Smoking a pork butt is one of the most rewarding things a pitmaster can do. The smoky, tender fall-off-the-bone meat makes for amazing pulled pork sandwiches tacos, nachos and more. But knowing exactly how long to smoke a pork butt can be confusing for beginners. The cook time depends on a variety of factors, especially the size of the pork butt. Let’s break down everything you need to know about calculating cook times per pound when smoking pork butt.
The General Rule – 2 Hours Per Pound
The most commonly recommended guideline is to plan for approximately 2 hours of cook time per pound of pork butt. This rule of thumb applies when smoking at a temperature around 225°F.
So for example, if you have an 8-pound pork butt, you can expect it to take about 16 hours to smoke start to finish at 225°F A 5-pound butt would take around 10 hours And a big 10-pounder may need up to 20 hours in the smoker.
This 2 hours per pound estimate is just a general guideline. The exact cook time can vary based on a number of factors which we’ll get into next. But it’s a good starting point when trying to plan out your smoke.
Factors That Impact Cook Time
While the 2 hours per pound rule is useful, there are a number of variables that can speed up or slow down the actual cook time. Here are some of the main factors to keep in mind:
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Cooking Temperature – If you smoke at a higher temp, say 250°F, the cook time will be faster. Conversely, lower temperatures like 200°F will increase cook time. The 2 hour per pound estimate is based on 225°F.
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Size and Shape – Larger, thicker cuts take longer to cook than smaller, thinner ones. An irregular shaped pork butt may cook unevenly.
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Bone-In vs Boneless – Bone-in pork butts can take a bit longer since the bone insulates the meat.
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Fat Cap – Pork butts with a thick fat cap tend to cook faster since the fat renders and bastes the meat.
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Stall Time – The dreaded stall where the internal temp stalls around 150-170°F. Larger cuts are prone to longer stall times.
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Spritzing/Mopping – Opening the smoker to spritz and mop can increase cook time. Limit this to once an hour.
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Resting – Be sure to factor in a 1-2 hour rest after smoking, before pulling.
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Weather – Wind, cold ambient temps, rain and snow can significantly increase cook time.
So while the 2 hours per pound estimate is a good starting point, you’ll need to adjust based on all these variables. Get to know your individual smoker’s quirks and keep detailed notes each smoke.
Calculating Cook Time for Any Size Pork Butt
You can use the 2 hours per pound rule to easily calculate the estimated cook time for a pork butt of any weight.
Let’s walk through an example:
- You have a 7.5 pound pork butt
- The general rule is 2 hours per pound
- So for a 7.5 pound butt:
- 7.5 pounds x 2 hours per pound = 15 hours
- Therefore, you can expect the total cook time to be around 15 hours for a 7.5 pound pork butt smoked at 225°F.
Here’s a handy chart with estimated cook times for various pork butt sizes:
| Pork Butt Weight | Estimated Cook Time at 225°F |
|---|---|
| 5 pounds | 10 hours |
| 7 pounds | 14 hours |
| 8 pounds | 16 hours |
| 10 pounds | 20 hours |
| 12 pounds | 24 hours |
| 15 pounds | 30 hours |
Keep in mind these are rough estimates. Monitor the internal temp and tenderness of the meat, not the clock.
Step-By-Step Guide To Smoking Pork Butt Per Pound
Now let’s walk through the full process of smoking pork butt per pound:
1. Choose Your Pork Butt
- Pick a well-marbled pork butt, ideally with a thick fat cap. Go for the largest one that will fit in your smoker.
- Plan about 1/2 pound finished pulled pork per person. A 7-8 lb. butt yields 10-12 servings.
- Trimming is optional. Leave fat intact for moisture and flavor.
2. Prepare Your Rub
- Make a spice rub with flavors like brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Generously coat the pork butt on all sides. Refrigerate overnight for rub to penetrate meat.
3. Estimate Total Cook Time
- Weigh pork butt and calculate approx. 2 hours per pound cook time for a 225°F smoke.
- Add 2 hours buffer to be safe.
- Plan for 1-2 hours rest time after smoking.
4. Set Up Your Smoker
- Shoot for 225-250°F smoker temp. Add more fuel/wood every 45-60 minutes.
- Use apple, cherry, hickory, oak for flavor.
- Add water pan for humidity if needed.
5. Smoke the Pork Butt
- Place pork butt fat side up. Let smoke for 4-6 hours until bark sets.
- Spritz with apple cider vinegar/broth every 45-60 minutes.
- Wrap at 160°F stall in butcher paper. This speeds up cooking.
- Cook until 200-205°F internal temp.
6. Rest and Pull
- Double wrap in towels and rest in a cooler for 1-2 hours.
- Pork will pull apart easily when cooled.
- Pull pork and serve!
The general rule of thumb is 2 hours per pound, but monitor temperature and tenderness rather than just going by time. Properly smoking a pork butt requires patience and practice. Take notes each smoke and soon you’ll master exactly how long it takes!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long per pound at 250°F?
At 250°F, you can estimate around 1.5 hours per pound for a pork butt. So an 8 pounder will take about 12 hours at 250°F vs. 16 hours at 225°F.
Should you wrap pork butt in foil?
Wrapping in butcher paper or foil when the pork butt stalls around 160°F will power through the stall faster. But you lose out on bark. It’s optional.
How long does it take to smoke a boneless pork butt?
Boneless pork butts often cook slightly faster than bone-in. Estimate around 1.75 hours per pound for boneless.
What if it finishes early or takes longer?
Cook pork butt to 205°F for pulling regardless of time estimates. If done early, rest in a cooler wrapped in towels.
What is the best wood for smoking pork butt?
Hickory and oak give the classic smoke flavor. Apple or cherry provide a milder, sweeter taste. Use a blend for balance.
Key Takeaways
- Estimate approximately 2 hours per pound for smoking pork butt at 225°F.
- Cook time varies based on size, shape, temperature, stall time, and other factors.
- Monitor internal temp and tenderness, not just time.
- Cook to 200-205°F internal temperature for perfect pulled pork.
- Rest for 1-2 hours wrapped in towels inside a cooler before pulling.
- Take detailed notes each smoke to dial in the perfect timing.
With the basic guideline of 2 hours per pound, you now have a helpful starting point to estimate cook times for smoking pork butt. But bear in mind all the variables that can affect your particular smoker. With practice you’ll learn exactly how long it takes for the best possible pulled pork.