First Turkey in Smoker something interesting happened

[Wolves1]

I purchased two 12 lb bell and Evans turkeys. Took all the advice from the forum. I calculated 30 min a pound the temps started climbing a little to fast for my liking so I lowered the smoker temp, then after an hour turkey temps started to drop so I increased the smoker temp again turkey temp started going up again but very slow. Guest started arriving turkey temp was at 155 no big deal could have still cooked my family would not mind waiting. But my gut said to take the turkey out at 155 that something is wrong and had temp severel places with very reliable food thermometer temp was definitely 155. I only rested for 5 min. When I carved the turkey it was actually done a little on the over done side not as juicy as I would like. Any thoughts what happened? The turkey did taste really good but the turkey temps confused me. Outside temps were 20 to 25f if that can have anything to do with it.

 

[cornman]

What were you using to monitor temperature? That could be the culprit...

 

[Wolves1]

https://www.thermoworks.com/Signals

 

[Wolves1]

I had it on breast and thigh turkey one and breast turkey two. I was also using a different thermometer for thigh of turkey two. All close to the same temp give or take 5 degrees I avg it to 155.

 

[uncle eddie]

Here is the temperature chart from my 13.3 pound whole turkey that I did yesterday (edit: at 250F). It is typical of most turkey's that I have smoked. The temp will climb super fast at first, but slows greatly after about 120F.

BTW - this turkey took 31.6 minutes per pound and did not have a stall, probably due to the higher smoker temp.

 

[Wolves1]

What temp did you run your smoker at? I’m thinking making the turkey stall and 20 degrees outside temp may have something to do with it.

 

[uncle eddie]

sorry - forgot to mention that - smoked it at 250F

 

[Wolves1]

Thank you. Awesome info.