Smoking a 10lb pork shoulder - how much can I reduce time if I cut it in half?

[weevil]

Hi all,

My first post in the Pork forum.  The short question is while I know it would take 15+ hours to cook this to pulling temp, if I were to cut it in half and cook the 2 5lb roasts should I expect I can cut my smoking/cooking time in half or close to it?  I know this is a bit of a silly question but I don't want to be stuck in committing 15 hours. :)

For the record, I have a Lowe's Master Forge gas smoker with 2 doors.

Thanks!

Alan

 

[smoking b]

Cutting it in half should come close to cutting your cooking time in half.

 

[weevil]

Thanks!

 

[pgsmoker64]

Cutting it in half should come close to cutting your cooking time in half.

Yep...10 pound shoulder at 2 hours per lb is 20 hours and 2 five pounders - about 10 hours for the two.

Good luck.

 

[frosty]

Welcome Weevil!

I agree that you should reduce the cooking time by about half, but you still need to cook them to Internal Temperature, not by time.

The IT should be 190 - 195 for slicing, and 200 for pulling.  My

 home boss prefers the pulled pork, so that is what we normally do.

Good luck with your efforts.

 

[pgsmoker64]

Welcome Weevil!

I agree that you should reduce the cooking time by about half, but you still need to cook them to Internal Temperature, not by time.

The IT should be 190 - 195 for slicing, and 200 for pulling.  My

 home boss prefers the pulled pork, so that is what we normally do.

Good luck with your efforts.

Agreed!  Should have included that in my post.  I find that I can pull after 195 IT - I remove at 185 for slicing or mincing.  Different strokes...

 

[maple sticks]

If you leave the bone in that half will take longer. Best to remove the bone. I personally found it did not cut time in half. It does cook faster. Helps to wrap if in a hurry. Let it rest 30 min after cooking. Make sure to cover with foil and a towel. good luck

 

[pgsmoker64]

If you leave the bone in that half will take longer. Best to remove the bone. I personally found it did not cut time in half. It does cook faster. Helps to wrap if in a hurry. Let it rest 30 min after cooking. Make sure to cover with foil and a towel. good luck

Might cook a little faster but having that bone in really takes the flavor to another level.  I suggest you leave the bone in, use the Texas Crutch and suffer through a little more time, have another beer, and enjoy great que.

 

[maple sticks]

Might cook a little faster but having that bone in really takes the flavor to another level.  I suggest you leave the bone in, use the Texas Crutch and suffer through a little more time, have another beer, and enjoy great que.

You are absolutely right.