9# Shoulder cut in half to reduce smoking time?

jc03

Smoke Blower

Original poster

Jan 9, 2012

81

11

Columbus, Ohio

• May 24, 2012

• #1

I have a 9# shoulder that I need to finish by 2:00 on Sunday. I really don't look forward to staying up all night watching it. Would it hurt if I cut it half to reduce the smoke time and just start early in the morning? I would just put the two 4.5#ers in separately. It seems like I should allow 1.5 hrs/#? Thanks in advance.

 

evo 9 guy

Smoke Blower

Sep 25, 2009

139

10

California

• May 24, 2012

• #2

I have done this several times, in fact will be doing it again tonight to speed up 42 pounds of shoulder, and had great results. You should be just fine. 

 

jc03

Smoke Blower

Original poster

Thread starter

Jan 9, 2012

81

11

Columbus, Ohio

• May 25, 2012

• #3

Thanks evo, I'll do it.

 

bruno994

Master of the Pit

Dec 19, 2011

1,319

63

Buna, Texas

• May 25, 2012

• #4

Never tried it, but it would increase your amount of bark, which is always a good thing.  Sounds like a must try.

 

evo 9 guy

Smoke Blower

Sep 25, 2009

139

10

California

• May 25, 2012

• #5

Let us know how it turns out for you. I would put pictures of mine up, but at 3:30 a.m when it was finished, the pillow took priority over grabbing the camera. 

 

Last edited: May 25, 2012

bigtrain74

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Feb 23, 2009

1,218

34

Springfield, Ma

• May 25, 2012

• #6

I honestly don't babysit my smoker. I know how long something is going to take based upon the size of the meat and I know when my water pan should be running on empty. I set my alarm clock and i run out there with more water and back to bed in a flash... I wish you the best though!

 

ironhorse07

Smoking Fanatic

OTBS Member

Jan 17, 2012

553

42

Laurel, Mt (near Billings)

• May 25, 2012

• #7

I have done that before and it will reduce cooking time (smaller chunks of meat) and more bark, which is good. Normally I do not foil my butts however, foiling at 150 deg will help power through the stall which can be unpredictable. Plan to finish early anyway and rest wrapped in foil in a cooler wrapped in some towels. They will stay warm several hours.

 

jc03

Smoke Blower

Original poster

Thread starter

Jan 9, 2012

81

11

Columbus, Ohio

• May 25, 2012

• #8

Thanks guys. I'll keep you updated.