Smoking turkey at low temp

[ronmar]

Considering smoking a 13 lb turkey today using a recipe that includes smoking at 180* for 3 hours then cranking up to 350 * until internal temp of 165*. Is this consider a safe process?

 

[jcam222]

I’m not qualifies to comment on the safety aspect, is this on a pellet smoker to maximize smoke?

 

[ronmar]

I’m not qualifies to comment on the safety aspect, is this on a pellet smoker to maximize smoke?

Yes it’s on a Traeger. I’m a newby and had planned on following recipe found online. The 3 hours at 180* bothers me somewhat. As far as maximizing smoke, yes I do wish to have smoke flavor but not over smoked either.

 

[texomakid]

I bet that will work fine. What I've read it's about how long it takes to get the bird to 140 deg. I've got one in the Yoder right now. It's a 12 lbs bird on a rotisserie rocking at 325 with Lumberjack apple blend pellets. I plan to run it there for 3 hours then crank it up to 400 to finish it off. I did one last week like this and it was perfect.
Let us know how it turns out?

 

[zwiller]

I would just smoke at 350F. Hot smoked turkey should just have a hint of smoke. Easy to give it too much. That said, my turkey is cured and then smoked at 180F for about 18-24hrs depending on size. Way too rich for dinner tho.

 

[ronmar]

I think I’ll change directions and go with the higher temps suggested. Hoping for a finished bird that will have some smoky flavor, skin that is somewhat crispy and safe to eat. Thanks for the replies.

 

[fivetricks]

140°/4 hours is the guideline mentioned above.

 

[SmokinAl]

It always scares me with chicken or turkey to smoke it at any heat below 225.
Maybe for an hour or so, but then crank it up & get it above 140 in 4 hours.
I do mine at 270-280 the whole time.
So how did the turkey turn out & how did you cook it?
Al