1 butt vs 2 butt cook times

Separate pieces of meat are no additive, so you are only looking at the weight/thickness of the largest piece.

That said, of course, the cooking chamber temperature will take a bit longer to recover when you put in more meat...

JArnold said:

 
Shyzabrau, Maybe my question is confusing. I will be placing the meat at the same time. I was questioning if my total cook times to desired temperature will be less if I did two six pound butts verses one twelve pound butt. naturally the butts would be much smaller in diameter.

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I understood your question, so clearly my answer was confusing.

Yes, your cooking time will be shorter if you cut the meat in half. You will also get more smoke and more bark.

It will take only long enough to cook the largest and densest piece. The will be a slight increase in the initial time due to the total of weight you start with.

Don't get caught up in a certain amount of time per pound. Pork butt is done when it's done. You will experience a stall in cooking at around 160* IT. At that time, wrap the two pieces in foil along with 1/2 cup of apple juice in each wrap. The juice will help push through the stall, add some flavor and the acid will also help with tenderizing.

If you are going to slice the butt, it will be ready at 180-185* IT. If you are going to pull the butt, take the IT to about 200-205*. A good reference is when the bone gets really loose in the meat.

When you get to your done point, leave the butts wrapped in the foil. Additionally, wrap them in towels or a blanket and put them in a cooler. Allow them to rest for around an hour. This will let the juices redistribute into the meat. Again, the IT is much more reliable than any time reference.

Good luck and post some pics, Joe. :grilling_smilie:

Thanks Al.

1 roast, 2 roasts, 5 roasts, your cook time won't change much...like if one 10 pounder takes 12 hours...5 10 pounders won't take 60 hours...
Except for initial heat up time your 1.5 hour per pound for approximating cook time should be the weight of the largest single roast X 1.5 hours...
So yes...if you cook two 6 pounders instead of one 12 pounder your cook time will be considerably less.
You're head is telling you right 6 pounds X 1.5 hours for approximating...but ALWAYS go by IT or some other method of testing doneness...don't rely on time alone...every hunk of meat is different.

Walt