Yes, people can cook and warm Thanksgiving turkeys in an electric oven, but it is not recommended to use a microwave for cooking or reheating a whole turkey.
Cooking a Thanksgiving Turkey in an Electric Oven: Cooking a turkey in an electric oven is a popular and safe method. Here are some general guidelines for cooking a whole turkey in an electric oven:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your electric oven to the recommended cooking temperature. For most turkeys, this is around 325°F (165°C).
Prepare the turkey: Thaw the turkey completely if it's frozen. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. You can also season the turkey according to your preference with herbs, spices, and butter or oil.
Roasting the turkey: Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Tuck the wing tips under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
Cooking time: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey. As a general rule, estimate about 13-15 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is safe to eat when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
Resting: Once the turkey reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 30 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
Using a Microwave for a Whole Turkey: Cooking a whole turkey in a microwave is not recommended due to its size and the uneven cooking that can occur. Microwaves are better suited for smaller cuts of meat or reheating leftovers. Trying to cook a whole turkey in a microwave can lead to unsafe and inconsistent results.
In summary, use an electric oven to cook your Thanksgiving turkey safely and effectively, and avoid attempting to cook a whole turkey in a microwave. If you need to reheat turkey leftovers, you can use the microwave, but do so in smaller portions and make sure to cover the meat to prevent drying out.