CRAP!! Woke up to a cool smoker! Is my meat gonna be ok?!?!

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nrok2118

Fire Starter
Original poster
Jul 2, 2010
51
10
Bucks County, PA
2 7.5# pork butts on a wsm, got them on the smoker at 10:30 pm, fell asleep at 1am.  They were spiking at the time at temps 250+, i closed some vents pretty well and fell asleep.  Woke up at 5:30am and the smoker was only at 175F.  I went out to find only a small portion of the bottom was lit but still going (not completely out or anything).  I got it back to temp and I probed the meat and it was right at 140F but started climbing a few degrees when i got the smoker back up. 

Am I screwed?  Or will I be ok?  I always see people talk about meat going back if it sits too long under 140F but of course im right on the edge.  What do you guys think?  I dont want anyone getting sick.
 
Judging from the conditions you describe you will be OK.  I am assuming you injected?

175 F is not an orthodox temp, but it is a legally safe temperature.

At anyrate get the smoker up to 250 to 275 and let the met come back up to temp.  You need to pass through 165 F with the meat.
 
Last edited:
its been about an hour and shes up to 168 (the butt that is), i think im gonna be fine.  Just hope she tastes ok
 
The butts will be fine, you are going to like the super low, super slow method.

Many many times I take it through 130 F and hold it for hours by reducing the heat.  Using the time duration USDA table you can do it safely.
 
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