How Long to Smoke a Turkey in a Smoker (The Ultimate Guide)

How Long to Smoke a Turkey in a Smoker

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a smoked turkey wafting through the air on a cold winter day. Whether you’re smoking a turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, it’s important to know how long to smoke a turkey in a smoker so that you end up with a juicy, flavorful bird.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect how long to smoke a turkey, including the size of the turkey, the type of smoker you’re using, and the desired level of doneness. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide on how to smoke a turkey in a smoker, so you can be sure to end up with a delicious and impressive meal.

So fire up your smoker and get ready to enjoy some of the best turkey you’ve ever tasted!

Weight of Turkey	Temperature	Time
10-12 pounds	225 degrees F	3-4 hours
12-14 pounds	225 degrees F	4-5 hours
14-16 pounds	225 degrees F	5-6 hours
16-18 pounds	225 degrees F	6-7 hours
18-20 pounds	225 degrees F	7-8 hours

How Long to Smoke a Turkey in a Smoker?

Choosing the Right Turkey

The first step to smoking a turkey is choosing the right bird. Here are a few things to consider when making your selection:

* Size and weight: The ideal size of turkey for smoking will vary depending on the size of your smoker and the number of people you’re feeding. A good rule of thumb is to allow 1 pound of turkey per person. If you’re smoking a turkey for a large group, you may want to consider buying a whole turkey and cutting it into pieces before smoking it.
* Type of turkey: There are two main types of turkeys available: heritage turkeys and commercial turkeys. Heritage turkeys are raised on a smaller scale and have a more flavorful, natural taste. Commercial turkeys are bred for their fast growth and large size. They’re typically less flavorful than heritage turkeys, but they’re also less expensive.
* Brining or dry-rubbing: Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a salt water solution before smoking it. This helps to add moisture and flavor to the meat. Dry-rubbing is a process of applying a spice rub to the turkey before smoking it. This helps to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat.

Preparing the Turkey for Smoking

Once you’ve chosen the right turkey, it’s time to prepare it for smoking. Here are the steps involved:

1. Remove the giblets. The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey, including the heart, liver, and gizzard. They’re usually found in a bag inside the turkey’s cavity. To remove the giblets, open the bag and discard any contents that are discolored or foul-smelling. Rinse the giblets under cold water and pat them dry. You can use the giblets to make gravy or stock.
2. Wash and dry the turkey. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Be sure to remove any visible dirt or feathers. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Apply the rub or brine. If you’re brining the turkey, follow the instructions on the brine recipe. If you’re dry-rubbing the turkey, apply the rub evenly to all sides of the bird. Allow the turkey to marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.

Smoking the Turkey

Once the turkey is prepared, it’s time to smoke it. Here are the steps involved:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re using a charcoal smoker, build a fire using a mixture of charcoal and wood chips. If you’re using an electric smoker, set the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey in the smoker. The turkey should be placed breast-side up. If you’re using a charcoal smoker, place a drip pan underneath the turkey to catch any drippings.
3. Smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours per pound. The total smoking time will depend on the size of the turkey. A 10-pound turkey will take about 8 hours to smoke.
4. Check the turkey periodically. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to firm up.

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these steps, you can be sure to smoke a perfect turkey every time.

3. Smoking the Turkey

Temperature and time

The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird. The smoking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey, but a good rule of thumb is to allow 30 minutes per pound of meat.

Wood chips or pellets

The type of wood chips or pellets you use will also affect the flavor of the turkey. Some popular choices include hickory, oak, apple, and cherry. Experiment with different woods to find one that you like.

Maintaining the temperature

It is important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process. This can be done by using a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the smoker and adjusting the vents as needed. If the temperature gets too high, the turkey will cook too quickly and dry out. If the temperature gets too low, the turkey will take too long to cook and may not be cooked through.

4. Carving and Serving the Turkey

Resting the turkey

After the turkey is done smoking, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

Carving the turkey

To carve the turkey, first remove the legs and wings. Then, slice the breast meat horizontally, starting at the neck and working your way down. Be careful not to cut through the bones.

Serving the turkey

The turkey can be served hot or cold. If you are serving it hot, you can reheat it in the oven or on the grill. If you are serving it cold, you can slice it and arrange it on a platter.

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these tips, you can be sure to produce a smoked turkey that is sure to impress your guests.

How long does it take to smoke a turkey in a smoker?

The cooking time for a smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the smoker, and the desired degree of doneness. A general rule of thumb is to smoke a turkey for 2-3 hours per pound at 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time up or down depending on the factors mentioned above.

What temperature should I smoke a turkey at?

The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a moist and flavorful bird.

What wood should I use to smoke a turkey?

There are many different woods that can be used to smoke a turkey, each with its own unique flavor. Some popular choices include hickory, oak, apple, and cherry. The type of wood you use will affect the overall flavor of the turkey, so experiment with different woods until you find one that you like.

How do I know when a turkey is done smoking?

The best way to tell if a turkey is done smoking is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check for doneness by gently pulling on the skin of the thigh. If the skin comes away easily, the turkey is done.

How do I reheat a smoked turkey?

The best way to reheat a smoked turkey is to slice it and then warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. You can also reheat the turkey in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Can I freeze a smoked turkey?

Yes, you can freeze a smoked turkey. To freeze a smoked turkey, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. The turkey can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat the turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it according to the instructions above.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to smoke a turkey in a smoker. We covered everything from choosing the right turkey and smoker to preparing the bird and smoking it to perfection. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you will enjoy smoking your own turkeys this holiday season.

Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:

* The best turkeys for smoking are young, fresh turkeys that weigh between 12 and 16 pounds.
* The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
* The smoking process should take between 3 and 4 hours per pound of turkey.
* Be sure to baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or vegetable oil to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.

We hope that you enjoy smoking your own turkeys this holiday season!