Weight of TurkeyIn RefrigeratorIn Cold Water
| 8 to 12 pounds | 1 to 2 days | 4 to 6 hours |
| 12 to 16 pounds | 2 to 3 days | 6 to 9 hours |
| 16 to 20 pounds | 3 to 4 days | 9 to 11 hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4 to 5 days | 11 to 12 hours |
| NOTE: If the cold water method is used, change water every 30 minutes. After thawing for either method, remove neck and giblets, wash turkey inside and outside with cold water, and drain well. Wash hands, utensils, sink, counter, and anything else that touches raw turkey with hot, soapy water. |
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