10 must-have tools and gadgets—from classics to new releases—for making Thanksgiving dinner.

OXO Good Grips Digital Meat Thermometer

(buy it now price, $51.75)

This handy thermometer features a display that stays on the counter instead of inside the oven, so you can monitor your turkey's temperature without opening the oven. You can pre-set temperature readings to USDA recommendations. Plus, this well-designed gadget has a probe and chord that sit neatly inside its base when not in use.
All-Clad Roasting Pan

(buy it now price, $189.89)

Avoid the worst-case Thanksgiving scenario by investing in a sturdy roasting pan for your turkey. Then use it all year long to cook vegetables and other meats.
Microplane Zester

(buy it now price, $14.95)

This inexpensive kitchen tool is often named as a favorite gadget by cooking instructors and chefs, because it can be used to create unusual flavors by grating fresh ingredients into sauces and desserts.
Polder Triple Digital Kitchen Timer

(buy it now price, $25.99)

When juggling numerous cooking projects on Thanksgiving day, it's wise to use a timer that can track three different dishes at once, like this digital kitchen timer.
Joseph Joseph Stretch Trivet

(buy it now price, $19.95)

This brightly-hued silicone trivet folds like an accordion for easy storage, and can be used not only in the kitchen but also on a dining table.
Waring Pro 3-staion Professional Buffet Server

(buy it now price, $77.89)

If you're hosting a large group, a professional buffet server like this can come in handy. Each serving dish holds up to 20 four-ounce servings. It features sleek, brushed stainless steel for a hip modern look.
Govino Shatterproof Stemless Wine Glasses

(buy it now price, $23.03)

Wine critics have praised these inexpensive, shatter-proof glasses, which can eventually be recycled. They're elegant enough for a festive table, but sturdy enough for everyday use.
Trudeau Corporation Stress Less Can Opener

(buy it now price, $20.95)

This recently released can opener was designed to be easy on wrists and avoid accidents. It will come in handing when opening countless cans of cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie filling.
Philippe Starck Alessi Citrus Squeezer

(buy it now price, $72.27)

Adding fresh lemon juice to sauces and cocktails offers a nice touch to any meal, Thanksgiving or not. And this sculptural citrus squeezer also serves as a conversation piece.
Emile Henry Pie Dishes

(buy it now price, $51.46)

These individual pie dishes are a fresh take on the traditional pumpkin pie. They're also microwave and dishwasher safe, making leftovers easy to serve up.