How to Smoke a 20-pound Turkey in an Electric Smoker

ByMike Thompson Turkey Cooking

Smoking a 20lb Turkey in an Electric Smoker

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a smoked turkey wafting through the house on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a novice, smoking a turkey in an electric smoker is a relatively simple process that can yield delicious results.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of smoking a 20lb turkey in an electric smoker. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey to smoking it to perfection. So whether you’re planning on smoking your turkey this year or just curious about the process, read on!

Step Instructions Tips
1 Preheat your electric smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the smoker is clean and free of any debris.
2 Rub the turkey with a dry rub of your choice. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own.
3 Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up. Make sure there is plenty of space around the turkey so that the air can circulate.
4 Smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the turkey’s temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
5 Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey to be more tender.

Choosing the Right Electric Smoker

When choosing an electric smoker for smoking a 20-pound turkey, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider.

Size and Capacity

The first thing you need to think about is how much space you have. Electric smokers come in a variety of sizes, so you’ll need to make sure you choose one that will fit in your kitchen or outdoor space. If you’re only planning on smoking a turkey once or twice a year, you can get away with a smaller smoker. However, if you plan on smoking more frequently, you’ll want a larger smoker that can accommodate multiple turkeys at once.

Temperature Range

The next thing you need to consider is the temperature range of the smoker. You’ll need a smoker that can reach a high enough temperature to cook the turkey through, but not so high that it dries out the meat. Most electric smokers have a temperature range of between 200 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Features and Accessories

Some electric smokers come with a variety of features and accessories that can make smoking a turkey easier. These features can include a built-in meat probe, a water pan, a drip pan, and a temperature gauge. You may also want to consider a smoker with a digital control panel, which makes it easy to set and maintain the desired temperature.

Budget

Finally, you need to consider your budget when choosing an electric smoker. Electric smokers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price of a smoker will depend on its size, features, and brand.

Here are a few of our top picks for electric smokers for smoking a 20-pound turkey:

* [Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker](https://www.charbroil.com/products/smokers/digital-electric-smoker): This smoker has a capacity of up to 20 pounds of meat, a temperature range of 200-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and a built-in meat probe. It also comes with a water pan, a drip pan, and a temperature gauge.
* [Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smoker](https://www.masterbuilt.com/products/smokers/digital-electric-smoker): This smoker has a capacity of up to 18 pounds of meat, a temperature range of 100-275 degrees Fahrenheit, and a digital control panel. It also comes with a water pan, a drip pan, and a meat probe.
* [Traeger Timberline 885 Pellet Grill and Smoker](https://www.traeger.com/products/timberline-885-pellet-grill-and-smoker): This smoker has a capacity of up to 20 pounds of meat, a temperature range of 180-500 degrees Fahrenheit, and a Wi-Fi-enabled control panel. It also comes with a water pan, a drip pan, and a meat probe.

Preparing the Turkey

Before you can smoke a turkey, you’ll need to prepare it properly. This involves brining or dry-rubbing the turkey, trussing the turkey, and smoking the turkey.

Brining or Dry-Rubbing the Turkey

Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution before smoking it. This helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Dry-rubbing the turkey is an alternative to brining. It involves rubbing the turkey with a mixture of spices and herbs before smoking it.

Trussing the Turkey

Trussing the turkey helps to keep it in a compact shape while it smokes. This helps to ensure that the turkey cooks evenly. To truss a turkey, you’ll need to tie the legs together and tuck the wings under the body.

Smoking the Turkey

Smoking a turkey is a relatively simple process. Here are the basic steps involved:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up.
3. Smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Here are a few tips for smoking a turkey:

* Use a wood that is compatible with turkey, such as hickory, apple, or cherry.
* Don’t overcrowd the smoker. This will prevent the turkey from cooking evenly.
* Baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or apple juice. This will help to keep the turkey moist.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to be more tender.

Conclusion

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3. Maintaining the Smoker Temperature

The temperature of your smoker is critical to achieving a successful smoke. If the temperature is too low, the meat will not cook properly and may become tough and dry. If the temperature is too high, the meat will cook too quickly and may become dry and tough.

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

There are a few different ways to maintain the temperature of your smoker.

* Wood chips or pellets: The type of wood chips or pellets you use can affect the temperature of your smoker. Hardwoods, such as hickory, oak, and maple, will produce a hotter smoke than softwoods, such as pine and fir. You can also use a combination of woods to create a unique flavor for your turkey.
* Water pan: A water pan can help to maintain the temperature of your smoker by absorbing heat and releasing it slowly. This will help to prevent the temperature from fluctuating too much.
* Thermometer: A good quality thermometer is essential for maintaining the temperature of your smoker. You should place the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate reading.

4. Caring for Your Electric Smoker

Taking care of your electric smoker will help to extend its life and ensure that it performs well for many years to come.

* Cleaning the smoker: After each use, you should clean the smoker to remove any food residue and grease. This will help to prevent the build-up of bacteria and keep your smoker in good working order.
* Storing the smoker: When you are not using your smoker, it is important to store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to protect it from the elements and prevent it from rusting.

By following these tips, you can help to maintain your electric smoker and ensure that it continues to produce delicious smoked meats for years to come.

Q: What is the best temperature to smoke a 20lb turkey?

A: The ideal temperature for smoking a 20lb turkey is between 225F and 250F. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

Q: How long does it take to smoke a 20lb turkey?

A: The cooking time for a 20lb turkey will vary depending on the smoker you are using and the temperature you are cooking at. However, it will typically take between 4 and 5 hours to smoke a 20lb turkey.

Q: What wood should I use to smoke a turkey?

A: There are many different woods that can be used to smoke a turkey, but some of the most popular options include hickory, apple, and cherry. The type of wood you use will impart its own unique flavor to the turkey, so experiment with different woods until you find one that you like.

Q: What should I do if my turkey is dry?

A: If your turkey is dry, there are a few things you can do to help remedy the situation. First, make sure that you are not overcooking the turkey. The ideal internal temperature for a turkey is 165F. Second, you can baste the turkey with melted butter or chicken broth while it is cooking. This will help to keep the turkey moist. Finally, you can wrap the turkey in foil after it has reached the desired internal temperature. This will help to lock in the moisture.

Q: What are some tips for smoking a 20lb turkey?

A: Here are a few tips for smoking a 20lb turkey:

* Start with a high-quality turkey. A good quality turkey will be more flavorful and juicy than a lower quality turkey.
* Brined the turkey before smoking it. Brining the turkey will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
* Use a smoker that is large enough to accommodate the turkey. The turkey should not be crowded in the smoker, as this will prevent it from cooking evenly.
* Monitor the temperature of the smoker carefully. The temperature of the smoker should be between 225F and 250F.
* Don’t overcook the turkey. The ideal internal temperature for a turkey is 165F.
* Let the turkey rest before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey?

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey:

* Using a low-quality turkey. A good quality turkey will be more flavorful and juicy than a lower quality turkey.
* Not brining the turkey before smoking it. Brining the turkey will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
* Using a smoker that is too small. The turkey should not be crowded in the smoker, as this will prevent it from cooking evenly.
* Overcooking the turkey. The ideal internal temperature for a turkey is 165F.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

Smoking a 20-pound turkey in an electric smoker is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird for your family or friends. This guide has provided you with all the information you need to know about smoking a turkey, from choosing the right turkey to smoking it to perfection. By following these steps, you can be sure that your turkey will be a hit at your next gathering.

Here are a few key takeaways from this guide:

* Choose a turkey that is the right size for your smoker and that is fresh or frozen.
* Brine your turkey for at least 24 hours before smoking it.
* Smoke your turkey at a low temperature (225-250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 3-4 hours per pound.
* Baste your turkey with melted butter or apple juice every hour or so.
* Let your turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.

With these tips, you can smoke a delicious and juicy turkey that will be the star of your next meal.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!