Smoking Turkeys???

[pote05]

Have an 2010 MES 40.. Works great, this Thanksgiving I have been given the task of smoking 2 12-15 pound Turkeys... Cooked one for Christmas & Thanksgiving the last 2 years.. Always put in around Midnight at 230 and was done around 11 in the morning...How long you think I should plan on for 2...    Thanks

 

[bmudd14474]

It shouldnt be too much longer. Just remember if your looking you aint cooking.

 

[rabbithutch]

I don't mean to sound critical here because I've asked about how long, too; but if I were cooking 2 birds for the first time, I would be sure to use 2 temp probes and cook to temp.

I don't know for sure but it seems to me that the only difference in time would be the time required to get 2 up to temp. After that, I would think that both birds would cook equally. Shouldn't take too much longer.

I have cooked 2 pork butts (after having done only 1) and didn't notice that it took appreciable longer. Might be different with gobblers.

 

[chef jimmyj]

Plan your timing based on the heaviest bird at around 30 min/Lb but test the smaller one when the timing based on it's weight says it should be done so it doesn't over cook...JJ

 

[pgsmoker64]

rabbithutch gave some good advice.

Stick a temp probe in both birds - in the fleshy part of the breast and cook to 165*.

JJ's advice is sound as well (as always).

I am also doing two birds for thanksgiving on my WSM but at about 280* to 300* for a crispy skin....only takes about 3.5 hours.

Good luck and good smoking.

Bill