Butts Cooking Too Slow

[psycho dad]

Hey Guys,

  I have 2 butts just over 4# each on the MES, after 8 hours they are only up to 180 degrees. Had the same problem last weekend, 9 hours for a 4# butt. I'm using the digital probe in one and an regular meat thermometer in the other, they read about the same.  I smoked at 225 last weekend, started at 230 today, then bumped it up to 235. Shouldn't they be about done now?

Thanks,

- Jay

 

[ak1]

Not necessarily! Meat is done when meat is done. 

I know that doesn't say much but it's just the way it is. There are so many variables... outside temp, fat content, wind....

 

[jrod62]

how are you checking the temp in the smoker ?

 

[psycho dad]

thanks AK,

Its gone up 4 degrees in the last 20 min, maybe it will keep going upward.  I started an hour early today, looks like my guests may have to wait a while.

 

[psycho dad]

Yes Ed, it has a digital display. I gues that could be off.

 

[jrod62]

all the butts i have done been 9lbs or more so i'm not sure how long a 4lbs would take.

doesn't sound to be to far off . just have to wait it out.

I had some take 14 hours to get done.

like AK1 said. "Meat is done when meat is done. "

 

[sprky]

My butts average between 1.5 and 2 hrs per pound. I have had them go over 2 hrs per pound as well. when i do butts i figure 2 hrs per and add 2 hrs, however it is done when the IT reads 200-205

 

[psycho dad]

Thanks. I just checked the digital therometer against one from my turkey fryer, its spot on.

This was a 9 pounder but I cut in half to speed things up.

Up to 187 now, should be ready to eat in 2 hours or so.

 

[jrod62]

don't forget the Q-views

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Psycho , ALWAYS leave yourself time... the meat will hold several hrs in a cooler - wrapped and bundled. The worst thing I can see in having your meal delayed is "reputation". ( he don't know how to do this...LOL:) .

Patience is your friend.......

Have fun and..,.     

 

[big casino]

do you have water in your pan?

 

[rdknb]

Butts can take that long, I either do them the day before and then steam to warm then or start way early.  Good luck and take pics

 

[psycho dad]

Everything came out great, only ate about 20 min late.

the butts

 

[psycho dad]

The pulled meat (my kid's fingers)

 

[psycho dad]

some chicken legs. They came out great!

 

[big casino]

looks awesome!

 

[techsasgirl]

I'm worried mine is cooking too slow as well. It's about 34 degrees (wind chill). My smoker is sitting right between 230 and 250. I am wondering what a safe temp is for my pork butt. I started it around noon today, and it's 6:30 here. I'm worried, because my meat temp is only 110 degrees. I have verified my grill thermometer with an independent thermometer....

 

[techsasgirl]

some chicken legs. They came out great!

 

[miamirick]

sure they are!     like your fingernail polish

 

The pulled meat (my kid's fingers)

 

[psycho dad]

Me or the chicken?

After 6 1/2 hours you r meat should be much hotter than that. Did you check the meat thermometer?