how long does it take to smoke an entire turkey

How Long Does It Take to Smoke an Entire Turkey?

Smoking a whole turkey is a delicious way to prepare the bird, but it’s important to know how long the process takes. As a passionate grill master, I often get asked – how long does it take to smoke a whole turkey from start to finish? The answer depends on a few key factors.

In this article I’ll walk through everything you need to know to smoke a flavorful, juicy turkey from beginning to end. Whether you’re firing up your smoker for the first time or are a seasoned pro you’ll find tips, timing, temperature guidelines, and expert advice to help you nail perfectly smoked turkey.

The Most Important Factor – Weight

The most significant factor in smoking time is the weight and size of your turkey. Similar to roasting a turkey in the oven the general rule of thumb is to allow 30-45 minutes of smoking time per pound. The smoking time can vary based on the temperature and type of smoker but using 30-45 minutes per pound as a baseline is a safe bet.

Here’s a simple chart to determine approximate smoking times based on the weight:

Turkey Weight Smoking Time Per Pound Total Smoking Time
10 lbs 30-45 minutes 5-7.5 hours
15 lbs 30-45 minutes 7.5-11.25 hours
20 lbs 30-45 minutes 10-15 hours

As you can see, a small 10 lb turkey may only take 5-7 hours while a hefty 20 lb bird could need up to 15 hours or more This wide range reinforces why keeping an eye on your turkey and using a meat thermometer is critical.

Smoking Temperature – Low and Slow Is Best

To achieve the ideal texture and moisture, smoking a turkey calls for a low and slow approach. The optimal temperature range is between 225°F to 250°F. This relatively low heat allows the smoke to gently penetrate the turkey without drying it out.

Many experts, including award-winning pitmaster Myron Mixon, recommend maintaining 225°F and allowing for extra smoking time. Others, like celebrity chef Bobby Flay, advise moving closer to 250°F to speed up the cooking if needed. But in general, smoking between 225-250°F will produce excellent results.

Throughout the smoking time, I recommend keeping the temperature as consistent as possible. Avoid frequent opening the smoker and fluctuating the temp. This will help ensure even cooking.

Using Meat Thermometers for Doneness

Rather than relying solely on time, using a reliable meat thermometer is the best way to test doneness. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh, being careful not to hit the bone.

The target internal temperature for turkey is 165°F. Once it hits 165° in both the breast and thigh, your turkey is ready to come off the smoker. Removing it right at 165°F is crucial to prevent overcooking the lean breast meat.

Letting your turkey rest after smoking gives the juices time to redistribute. I recommend allowing the turkey to rest for 15-30 minutes before slicing into it. The internal temperature will continue rising 5-10°F during this time.

Additional Tips for Perfectly Smoked Turkey

Here are some additional pointers to ensure your smoked turkey is flavorful, tender and juicy:

• Brine the turkey for 12-24 hours before smoking to infuse moisture and flavor. Use a simple brine of salt, sugar, and aromatics.

• Apply a dry rub to the skin and flesh to add extra flavor. A basic blend of paprika, brown sugar, garlic and onion powders works perfectly.

• Smoke the turkey breast-side up to protect the lean breast meat from drying out.

• Use apple, cherry, hickory, pecan or maple wood for flavor. Hardwood lump charcoal also adds great flavor.

• Spritz or mop the turkey with broth or cider every 1-2 hours while smoking to keep the skin from drying.

• Monitor and maintain proper temperature in your smoker for an even, consistent cook.

• Allow the turkey to rest before carving so juices redistribute and it finishes cooking.

I’d love to hear about your smoked turkey experiences! Feel free to connect and share any tips. Smoking a turkey does take time and patience, but the results are incredibly worth it. By following these guidelines, you’ll be rewarded with a tender, juicy and deliciously smoky turkey your family will rave about. Happy smoking!