The main difference between roasting a frozen and fresh turkey is preparation and timing. Frozen turkeys are quick-cooled, which helps preserve the meat's texture when thawed, allowing you to defrost it closer to the feast. Fresh turkeys are chilled to about 26ºF (-3.3ºC) and shouldn’t be refrozen, so buying them just a few days before you plan to roast is best. Both can deliver great results, but fresh turkeys require more precise planning around your cooking schedule.