Smoking a 20 pound turkey for Thanksgiving

smoker69

Newbie

Original poster

Nov 25, 2014

3

10

Lebanon, Ohio

• Nov 25, 2014

• #1

Hi all, I am preparing to smoke a 20 pound turkey for Thanksgiving. I have read a few threads on here and I think I have a good grasp on the basics.  I am not brining the turkey but I am injecting it. I know that I should expect a smoke time of around 6 hours.  The smoker I am using is my avatar.  Built by my son.  Are there any nuggets of wisdom anybody can provide to me? 

 

rdknb

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Jan 23, 2010

3,981

159

Chester (Kent Island), Md

• Nov 25, 2014

• #2

I would smoke it at a high temp.  You want to be out of the danger zone 4 -140 deg with in 4 hours.  

 

chef willie

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Dec 31, 2010

3,201

376

Willamette Valley, Oregon

• Nov 25, 2014

• #3

Agree on the temps.....I'd go for 325'ish. I'm thinking maybe closer to 6.5 hours at 20 minutes per pound approx. A 12 pounder I did a while back in a propane smoker took 6 hours. I'm liking around 180-185 IT near that thigh bone to avoid any pink.....Willie

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/103692/smoked-turkey-in-the-master-forge-gasser-w-qview

 

oldschoolbbq

Legendary Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Jul 16, 2008

9,359

205

NW Ohio - outside Toledo

• Nov 25, 2014

• #4

Do a Spatchcock , your Bird may not fit in the cooking area, if it does , great however ,  this is a second plan

.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Have fun and as always . . .

 

smoker69

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Nov 25, 2014

3

10

Lebanon, Ohio

• Nov 26, 2014

• #5

Thanks for all info folks.  The bird is thawing as we speak.  I plan to put him on the smoker tomorrow around 12:30pm.  He will fit in my smoker no problem.  But, here is a quick question.  I plan to inject the turkey.  I only need to do this before it goes on the smoker correct?  I have never used a injector before so double checking my facts.

 

cxthree

Newbie

May 16, 2009

19

11

• Nov 26, 2014

• #6

You can do it either way.  I have done them both and really have not see a big difference.  I lean toward injecting a few hours ahead of time, but I am not stuck on it.  I think the bigger issue is doing it right.  Load your injector and try to inject a large amount in each breast with one poke in each.  Ie don't make a lot of holes in your bird.  :)  You will see it swell up.