What Size Turkey or Turkey Buff Do I Need for Christmas or Family Gatherings?

Your local guide from Devitt Meats, Narrabeen’s trusted Northern Beaches butcher

Choosing the right size turkey or turkey buff is one of the most common questions customers ask when they visit our Narrabeen store. Whether you are hosting Christmas lunch, planning a Sunday roast or feeding a big group of friends, getting the size right helps you avoid stress and makes mealtime much easier. This guide has been created especially for local Northern Beaches families shopping at Devitt Meats who want fresh, quality poultry with the right advice.

Whole turkey or turkey buff, what is the difference

Shoppers across Narrabeen and surrounding Northern Beaches suburbs often ask which option is best for their event. A whole turkey includes the wings, legs, breast and cavity and gives you the classic festive table presentation. A turkey buff is the breast, with legs and wings removed, simple to carve and cooks more evenly, it still has a cavity which you can stuff.  The Devitts kiev is a rolled breast with a bone handle. Plain or stuffed and weighing 1.8 to 2.8kg this is a local favourite for those who prefer lean white meat or want a quicker, more predictable cooking time.

Both are great options and our team can recommend what suits your gathering once we know your guest numbers.

How much turkey does your family need?

The simplest way to calculate your turkey size is to work from the raw weight per person. These are the guidelines we use every Christmas for our local customers.

Whole Turkey

• Light eaters or mostly children: 250 to 300 g per person

• Average adult portion: 350 to 450 g per person

• Big eaters or if you want leftovers: 500 to 600 g per person

Turkey Buff

Because it is boneless and all meat, you need less.

• Standard serve: 250 to 300 g per person

• Large serve or leftovers: 300 to 350 g per person

For example, a Narrabeen family hosting six people would usually choose a 4 kg whole turkey or a 2 kg turkey buff. If leftovers are part of the plan for sandwiches or salads during Christmas week, go up one size for comfort.

Popular sizes for Northern Beaches holiday gatherings

Based on many seasons helping locals plan their festive meals, here are the sizes most commonly selected at Devitt Meats.

• 2 to 4 guests: 1.5 to 2 kg buff or a 2.5 kg whole turkey

• 4 to 6 guests: 2.5 to 3 kg buff or a 3.5 to 4.5 kg whole turkey

• 6 to 8 guests: 3 to 3.5 kg buff or a 5 to 6 kg whole turkey

• 8 to 12 guests: 3.5 to 4.5 kg buff or a 6 to 7.5 kg whole turkey

• 8+kg birds are a bit rarer. If you want an extra large turkey be sure to order early in the season

If you are feeding 12 or more people, many Northern Beaches hosts prefer ordering two smaller turkeys rather than one very large one. Smaller birds cook more evenly, fit better in standard ovens and are easier to handle.

Are you serving other meats?

Extended family celebrations often serve a mix of ham, pork, lamb or seafood alongside their turkey. If your menu includes multiple proteins, you can size your turkey slightly smaller. If turkey is the hero of the meal, choose the next size up. Bigger gatherings tend to appreciate leftovers and it is best to have extra turkey than to come up short on the day.

Fresh or frozen turkey from your local butcher

Both fresh and frozen turkeys offer excellent results. Frozen turkeys give you flexibility and can be purchased early from our Narrabeen store. Fresh turkeys save you thawing time and are convenient for last minute shoppers across the Northern Beaches.

If choosing frozen, allow roughly 24 hours of fridge thawing time for every 2 kg. This keeps the process safe and ensures even cooking.

Cooking tips from the Devitt Meats team

To help you achieve the perfect roast, here are simple tips our local customers rely on.

• Let your turkey sit at room temperature for about 30 to 40 minutes before cooking

• Always preheat your oven for even browning

• Use a butter, herb and seasoning rub for flavour and moisture

• Cook until the thickest part of the breast reaches 74°C

• Rest the turkey for at least 20 minutes before carving

Resting allows the juices to settle, giving you tender, juicy slices every time.

Visit Devitt Meats in Narrabeen for personalised advice

If you are unsure about the right size turkey or turkey buff, visit our friendly team in store. We help local families across Narrabeen and the Northern Beaches choose the perfect bird every Christmas and can guide you based on your oven size, guest numbers and cooking style.

Drop into Devitt Meats on Waterloo Street Narrabeen or give us a call to chat about your order. With the right advice and quality produce, your festive meal will be relaxed, delicious and perfectly sized for your gathering.

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