How Long to Cook a Turkey on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill for a Perfectly Cooked Bird

Cooking a turkey on a pellet grill like the Pit Boss is a great way to prepare a juicy, flavorful bird for your Thanksgiving feast or any special meal. With the Pit Boss’s precise temperature control and wood-fired smoky flavor, your turkey will turn out moist and delicious. But how long should you cook your turkey on a Pit Boss pellet grill to ensure it’s properly and safely cooked?

Factors That Determine Turkey Cook Time

Several factors impact how long it will take to fully cook a turkey on your Pit Boss pellet grill

• Turkey size – A larger, heavier turkey will obviously take longer to cook than a smaller one. The general rule of thumb is about 15 minutes per pound for an unfrozen turkey.

• Frozen vs unfrozen – A frozen turkey requires considerably more time to reach a safe internal temperature Add at least 30 minutes per pound for a frozen bird,

• Brined vs. unbrined – Brining your turkey allows it to cook faster since the salt solution helps it retain moisture. Brined birds may cook 30-40 minutes faster.

• Cooking temperature – Pellet grills like the Pit Boss are very versatile, allowing you to smoke at low temps or cook faster at higher temps. Higher heat means faster cook time.

• Stuffed vs. unstuffed – A stuffed turkey takes longer to cook since the center of stuffing must also reach 165°F. Add at least 30 minutes if stuffed.

• Altitude – At higher altitudes above 3,000 feet, your turkey will require slightly more time due to lower air pressure.

Recommended Turkey Cook Times for a Pit Boss Pellet Grill

Taking these factors into account, here are some general turkey cook time guidelines for the Pit Boss:

• 12-15 lb unfrozen, unbrined, unstuffed turkey:
  • Smoke at 225°F: About 5-6 hours
  • Cook at 325°F: About 3-4 hours
• 16-20 lb unfrozen, brined, unstuffed turkey:
  • Smoke at 225°F: About 6-8 hours
  • Cook at 325°F: About 4-5 hours
• 20+ lb frozen, brined, stuffed turkey:
  • Smoke at 225°F: About 12-15 hours
  • Cook at 325°F: About 8-10 hours

For optimal results, I recommend smoking the turkey at a lower temperature of 225-250°F to get that nice wood-fired flavor. Cook times will be on the longer end, so plan accordingly. A good rule of thumb is 15 minutes per pound at 225°F for an unfrozen turkey.

Use a Meat Thermometer for Doneness

Rather than relying solely on cook times, I highly recommend using an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey in multiple places. The turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in both the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh. If using a stuffing, it must also reach 165°F.

Don’t forget to let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes once removed from the grill before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum moisture and flavor.

Handy Turkey Cooking Time Table

For easy reference, here is a cooking time table for turkeys of various sizes smoked at 225°F on the Pit Boss:

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than relying solely on time. Brining, a higher cooking temp, or a frozen bird will impact times.

Turkey Is Worth the Wait

While smoking a turkey on your Pit Boss pellet grill requires a significant time commitment, the rewards are well worth it. Few preparation methods result in a bird as moist, tender and infused with smoky goodness as cooking it slowly over wood pellets.

Just be sure to plan ahead, calculate your times wisely based on the size and state of your turkey, and use your thermometer to determine perfect doneness. Your patience will be rewarded with the best turkey you’ve ever tasted! Juicy, smoky perfection is only a matter of time with the Pit Boss.