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.

A juicy and tender turkey is the perfect centerpiece of those dinner tables. But without the best container for brining turkey, you will not be able to prepare this fantastic meal.

You might be wondering, why can't I use a large container I have at home? Well, you can if you pair it with a proper liner.

However, investing in a turkey brine container is often worth it if you frequently marinate or brine various types of meat. 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 ensure you can enjoy a delicious holiday meal at home. So, without further ado, let us jump in.

Best Container for Brining Turkey : Top 6 Picks

When shopping for a perfect container for that new brine recipe you want to try out, you need to account for a couple of things like the size and weight.

To simplify things, we've researched the topic and found the top six best turkey brining containers you can buy. Here's more on each one:

1. Rubbermaid Commercial Turkey Brine Container

Starting this list of reviews, we will look 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 any cooking enthusiast.

It is made from break-resistant polycarbonate. Since it is transparent, you can monitor your cooking progress in real-time, whether marinating or brining meat. It might not be as durable as a stainless steel container, but it can still do the job.

It has a total capacity of 22 Qt., this container is perfect for turkey brining. Thanks to its excellent temperature tolerance of -40 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it serves well as a storage container and can even be used 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 already have a big food-grade plastic bucket and want to use it for brining turkey, you need a brining liner. Since brining a turkey requires massive space, many people prefer going with brining buckets. This liner by the brand PBKay is an excellent choice for large buckets.

Construction-wise, you have nothing to complain about with this option. It features heavy-duty construction and will not break even with frequent use. In addition, it is completely BPA-free, ensuring you keep your food safe and toxin-free.

It works perfectly with 5-gallon buckets and can cover its entirety without 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 unit's low price makes it a must-buy when bringing or marinating large quantities of meat. Since it is reusable and washable, you will 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-bringing bag by the brand Liquid Solution is a quick and easy way to take care of all your brining necessities.

As part of the turkey brine kit, you get two bags fully equipped to handle a large turkey of your choosing. It also features double-tack zippers to close it once everything is set up. You can say it functions similarly to storage zip lock bags, with the difference being you can use it to cook food!

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

Besides brining, these bags can also help you store meat in the freezer. Their thickness and double seams ensure they will not tear under any circumstances. Furthermore, the bags do not contain any BPA, meaning no health risks are 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 have another unit by the brand Rubbermaid Commercial Products. We mentioned them earlier on this list, so you should have an idea about the quality you can expect from them; this one also embodies the same level of quality.

Unlike the previous container we mentioned from this brand, this container has a wider base. Many choose this design since it can fit a whole turkey inside it without any hassle.

In terms of capacity, it is similar to a 20 Qt bucket. Its durable BPA-free construction ensures you will not break it regardless of how you handle it. In addition, it does not introduce any toxins into the food.

Similar to the other products 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, there can be only one choice: The Ultimate Brine Container by The Briner. With this unit, you get two different sizes of brining containers to be prepared for anything.

Firstly, you get the large “The Briner” 22 gal bucket that is quite massive. 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 containers are constructed with heavy-duty materials, ensuring a long lifespan. Its high-quality food-grade plastic construction prevents harmful toxins from seeping into your dish.

The briner can hold up to 20 pounds of whole turkey or several chickens without question. It is easy to clean and will give you a consistent brining experience whenever you use it. There is a reason why many professional chefs worldwide use it; once you get it, you will understand why!

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 Cambro is an excellent choice for minimalistic people.

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

The unit features a translucent polypropylene material, a type of plastic that can function well even when exposed to high temperatures. The translucent design 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. 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 extensively researched the do's and don'ts of choosing a brining container. If you want to make the best choice, you must also consider these factors. So, here's more on each one:

Size

The first and most essential element of a brining container is its size. Let's face it - turkeys are big, and you cannot brine them unless you invest in a big container. Since containers are available in all sizes, you want one that can handle a large turkey.

Ideally, it is best to go with at least 20 quarts of capacity. You could even go with larger containers if you plan on brining bigger turkeys.

You should be good if you stay above the 20-quart mark. 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 of any container. You need a tight-fitted lid when using a container for brining.

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 consider this factor.

If you end up with a unit without its own cover, you need to invest in a lid yourself. That 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 container's durability 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 unit's material to be strong and sturdy enough to handle any type of abuse. We recommend going with something made of stainless steel, but those containers are pricier than plastic ones. So, you can also go with a plastic container as long as you ensure the plastic is durable, break-resistant, and toxin-free.

Furthermore, you should ensure the container has no cracks upon purchase. Since most containers sit on the shelf for a while before anyone buys them, damage can be possible. 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 want 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:

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

Before you start with the bringing, remember this:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 simple enough as long as you have the perfect container. 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.

Don't forget to let us know which of our recommended brine containers you would want to try out!

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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.