How Much Does a Smoked Turkey Cost? Pricing Out This Delicious Holiday Bird

A juicy, hickory-smoked turkey is a centerpiece for many Thanksgiving meals. But smoked turkeys come at a premium price compared to a traditional roasted bird. So how much does a fully cooked smoked turkey cost on average?

In this article, I’ll break down the price range for buying a smoked turkey from a variety of providers You’ll learn what impacts the costs and get price estimates based on size Let’s dive in!

Why Smoked Turkeys Cost More

Before looking at pricing it helps to understand why smoked turkeys command a higher price tag. Here are the main reasons they are more expensive

• Time and Labor – Smoking a turkey takes 12-24 hours depending on size. It’s a labor intensive process requiring constant monitoring and wood chip replenishment. This human time and effort gets built into the price.

• Technique – Achieving a perfectly smoked turkey requires expertise. The skill of the smoker is crucial and adds to the cost.

• Wood – Real hardwoods like hickory are used to generate smoke. These specialty wood chips are more expensive than oven roasting.

• Yield Loss – The prolonged smoking process causes more moisture loss, reducing usable meat yield per bird. This shrinkage factors into pricing.

• Equipment – High-quality smokers, temperature controls, and other tools are needed for large batch smoking. This fixed cost contributes to the end price.

Average Prices From Specialty Providers

Smoked turkey is a specialty item, so the best prices often come from dedicated barbecue restaurants, smokehouses, and niche food producers. Here are average price ranges:

• Local BBQ Joints – $100 to $200 for a 10-16 lb smoked turkey

• Small Batch Smokehouses – $130 to $180 for a 10-16 lb turkey

• Specialty Online Retailers – $150 to $300 for a 10-20 lb mail order turkey

• Dedicated Turkey Smokers – $200 to $400 for a 16-20 lb turkey

These providers charge more but their expertise results in exceptional quality. Their limited volume also prevents economies of scale that would lower costs.

Mass Market Prices: Grocery Chains and Warehouse Clubs

For lower prices, mass market retailers like Walmart, Costco, and grocery store chains can provide smoked turkey options saving you $50 or more. Here are some typical prices:

• Walmart – $50 to $75 for a 10-14 lb smoked turkey

• Kroger – $60 to $90 for a 10-16 lb turkey

• Costco – $60 for a 13 lb Kirkland turkey

• Albertsons – $70 to $100 for a 12-16 lb turkey

• Aldi – $50 for a 10-12 lb turkey

You sacrifice some quality and artisanal appeal for the lower prices at big box retailers. But for budget-friendly holiday meals, these mass-market smoked turkeys fit the bill.

Average Per Pound Prices

Another way to calculate cost is on a per pound basis. Here are typical per pound prices based on the provider:

• Local Smokehouse/BBQ – $8 to $12 per lb

• Specialty Online Retailer – $7 to $15 per lb

• Amazon, Walmart, Grocery – $5 to $8 per lb

• Warehouse Clubs – $4 to $6 per lb

No matter where you buy, expect to pay around $1 to $3 more per pound compared to a traditional roasted turkey.

What Impacts the Price?

Several factors influence the retail price when buying a smoked turkey:

• Size – Per pound pricing drops for larger birds over 16 lbs.

• Provider – Specialty smokehouses command the highest prices.

• Fresh vs Frozen – Fresh smoked turkeys cost 20-30% more than frozen.

• Organic/Free-Range – Expect to pay a 25-50% premium for organic, free-range, pasture-raised etc.

• Time of Year – Prices increase closer to Thanksgiving.

Estimated Pricing Table by Size

Here is a handy pricing table showing estimated price ranges by turkey size across different types of providers:

These numbers just provide rough estimates – actual prices vary based on region, fresh vs frozen, and other factors. But this gives you an idea of typical pricing ranges.

Ways to Lower Your Costs

If smoked turkey is over your budget, here are some tips to spend less:

• Buy the largest bird that makes sense for your gathering – big turkeys are more cost efficient.

• Check frozen options instead of fresh to save significantly.

• Look for holiday sales, specials, and rebates from grocery chains.

• Use a smoker yourself and DIY for a fraction of the cost.

• Consider ham or other meats as a cheaper alternative.

• Go in with family or friends on a large order to lower per pound costs.

Is Smoked Turkey Worth the Splurge?

While pricier than oven roasting a turkey, many pitmasters argue the incredible flavor, juiciness and wow-factor of smoked turkey makes it well worth the extra cost. The skill required to properly smoke a turkey also drives up the price tag. If your budget allows, treating your family to a smoked turkey can make for an unforgettable holiday meal. Just account for the higher price when planning your Thanksgiving budget this season!