smoking a 24lb turkey, got a question on temp

[Darnock]

smoker is at 220 degrees, got a 24lb bird that I'd figure would take 12 hours to get to 165f

its been almost 5 hours and the bird is at 150. I've rechecked all my temps the smoker is running around 217f and the breast and thigh is around 148f using about 3 different themonitors.

does a big bird like this have a cool off plateau like ribs do? Then after 3-4 hours it will kick up to 165ish ?

 

[Darnock]

also, i normally roll smoke on things for a max of about 4 hours,, still true on turkey?

 

[SonnyE]

Man I don't know. A turkey that big sounds scary!
I would say that if 4 hours of smoke suits your taste, I'd stick with it.
I always tended to over smoke things. But I only smoked for me.
I've been learning to cut back, and I get better responses.

Did you have to use a shoe horn to get it in your smoker? :rolleyes:

 

[Darnock]

heh, no it went in perfect, I have a 40 inch smoker, there is plenty of room on the sides and above and below. It was a 21lb bird that after brine and stuffing it with onions, celery and apples weighed in at 24lb.

After looking at other forums and other videos, Its not really 30 mins a lb. Most people seem to take around 5 hours for a 12-20 lb bird. When it cooks too fast or too slow I always panic about my temps, but everything looks fine.

 

[uncle eddie]

If it cooks too fast, don't sweat it. Cut it up and warm it when you want to eat. It will still be delicious.

Some turkeys stall...which adds an easy 2 hours to the smoke.