Whole turkey - breast down?

astro4x4

Newbie

Original poster

Oct 3, 2009

2

10

Ontario, Canada

• Oct 10, 2009

• #1

Just about to smoke up a whole 9 lb turkey, but do you smoke with breast up or down for juicer white meat?

TIA
Dave

 

bmudd14474

Legendary Pitmaster

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Jun 1, 2008

9,594

3,316

Florida

• Oct 10, 2009

• #2

I spoke it breast up and its always been juicy in the white meat area.

 

cokeguy101

Newbie

Oct 10, 2009

20

10

Azle, TX

• Oct 10, 2009

• #3

I have always smoked mine breash up just looks better on the grill though, i have never put any science into it. I like to keep an aluminum bowl of water, or a pan just to keep the pit good and moist

 

beer-b-q

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

May 1, 2007

10,099

40

• Oct 10, 2009

• #4

I have always smoked with the breast up and never had a problem...

 

chefrob

Master of the Pit

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Sep 13, 2009

3,627

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az

• Oct 10, 2009

• #5

technically you should roast a turkey breastside down for about 1/3rd of the cooking time in a rack and then flip the bird for the rest of the cooking time. the idea is the bird will self baste itself with the fat running down into the breast. that being said, i have never done this for my personal self and i have never had a problem. what i think is much more important is brining and not overcooking the damn bird!

 

rivet

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Apr 25, 2008

3,232

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The "Show Me" state

• Oct 10, 2009

• #6

Ive always smoked, grilled or roasted my poultry breast side up for the entire cook.

I do mine at a nice 325-350 Fahrenheit and cook until 180 at the thick part of the thigh and have always had a juicy bird.

A nine pounder is not that big and you should have no problems getting juicy white meat unless you over cook it.

Good luck and keep us posted!