Pork Shoulder at 280F - MES40 is running hot!

[uncle eddie]

I need to cook two pork shoulders tomorrow and my MES40 temp sensor is busted. It runs at 280F or it's turned off.

Q: How long will a 3.5 and a 4.5 pound pork shoulder take at this higher temp?

I am going to guess an hour a pound if no answer. Any help would be appreciated as we have a big clan coming tomorrow.

 

[oddegan]

I believe SmokinAl has a link for hot and fast pork butts in his signature that has the info you want.

 

[old sarge]

You might be OK at 1 hour per lb. But I would closely monitor the meat internal temp with a remote. Once it has taken on all the smoke it can, in your estimation, you might consider wrapping in heavy foil to keep from drying out at that hight temp. No guarantees. And good luck.

 

[uncle eddie]

Thnx oddegan - I looked up SmokinAl 's hot and fast pork butt. His was about an hour per pound. My pork shoulders are 1/2 that size so I do think they will be an hour per pound or a bit quicker.

Thnx old sarge - I typically use the calibrated thermometer in my MES40 and check it periodically with a back-up. I definitely planned on foiling as well.

 

[old sarge]

You are welcome. Hope all comes out well. Any thoughts about rebuilding your smoker or maybe replacing it? Nothing worse than an uncooperative electric anything!

 

[uncle eddie]

I knew it was running hot and enjoyed it that way for a few smokes...then sort of forgot about it. I just need to order a new temperature sensor and install it to fix it...probably will get that done on Monday.

P.S. - Masterbuilt customer service has always been top notch for me - but their shipping charges are insane - so - whenever I order a part - I usually order 2 or 3 to save on the shipping costs and have the spare parts when/if my MES40 gets wonky again in the future.

 

[old sarge]

As long as you have a plan of action, alls is well.

 

[SmokinAl]

280 is a perfect temp for most smoked things IMHO.
Al

 

[uncle eddie]

Just in case, I started smoking the pork shoulders at 7:50. If it takes 1.5 hours per pound - got it covered...if not...crock pot time will happen.

at 3 hrs 40 min - IT is 131F on the 4.5 lbs pork shoulder