How long does it take to smoke a 20-pound turkey in a smoker

At 225 degrees, a 20-pound turkey should cook at a rate of 30 to 40 minutes per pound. If you increase the temperature to 250, it will take 25 to 30 minutes per pound. It’s best to keep the smoker temperature above 225 when smoking a bird this large.

How big of a turkey is safe to smoke?

Whole turkeys that weigh 12 POUNDS OR LESS are the recommended size for safe smoking. A larger turkey remains in the “Danger Zone” – between 40°F and 140°F – too long.

Can I smoke a 25 pound turkey?

You can smoke your turkey anywhere between 200 and 275 F/95 to 135 C. … At 235 F/115 C, your turkey will take 30 to 35 minutes per pound. At 250 F/120 C, your turkey will take 25 to 30 minutes per pound. At 275 F/135 C, your turkey will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound.

How long does it take to smoke a 20 lb turkey at 225 degrees?

A 20-pound turkey, for example, needs about 2 hours per pound at 225 degrees F. Check the internal temperature by taking an ovenproof meat thermometer and inserting it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching any bone (it’s best to use a digital thermometer and not one with a dial).

How long does it take to smoke a 20lb turkey at 275 degrees?

Smoke at 275-300°F for 3.5 to 4 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured in the thickest part of the breast, refilling water pan when necessary. Baste the bird every hour with juices from the drip pan. Allow bird to rest for about 15 minutes to allow juices to re-distribute before carving.

Can you smoke an 18 pound turkey?

Electric Smoker Prepare an 8 to 18 lb. thawed or fresh turkey by removing the giblets and neck draining the juices, and drying with paper towels. The turkey should be completely thawed for even, safe cooking. Do not stuff your turkey.

How long does it take to smoke a 20lb turkey at 350 degrees?

8. Increase grill temperature to 350℉ and cook for 3-1/2 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ in the thickest part of the breast.

How long does it take to smoke a 21 lb turkey?

Put the turkey into the smoker and smoke for 30 to 40 minutes per pound, or until an instant read thermometer (or stay-in-the-bird probe thermometer) reads 160°F in the thickest part of the breast meat.

Can I smoke a 22 pound turkey?

Low & Slow Smoked Turkey – Smoke your turkey at the low temperature of 225 degrees F for approximately 6-8 hours for a 22 pound turkey. Remove turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels (this is an important step, don’t skip it). … Add wood when needed to maintain the temp for even cooking.

Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?

Turkey can be smoked at a smoker temperature as low as 225 degrees, but it’s much quicker if smoked at 275-300 degrees, or even higher. … I prefer to smoke whole turkeys at the 250 to 275 degree range. The skin gets good color, the turkey gets a good dose of smoke flavor and doesn’t take forever to finish cooking.

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How long do I cook a 20 lb turkey?

If you’re baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you’ll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it’s unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it’s stuffed.

How do you smoke a turkey and keep it moist?

This will result in a soggy chicken. My solution is to smoke the turkey directly on the grill grates, with a roasting pan filled with 1″ water underneath the grates, about 3-4 inches from the meat. This will keep the cooking environment moist but let the turkey get evenly crisp on the outside. 2.

How long per pound do you smoke a turkey?

1. Set smoker to 240°F.
2. Cook 30-40 minutes per pound. A smaller, 8 pound turkey will take about 4 hours. A larger, 12 pound turkey will take about 6 hours.

How long do you smoke a 16 pound turkey?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SMOKE A TURKEY? It’s good to plan 30 minutes per pound when you smoke a turkey between 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long do I smoke a 15 pound turkey?

Smoke the turkey. At 225 degrees F, you can plan on approximately 30 minutes per pound for your turkey to smoke. For example, this 15 pound turkey will take 7 and 1/2 hours at 225 degrees F. I always plan an extra 30 minutes, just in case.

What wood is best for smoking turkey?

Hickory is a classic hard wood choice for smoking turkey for several reasons. It has a distinct flavor that is robust and very forward and is familiar to those who enjoy smoky flavors. Maple wood gives off a sweeter smoke and can add a lovely golden hue to anything you smoke with it.

Can you smoke a 19 pound turkey?

Yes, you can smoke a turkey, provided you’ve got room in the smoker and plenty of patience. … For a faster cooking time, you can smoke at 250 or even 275 degrees, but for a regular-sized turkey, we like 225 for about 30 minutes per pound.

How long does it take to smoke a 18 pound turkey?

Smoke at 225 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C) for 10 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the bird every 1 to 2 hours with the juices from the bottom of the roasting pan.

Is turkey done at 165 or 180?

While some recipes state that turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat is safe to consume once it reaches the 165-degree mark. Cooking the breasts past 165 can result in dry meat, but the dark meat can be cooked to 180.

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.

How many people will a 20lb turkey feed?

For 14 people, buy a 20-pound turkey.

How long do you cook a 20 lb Butterball turkey?

1. 6-7 pounds: 2-2½ hours.
2. 7-10 pounds: 2½-3 hours.
3. 10-18 pounds: 3-3½ hours.
4. 18-22 pounds: 3½-4 hours.
5. 22-24 pounds: 4-4½ hours.
6. 24-30 pounds: 4½-5 hours.

Should I wrap my turkey when smoking it?

The turkey should cook for about 45 to 60 minutes before you check it. … He wraps the turkey in heavy duty aluminum foil and finishes the cooking in the smoker until the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Once the turkey is cooked through, allow it to rest for five to 10 minutes before carving.

Will a turkey dry out in a smoker?

When you cook on the smoker, you want to avoid drying out your meat. The larger birds can tend to dry out since you have so much longer to cook.

How do you smoke a turkey so it doesn't dry out?

Spatchcock your turkey The whole turkey will cook faster and more evenly so the breast won’t dry out while the rest of the meat is coming up to temperature. This technique is my favorite method. Opening the turkey up helps it absorb more smoke, and the rub or flavoring you use can cover the bird more completely.