How Long to Smoke a Turkey in a Pellet Grill for Perfectly Cooked Meat

Smoking a turkey in a pellet grill is a fantastic way to get moist, flavorful meat with a delicious smoky flavor But knowing exactly how long to smoke your turkey can be tricky The cooking time depends on a variety of factors, like the size of your turkey and the temperature you are cooking it at. Follow this guide for tips on determining the right smoking time for your pellet grill turkey.

Calculate Smoking Time Based on Turkey Weight

The most important factor in determining smoking time is the weight of your turkey. Larger birds take longer to cook than smaller ones. Here are some general guidelines:

• 8-12 lb turkey: Approx. 4-6 hours
• 12-15 lb turkey: Approx. 6-7 hours
• 16-20 lb turkey: Approx. 7-8 hours
• 20-24 lb turkey: Approx. 8-9 hours

So for a 12 lb turkey expect it to take around 6 hours when smoking at 225°F. For every additional pound tack on an extra 30-45 minutes.

Keep in mind that these are just estimates. You still need to rely on a meat thermometer to determine when your turkey is fully cooked.

Factor in the Smoking Temperature

The temperature you choose to smoke the turkey at will also affect cooking time. Lower temps mean a longer smoking time. Here’s how temperature impacts cook times:

• 225°F: Approx. 30 minutes per lb
• 240°F: Approx. 25 minutes per lb
• 275°F: Approx. 20 minutes per lb

So if you smoke your 12 lb turkey at 240°F instead of 225°F, it will cook about an hour faster. Higher heat speeds things up.

Most experts recommend smoking turkey between 225-275°F. Lower temperatures are ideal for getting that deep, smoky flavor. But going above 300°F can lead to drier meat.

Use a Meat Thermometer For Doneness

While the times above can provide a ballpark estimate, the best way to know when your smoked turkey is done is to use a meat thermometer. Turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

Once your turkey has reached 165°F all the way through, it is ready to come off the smoker. Allow it to rest for 15-30 minutes before slicing into it.

Checking the temperature rather than relying solely on cook time ensures your turkey reaches the ideal level of doneness and is cooked through, but not overcooked or dried out.

Factor in Thawing and Brining

One last thing that impacts total cook time is whether you are starting with a frozen turkey, and if you brined it.

Obviously, a frozen bird will take longer to cook than a fresh or thawed one. So be sure to factor thawing time into your plan if using frozen.

And brining, while highly recommended, tacks on about 12-24 hours to the process. But the result is super juicy and flavorful meat. Just account for the extra time if planning to brine before smoking.

Tips for the Best Smoked Turkey

Follow these tips for the highest success when smoking turkey in your pellet grill:

• Choose the right wood pellet flavor – go with a sweeter fruit wood like apple or cherry.

• Brine the turkey for 12-24 hours before smoking – this keeps the meat incredibly moist.

• Don’t stuff the turkey – stuffing prevents smoke from reaching all the meat. Cook it separately.

• Smoke at 225-275°F to balance smoke flavor and cook time.

• Always use a meat thermometer – it’s the only way to accurately determine doneness.

• Let the turkey rest before slicing into it.

• Carve the turkey rather than trying to slice it whole – easier and less messy!

With the right technique, smoking a turkey in a pellet grill results in incredibly tender, juicy meat with tons of wood fired flavor. Use these guidelines to determine the best smoking time for your bird. Low and slow leads to the perfect smoked turkey.