Need to smoke a large Turkey

[smoked7149]

We are having the whole family out for thanksgiving this year and will need a large turkey to feed them all.  I am looking anywhere from a 20 to 24 lb. turkey.  My question is if I cut the turkey in half do I then change my smoking to based on the weight of the to separate pieces (I.e. if I have a 20lb. turkey and cut it in half and now have (2) 10lb pieces do I base my cooking time on the 10lbs?)  I know it all comes down to temp at the end just curious with the amount of meat in the smoker will affect smoking time. TIA.

 

[hillbillyrkstr]

Yes you calculate it as a 10 pound piece of meat.

And yes the internal temp is the final deciding factor.

 

[smoked7149]

Thanks that what I thought just wanted the confirmation. 

 

[SmokinAl]

I just finished smoking a 21# bird in my Lang.

I separated the thighs from the breast & spatchcocked the breast.

It only took 3:15 to cook at 270 degrees.

Al

 

[bdskelly]

Is your rig large enough to hold 2 smaller birds? We always hunted for the biggest birds.  But recently cook  a couple of 14 -15 pounders now. ...Seems like 2 smaller birds were easier to handle and less trouble to cook b

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/171145/bds-pre-holiday-smoked-turkey-a-foamheart-request