ThawDay

Can you thaw a turkey in cold water?

Yes. It is one of the safe methods in the USDA guide. Allow 30 minutes per pound. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey right after it thaws.

How long it takes

Turkey weightCold water time
8 lbAbout 4 hours
12 lbAbout 6 hours
14 lbAbout 7 hours
16 lbAbout 8 hours
20 lbAbout 10 hours
24 lbAbout 12 hours

The steps

  1. Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. It must be leak-proof. Wrap it in a plastic bag if it might leak.
  2. Fill a sink or a big pot with cold tap water. Cover the turkey fully.
  3. Change the water every 30 minutes. This keeps the water cold.
  4. Cook the turkey right after it thaws. Do not put it back in the fridge to cook later.

Use cold water only. Warm or hot water puts the outside of the bird in the danger zone. And never thaw a turkey on the counter.

Cold water or the fridge?

The fridge is hands-off and plans days ahead. Cold water saves a late start and finishes the same day. Full fridge times: how long to thaw a turkey. Cooking for Thanksgiving? Here are the fridge dates for 2026.

Running late? Get the whole plan

The calculator sees a late start and switches to the cold water plan on its own. Or ask in your own words: "16 lb frozen turkey, dinner Thursday."

More turkey questions, answered