Whole Turkey in a 40" MES

[bus1982]

I would like to do a turkey for Thanksgiving in my 40" MES but am concerned that the max temp of the unit is 275. Every thread I have read says that the cooking temp is 325-350. Has anyone done a turkey in an MES and can you provide any tips to a successful bird? I did a turkey a couple years ago on a UDS and it turned out pretty good but have since upgraded to the MES. Thanks for any help!

 

[dirtsailor2003]

You can do a turkey at the lower temp and it will be just fine. The only thing that you wont get is a nice crispy skin. To solve that you could put it in the oven for the last bit. Take the turkey to an IT of 150 in the smoker then put it in the oven until you hit 165* in the thigh.

 

[ibbones]

bus1982, I am not the right person to answer since I am still a newbie but I smoked a turkey in a MES 30" about three to four weeks ago and my wife has tole her family and mine that WE will make the turkeys for thanksgiving.

It turned out REALLY well and I smoked it about 225* one afternoon to get an idea how to do it.  I made a simple brine and soaked it the night before, then I stuffed three of four lemon halves inside it and threw it on.  The skin was a beautiful color but just like chicken, it is not crisp. 

Go for it or try an "early bird" (sorry, had to say it) and see how it turns out.  You can debone it and put it in the freezer and cook anotherone for Thanksgiving.

Good luck...