Turkey Size

garmoni

Newbie

Original poster

Aug 11, 2012

19

10

Columbus OH

• Jun 30, 2014

• #1

I'm looking to smoke a turkey this weekend so I started researching some recipes.  Came across some information that recommended not to smoke a bird larger than 12 pounds.  I guess this is due to the amount of time the bird would stay in the danger zone during a long low heat smoke.  The bird I currently have is 17.5 pounds.  Should I get a different bird?  Any advice on how to proceed would be appreciated.  Don't want to get anyone sick.  

 

chef willie

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Dec 31, 2010

3,201

376

Willamette Valley, Oregon

• Jun 30, 2014

• #2

Many will spatchcock a larger bird.....thus shortening up the time needed. I'm thinking at this time of year, as opposed to a Thanksgiving presentation, no one would object to such a bird. I am quite fond of smoked turkeys....yummy stuff.....make stock for smoked gumbo outta the carcass, delicious....Willie

 

bobank03

Smoking Fanatic

Jun 17, 2013

946

33

Nutting Lake MA USA

• Jun 30, 2014

• #3

can't beat a spatchcock bird! What smoker are you using for a bird that big? 

 

pineywoods

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Mar 22, 2008

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Florida

• Jun 30, 2014

• #4

Spatchcock it and you'll be fine with the one you have, another thing you could do is kick the smoker up into the 325-350 degree range that will get you through the danger zone much faster

 

van holton

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

Mar 15, 2012

87

15

• Jul 2, 2014

• #5

I spatchcock the bird then then cut the leg quarters and wings off. everything lays nicely on the rack. I believe this gives a more even cook. I try and find 15 pounders. This works well for me. Freeze the smoked wings for your greens. good eats

 

garmoni

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Aug 11, 2012

19

10

Columbus OH

• Jul 2, 2014

• #6

Thanks for the suggestions.  Sounds like I shall try to spatchcock my first bird.  Just googled how to do that an it looks pretty simple.  Apparently this method will help it cook faster.  Any feel for how much faster?  Just wondering if there are any guidelines such as number of hours per pound.

My plan at the moment is to smoke it at around 240 degrees until it reaches an internal temp of 170 in the breast.  Will probably plan for a 7 hours smoke.  Does that sound about right? 

 

van holton

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

Mar 15, 2012

87

15

• Jul 2, 2014

• #7

Depending on size 3 to 4 hrs. I go for 165 and rest