How Big of a Turkey Will Fit in a Traeger?

How Big of a Turkey Will Fit in a Traeger?

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to cook for Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re planning on smoking a turkey, you may be wondering how big of a turkey will fit in your Traeger.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different factors to consider when choosing a turkey for your Traeger, including the size of your smoker, the type of wood you’ll be using, and the cooking method you’ll be using. We’ll also provide some tips on how to cook a perfectly smoked turkey on your Traeger.

So whether you’re a Traeger novice or a seasoned pro, read on for everything you need to know about smoking a turkey on your Traeger!

Traeger Model	Maximum Turkey Size	Notes
Traeger Pro 575	18 pounds	The Traeger Pro 575 can fit a whole turkey up to 18 pounds.
Traeger Ironwood 885	22 pounds	The Traeger Ironwood 885 can fit a whole turkey up to 22 pounds.
Traeger Timberline 1300	30 pounds	The Traeger Timberline 1300 can fit a whole turkey up to 30 pounds.

Introduction

A Traeger is a wood pellet grill that uses wood pellets as fuel. It is a popular choice for cooking turkeys because it produces a delicious, smoky flavor. However, not all Traegers are created equal. Some Traegers are larger than others, and some can accommodate larger turkeys than others.

This guide will help you determine how big of a turkey will fit in your Traeger. We will discuss the factors to consider when choosing a turkey for your Traeger, and we will also provide tips on how to cook a turkey on a Traeger.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Turkey for Your Traeger

The size of the turkey is the most important factor to consider when choosing a turkey for your Traeger. The turkey should be large enough to fit in the cooking chamber, but not so large that it will be difficult to cook evenly.

The weight of the turkey is also important to consider. A heavier turkey will take longer to cook than a lighter turkey.

There are two main types of turkeys: whole turkeys and boneless, skinless turkeys. Whole turkeys are more traditional, but boneless, skinless turkeys are easier to cook and can be more evenly cooked.

The cooking method you choose will also affect the size of the turkey you can cook. For example, if you are smoking a turkey, you will need a larger turkey than if you are roasting a turkey.

Choosing the Right Traeger for Your Turkey

Once you have chosen a turkey, you need to choose the right Traeger for cooking it. Traegers come in a variety of sizes, so you need to choose one that is large enough to accommodate the size of your turkey. You also need to choose a Traeger that has the features you need, such as a smokestack, a temperature gauge, and a drip pan.

The following table provides a general guide to the size of turkeys that can fit in different Traeger models:

| Traeger Model | Maximum Turkey Size |
|—|—|
| Traeger Pro 22 | 12 pounds |
| Traeger Pro 34 | 18 pounds |
| Traeger Pro 575 | 24 pounds |
| Traeger Timberline 885 | 30 pounds |

Tips for Cooking a Turkey on a Traeger

Here are a few tips for cooking a turkey on a Traeger:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or cooking oil. This will help to keep the turkey moist.
* Smoke the turkey for the first hour or two of cooking. This will give the turkey a delicious, smoky flavor.
* Roast the turkey for the remaining time of cooking. This will ensure that the turkey is cooked through.

Cooking a turkey on a Traeger is a great way to enjoy a delicious, smoked turkey. By following these tips, you can be sure to cook a perfect turkey every time.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

* [Traeger Turkey Cooking Guide](https://www.traeger.com/recipes/turkey-cooking-guide)
* [How to Smoke a Turkey on a Traeger](https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-smoke-a-turkey-on-a-traeger-4685382)
* [Traeger Turkey Recipes](https://www.traeger.com/recipes/turkey)

How Big of a Turkey Will Fit in a Traeger?

The Traeger is a popular pellet grill that can be used to cook a variety of foods, including turkey. However, before you can cook a turkey on your Traeger, you need to know how big of a turkey will fit in the grill.

The size of the turkey that will fit in your Traeger will depend on the size of the grill. Traeger grills come in a variety of sizes, from the smallest 22-inch model to the largest 880-inch model. The size of the turkey that will fit in a Traeger grill can also be affected by the cooking method you choose.

If you are planning to cook your turkey on a Traeger, here is a guide to help you determine how big of a turkey will fit in your grill:

* Traeger 22-inch: This grill can hold a turkey that is up to 12 pounds.
* Traeger 34-inch: This grill can hold a turkey that is up to 18 pounds.
* Traeger 48-inch: This grill can hold a turkey that is up to 24 pounds.
* Traeger 620-inch: This grill can hold a turkey that is up to 30 pounds.
* Traeger 880-inch: This grill can hold a turkey that is up to 40 pounds.

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The actual size of the turkey that will fit in your Traeger grill may vary depending on the specific model of grill you have and the cooking method you choose.

If you are not sure how big of a turkey will fit in your Traeger grill, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a smaller turkey. This will ensure that you have enough room to cook the turkey evenly and prevent it from drying out.

Preparing Your Traeger for Cooking the Turkey

Before you can cook your turkey, you need to prepare your Traeger. This includes cleaning the cooking chamber, setting the temperature, and adding wood chips.

Cleaning the Cooking Chamber

The first step is to clean the cooking chamber of your Traeger. This will help to ensure that the turkey cooks evenly and that the Traeger does not produce any smoke.

To clean the cooking chamber, you will need:

* A grill brush
* A damp cloth
* A bucket of warm water

1. Turn off the Traeger and allow it to cool completely.
2. Remove the grill grates and drip pan.
3. Use the grill brush to scrub the cooking chamber clean.
4. Wipe down the cooking chamber with the damp cloth.
5. Rinse the cooking chamber with the warm water.
6. Dry the cooking chamber with a towel.

Setting the Temperature

The next step is to set the temperature of your Traeger. The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey is between 325 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

To set the temperature, you will need to:

1. Turn on the Traeger and allow it to preheat for 15 minutes.
2. Press the “Set Temperature” button and enter the desired temperature.
3. Press the “Start” button.

The Traeger will begin to heat up and the temperature will display on the control panel.

Adding Wood Chips

If you are using wood chips to smoke your turkey, you will need to add them to the Traeger before you start cooking.

To add wood chips, you will need:

* A wood chip basket
* Wood chips

1. Place the wood chip basket in the firebox of the Traeger.
2. Add the wood chips to the basket.
3. Close the lid of the Traeger.

The wood chips will smoke and add flavor to the turkey as it cooks.

Cooking the Turkey

Once your Traeger is prepared, you can start cooking the turkey. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the cooking method you choose. However, you should generally cook a turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are a few different ways to cook a turkey on a Traeger. You can cook it:

* Directly on the grill grates
* In a roasting pan
* In a smoker box

Directly on the Grill Grates

To cook a turkey directly on the grill grates, you will need:

* A turkey
* A roasting rack
* A basting brush

How big of a turkey will fit in a Traeger?

A Traeger can fit a turkey up to 18 pounds. However, the size of the turkey will affect the cooking time. For a smaller turkey, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What is the best way to cook a turkey in a Traeger?

The best way to cook a turkey in a Traeger is to spatchcock it. This means removing the backbone and flattening the turkey out so that it cooks evenly. You can then season the turkey with your favorite spices and cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I cook a frozen turkey in a Traeger?

Yes, you can cook a frozen turkey in a Traeger. However, it will take longer to cook than a thawed turkey. You will need to cook the turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are some tips for cooking a turkey in a Traeger?

Here are some tips for cooking a turkey in a Traeger:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so to keep it moist.
* If the turkey starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey will be more tender.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey in a Traeger?

Here are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey in a Traeger:

* Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
* Cooking the turkey at too high of a temperature.
* Not basting the turkey with melted butter or olive oil.
* Covering the turkey with aluminum foil too early.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving it.

the size of the turkey that will fit in a Traeger depends on the specific model of Traeger. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to be able to cook a turkey that is up to 12 pounds in a Traeger. Keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey, so be sure to plan accordingly. By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey on your Traeger this holiday season.