4 ways to make Thanksgiving dinner without a working cooktop or oven

Thanksgiving dinner holds a special place in the hearts of many, but sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way. One of those challenges could be discovering a non-working cooktop or oven just days or minutes before beginning food preparations.

Stick with us to find out how you can turn a cooking crisis into a memorable and unique Thanksgiving experience even when faced with a non-functional cooktop or oven and no time to make repairs.

If you’re stuck and need a replacement part the week of Thanksgiving, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com to get what you need. We offer fast shipping and most orders arrive in two business days. Try to order replacement parts as soon as you can to avoid shipping delays, holiday closures and out-of-stock items. Remember: the sooner you check your machine and place an order, the more likely that you’ll get the part on time.

Before using any of the following small appliances, remember to follow the specific instructions for each recipe and adjust cooking times and temperature settings accordingly. Also be sure to monitor food as it’s cooking, since using appliances other than an oven or cooktop could affect doneness.

1. Use the microwave

Cooking Thanksgiving dinner with a microwave may not be the traditional method, but it can still yield great results.

Thanksgiving dishes you can prepare in a microwave:

• Stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed vegetables
• Pumpkin pie mug cake

Tips for using a microwave for Thanksgiving dinner:

• Follow the specific instructions for each recipe and adjust cooking times based on the wattage of your microwave.
• Only use dishes and containers that are labeled as microwave-safe. Avoid using metal or containers with metal trim, as they can cause sparks and damage the microwave.
• When cooking multiple foods in the microwave, separate them based on their cooking time. Start with the larger and denser foods, and add the smaller ones later for even cooking.
• Leave enough space in the container for food to expand and bubble up during cooking. This prevents spills and splatters in the microwave.

Read more: Common appliance problems during Thanksgiving cooking and how to fix them

2. Use a slow cooker

A slow cooker or Crockpot can be a fantastic tool for preparing Thanksgiving dinner. These handy appliances allow you to cook dishes slowly and evenly.

If you’re comfortable and have the time to monitor the food, you could even use multiple slow cookers to prepare holiday dishes at the same time. Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so it’s important to monitor the cooking process so everything is cooked thoroughly.

Some ideas for slow-cooked Thanksgiving dishes: 

• Turkey breast
• Glazed ham
• Sweet potato casserole
• Mulled cider
• Pumpkin spice bread pudding

Tips for using a slow cooker: 

• Adjust cooking times based on your specific slow cooker and the size of your ingredients.
• Chop ingredients and assemble the slow cooker the night before to streamline the cooking process on Thanksgiving day.
• Place heartier ingredients at the bottom and more delicate ones on top for even cooking.
• Slow cookers tend to mellow out flavors, so you’ll probably want to use seasonings. Be sure to taste-test periodically.
• Plan your slow cooker dishes to finish around the same time to keep the meal cohesive.

Read more: Refrigerator maintenance guide for Thanksgiving

3. Use the toaster oven

The toaster oven is another convenient alternative to a stove or oven for cooking Thanksgiving meals. It’s a great option for those who have limited kitchen space or don’t have access to a traditional oven or range.

While cooking a whole turkey in a toaster oven may not be feasible, there are several dishes that you can prepare using this appliance.

Here are some ideas:

• Turkey breast
• Stuffing
• Cornbread
• Potatoes and carrots
• Green beans
• Pies

Tips for using a toaster oven:

• Adjust cooking times and temperatures as toaster ovens may vary.
• Toaster ovens may cook faster than traditional ovens, so it’s important to keep an eye on your food to prevent overcooking. Start checking your food a few minutes before the recommended cooking time and adjust as needed.
• Just like a regular oven, preheating your toaster oven is important for achieving even cooking results. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating time and temperature.
• Adjust the racks in your toaster oven according to the type of food you’re cooking. For broiling, place the rack closer to the top heating element. For baking or toasting, place it in the center.
• Most toaster ovens come with a baking tray or sheet pan. For toasting or reheating, you can use the included tray. For baking or cooking, you can use any oven-safe cookware that fits inside the toaster oven. Make sure the door can close properly with the cookware inside.

4. Use a grill

Why not grill out for Thanksgiving? Grilling can impart a unique smoky flavor to food and create an especially flavorful and juicy turkey.

There are several techniques and recipes you can use to grill Thanksgiving dishes. If you’re not a fan of turkey or want to offer different options, you can grill other meats. And if you’re celebrating Thanksgiving without meat, you can always grill veggies or make kabobs.

What you can grill for Thanksgiving: 

• Turkey or other meats
• Stuffed acorn squash
• Mushrooms
• Kabobs
• Potatoes (in foil)
• Brussels sprouts (on the stalk)
• Asparagus
• Carrots

Tips for cooking with a grill:

• Preheat the grill to the desired temperature before cooking. This provides even cooking and helps prevent food from sticking to the grates.
• Clean the grill grates before and after each use to remove any residue or debris. This helps prevent food from sticking and creates better flavor.
• If you have a gas grill, you can create different heat zones by adjusting the burners. This allows you to have both direct and indirect heat for different cooking techniques.
• Avoid overcrowding the grill with too much food. Leave some space between the items to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Read more: Preparing your oven for Thanksgiving: essential parts to check and replace

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this information helps you try some alternative Thanksgiving cooking methods. If you have any appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our thousands of free videos and troubleshooting guides available.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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