Low exterior temps

[banjoman47]

Hey folks! I live in Virginia and they're calling for a HIGH of only 36 degrees for Thursday. Sucks but that's the way Thanksgiving day can go. My question: I'm pellet smoking a 10-12 lb. brined turkey. Will I need to make any allowances for the outside temps? Obviously, if the high is only going to be 36 degrees, I'll be starting the turkey early in the a.m. and, I would imagine, even colder temps. Also, assume that I'll burn through a lot more pellets, correct? Thanks!

 

[Scott Eisenbraun]

A pellet smoker-grill is just an oven. If you can maintain 325f, no time adjustment needed. If you can't, but can maintain 250f, you will need to add about 1.5 t o 2 hrs to time. Or you can always finish in a regular oven for the crispy skin.

 

[DieHardDano24]

I'm not sure what kinds of allowances you could make short of building a box around your smoker, but I would assume that you will burn through more pellets - yes - as the external temperature could bring down your internal temperature and force the pellet grill to work harder (burn more) to maintain temps. Not an expert opinion, just my guess.

 

[WaterRat]

Howdy. I have a pellet smoker and have cooked many times at temps less than36. You will burn more pellets. Your cooker should be able to maintain temp no problem provided it can normally reach target cooking temp without taking forever. If your cooker can readily hit 400°F+ you'll be just fine. Just FYI I have a Pit Boss 440D - not exactly top of the line to say the least - but I have no problem smoking in the 30s. Good luck!

 

[Wakemaker]

Hey folks! I live in Virginia and they're calling for a HIGH of only 36 degrees for Thursday. Sucks but that's the way Thanksgiving day can go. My question: I'm pellet smoking a 10-12 lb. brined turkey. Will I need to make any allowances for the outside temps? Obviously, if the high is only going to be 36 degrees, I'll be starting the turkey early in the a.m. and, I would imagine, even colder temps. Also, assume that I'll burn through a lot more pellets, correct? Thanks!

This was my solution. In Richmond VA, I get your concern!