Where Can I Get a Turkey Smoked? Your Ultimate Guide to Smoked Turkeys

Smoked turkey is a delicious alternative to roasted turkey that packs incredible flavor into every bite. If you’ve never had smoked turkey before, you’re missing out! The smoking process infuses the meat with a sweet, smoky flavor that takes turkey from bland to standout spectacular.

I’m often asked by readers where they can get a turkey smoked since most people don’t own their own smoker. The good news is that you have several excellent options for getting a smoked turkey, even if you don’t own a smoker yourself. In this article, I’ll walk through the various places you can get a smoked turkey and things to consider with each option.

Purchase a Fully-Cooked Smoked Turkey

The easiest option for getting a smoked turkey is to purchase a pre-smoked turkey that is fully cooked and ready to serve Many specialty meat shops and online retailers offer smoked turkeys you can order ahead of time and pick up ready to carve for your meal

Some places to purchase fully cooked smoked turkeys include:

• Specialty butcher shops or meat markets – Many local butcher shops offer smoked turkeys, especially around the holidays Call ahead to place your order.

• Online specialty meat companies – Retailers like Smokehouse ship fully cooked smoked turkeys nationwide. Order ahead and get it shipped to your door.

• Grocery store deli – Some grocery store deli sections stock smoked turkeys around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check with your local store.

• Costco – Costco usually carries fully cooked smoked turkeys in their stores during the holidays. No membership required.

The benefit of purchasing a pre-smoked turkey is convenience. You don’t need any special equipment and the turkey arrives cooked, smoked, and ready to serve. The downside is that pre-smoked turkeys are more expensive than buying an uncooked turkey.

Order Smoked Turkey from a Restaurant

Another option is to order a smoked turkey from a local restaurant, BBQ joint, or catering company. Many restaurants smoke turkeys for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas and will cook one specially for you if ordered in advance.

Some places to order a smoked turkey include:

• BBQ restaurants – Check if your favorite local BBQ joint offers smoked turkeys for the holidays. Order ahead to secure yours.

• Catering companies – Most caterers offer smoked turkey for events and many will cook a turkey just for your family if you place an order.

• Upscale restaurants – Some upscale or fine dining restaurants will smoke a turkey for you around the holidays if you order in advance.

• Butcher shops with kitchens – Specialty butcher shops with kitchens onsite may offer smoked turkey as a holiday special.

The advantage of ordering a smoked turkey from a restaurant is that you’ll get a delicious fully cooked bird without having to do any work. The chef handles the entire smoking process start to finish. The downside is cost – expect to pay a premium to have a restaurant smoke your turkey rather than doing it yourself.

Hire a Private Chef to Smoke a Turkey

If you want the experience of a smoked turkey for your holiday meal but don’t own a smoker yourself, consider hiring a private chef to come smoke a turkey just for you. Many professional chefs offer this service for holidays.

The private chef will bring all the necessary equipment, prepare and season your turkey, smoke it on-site, and present you with a ready-to-eat gourmet smoked turkey. This option provides the ultimate ease and convenience but is one of the pricier routes to take.

Smoke a Turkey on Your Outdoor Grill

With the right technique, you can smoke a turkey on a standard outdoor grill, even if you don’t have a dedicated smoker. This allows you to enjoy delicious smoked turkey at home without investing in new equipment.

To smoke a turkey on a charcoal or gas grill:

• Set up a two-zone fire, with coals or burners on only one side of the grill. This creates an indirect cooking zone.

• Use wood chips or chunks to generate smoke flavor. Soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes before grilling.

• Place the turkey on the indirect side, over a drip pan. Maintain a temperature of 225-250°F.

• Cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 30 minutes per pound.

• Allow the turkey to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

With a few minor adjustments, any outdoor grill can become a smoker. While it takes some effort, you’ll save considerably over the cost of ordering a pre-smoked turkey.

Rent or Borrow a Smoker

If you don’t own your own smoker but want to DIY, consider renting or borrowing one for the occasion. Many specialty cooking stores offer smoker rentals for a reasonable price.

You may also have family or friends with a smoker they’d be willing to lend. Offer to provide the turkey, wood, and supplies in exchange for use of their equipment.

Types of smokers you may be able to rent or borrow include:

• Electric smoker – Very easy to use even for beginners. Produces excellent smoked turkey.

• Charcoal smoker – Requires some skill but imparts great flavor from real wood smoke.

• Pellet grill/smoker – Pellet grills like Traegers act as both grill and smoker in one. Very versatile.

• Propane smoker – A propane tank provides the heat source. Relatively easy for beginners.

The advantage of renting or borrowing is that you can smoke a turkey without investing in an expensive new appliance. Just be sure to learn how to properly use the smoker before the big day.

Purchase an Affordable Smoker

A final option is to go ahead and buy your own smoker. You can find very basic smokers these days for under $100. While not as feature-filled as pricier models, an entry-level smoker can still produce delicious smoked turkey.

Some budget-friendly smoker options include:

• Charcoal kettle grill – Performs double duty as a smoker and grill. A 22” Weber kettle can often be found for around $100.

• Electric smoker – Basic electric smokers from brands like Masterbuilt and Cuisinart start around $100-$200.

• Propane smoker – You can find small propane smokers for as little as $60-$70 on Amazon.

• Smoking box or tube – Very inexpensive devices that produce smoke by burning wood pellets. Use with any grill.

While more of an investment upfront, purchasing your own smoker means you can smoke turkeys and other meats anytime you want. An affordable smoker can easily pay for itself over time.

Get Your Turkey Smoked!

Smoked turkey is too delicious not to have just because you don’t own a smoker. As you can see, you have numerous excellent options for getting your hands on smoked turkey without having to do it yourself.

I suggest ordering a pre-smoked turkey for your first experience to see if you enjoy it. Then next time, try smoking a turkey yourself on your outdoor grill. And if you get hooked on the flavor, consider investing in an affordable smoker so you can smoke turkeys and other foods anytime the craving strikes!