Smoking a pork butt at a low temperature of 250°F results in incredibly tender, fall-apart shreds of meat that make for amazing pulled pork sandwiches But determining exactly how many hours to smoke pork butt at 250°F can seem tricky Read on for a detailed guide to smoking times based on pork butt size.
Why Smoke Pork Butt at 250°F?
While higher temperatures around 275°F will cook pork butt faster the lower 250°F imparts some advantages
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Gentler, slower cooking tenderizes the meat thoroughly.
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More time allows the smoke flavor to deeply penetrate.
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The fat renders slowly over many hours for moist meat.
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There’s flexibility if the cook runs longer than expected
So while 250°F requires patience, the payoff of succulent smoked pork is worth it.
Factors that Affect Pork Butt Smoke Times
Several variables impact how long it takes to smoke pork butt at 250°F:
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Size – A 5 lb butt cooks faster than a 10 lb one.
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Bone-in vs. boneless – Boneless roasts cook slightly quicker.
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Shape – Uniform roasts take less time than oddly shaped ones.
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Meat texture – Dense, tough meat requires more time than tender meat.
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Stall time – The time the internal temp stalls around 150°F-170°F.
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Type of smoker – Insulated smokers may shorten cook time.
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Altitude – Higher altitudes increase cook times.
Taking into account these factors will help estimate cook times accurately.
Approximate Smoking Times for Pork Butt at 250°F
As a general rule of thumb, smoking pork butt at 250°F takes about:
- 1 1⁄2 hours per pound for bone-in roasts
- 1 1⁄4 hours per pound for boneless roasts
So for common pork butt sizes expect approximately:
- 5 lb bone-in butt: 7-8 hours
- 7 lb bone-in butt: 10-11 hours
- 8 lb bone-in butt: 12-13 hours
- 10 lb bone-in butt: 15-16 hours
Boneless roasts or uneven shapes may take slightly less time. Always rely on a meat thermometer over cook times.
Step-By-Step Guide to Smoking Pork Butt at 250°F
Follow these simple steps for mouthwatering pulled pork every time:
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Trim excess fat and apply a dry rub. Let sit for 30 minutes up to overnight.
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Preheat smoker to 250°F using preferred wood like hickory, oak, or apple.
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Place seasoned pork butt on middle rack fat-side up and insert thermometer probe.
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Add more wood chunks or chips once smoking to replenish smoke.
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Smoke untouched until internal temp hits 160°F-170°F. This may take 4-6 hours.
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Wrap tightly in foil and return to smoker once temp stalls.
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Continue smoking until 205°F internal temp for shredding or 196°F for slicing.
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Remove butt, wrap in towel, and rest in a cooler 30-60 minutes before pulling.
The low and slow smoking method results in incredibly moist pork with deep smoky flavor.
Handy Smoking Tips
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Choose pork butts with ample fat marbling for moisture.
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Use a water pan or spritz butt for extra moisture if needed.
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Power through temperature stall around 150°F-170°F.
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Wrapping at 160°F helps push through the stall quickly.
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Pull pork when it probes tenderly rather than relying solely on temp.
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Resting meat allows juices to reabsorb for maximum juiciness.
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Keep cooked pork butt warm in a cooler wrapped in towels until ready to serve.
Ideas for Delicious Smoked Pork Butt
Smoked pork butt is extremely versatile for many fantastic meals:
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Pulled pork sandwiches with barbecue sauce
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Tacos with salsa and pickled onions
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Eggs Benedict topping or omelets
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Cuban sandwiches or pressed Cubanos
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Chili, soups, or stew meat
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Hash with peppers and potatoes
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Enchiladas or tamales filling
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Fried rice or pasta sauce addition
The possibilities are endless for shredded, juicy pork butt hot off your smoker. It’s even great reheated for meals throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I wrap pork butt in foil or paper? Either works well. Foil steams while paper breathes.
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Do I need to rest smoked pork butt? Yes, resting is vital for reabsorbing juices.
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What wood is best for smoking pork? Fruit woods like apple, cherry, pecan, hickory, or maple.
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Can I shred pork butt at a lower temp? Yes, around 195°F also results in tender meat.
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How much smoke time is needed? Aim for 4-6 hours of smoke before wrapping.
Now that you know precisely how long to allot for smoking pork butt at 250°F, you can relax and let the low, gentle heat work its magic. In 10-16 hours your patience will be rewarded with incredibly succulent pulled pork.