That certainly could be. Wind & cold weather can make maintaining temps tough. A nice corner on the patio or a windbreak of some sort is helpful. Sometimes an old sleeping bag or quilt wrapped around the unit insulates it enough for a good smoke. Many on this forum just smoke in their garages when the weather is pooey (presumably well-vented in some way). I generally don't have these problems here in CA.
I neglected to mention that most of my turkey smokes are done in 4-4.5 hours -- well within tolerances for "The Danger Zone." That 5.5 was an anomaly.That certainly could be. Wind & cold weather can make maintaining temps tough. A nice corner on the patio or a windbreak of some sort is helpful. Sometimes an old sleeping bag or quilt wrapped around the unit insulates it enough for a good smoke. Many on this forum just smoke in their garages when the weather is pooey (presumably well-vented in some way). I generally don't have these problems here in CA.
I forgot to mention last night: NEVER stuff a bird you are going to smoke; bacterial growth conditions are just too good (& bad for you) in that scenario. I also do not close up the ends with skewers either (for the same reason); I want the warm air to circulate all around & through for a good cook & good smokey flavor.
SmokinAl is right: watch our for lingering in the danger zone too long. I've never had a bird take over 5.5 hours at a steady cook temp of 250* in the smoker, so my birds are never in the danger zone very long -- even the big ones. (And, yes, my thermometers are tested and accurate!!)
Good luck, and show us the money!!!!
Can't speak for Stickyfingers, but my thermos are accurate and tested regularly, & the bird was not spatchcocked...whole, skin-on, & unstuffed. Stickyfingers' data match mine, though: 5.5 hours is the very longest I've ever smoked a turkey (22 lb.), & usually under 4.5 hours (typically 16-19 lb. birds). I've got my technique dialed to keep my smoker at a perfect 250* just as though I were burning propane. Smoked literally dozens of turkeys this way & no problems or illnesses (thank the Lord!!).
