Temp drop overnight

[biznick]

I attempted to cook a 8.5 pound Boston butt overnight. Between the store and getting on grill there was probably about 1 hour out. Then I put it on smoker at about 200 where is was for at least 4.5 hours. When I checked 4 hours later (or 8.5 hours into cook) the temp was unfortunately about 155-169. So as it got cold overnight the grill didn’t hold its temp as well as I had hoped.

At this point I spent a little time 15 minutes to bump it back up to about 205-210. I checked the temp on inside of meat for first time and it was about 145, but closer to top was a little under 140. Not sure why middle was a little higher but checked middle twice in two places and over 140.

Little bummed about temp drop but maybe should have started at 225 for overnight.

What I would like some advice on is if pork butt would be safe to eat and serve to family or if I should avoid. Figured I would ask those who have most experience in this type of thing.

 

[SmokinAl]

You should be fine. Just keep cooking it. Here is an article that explains everything. As long as it wasn’t boneless & you didn’t inject it your good to go.

My Smoker Died! Is my Meat Safe?

My Smoker is fine but if I had a Dollar for everytime i answered this type of post. I'd be smoking on a $20,000 Kalamazoo! Bottom line...If the meat is INTACT Bacteria on the surface is DEAD, HISTORY, KAPUT IN 30 to 60 MINUTES OR LESS AT 225°F!!! As soon as the surface gets to 140 or higher, the...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Al

 

[normanaj]

Something else to consider especially when doing overnight cooks is to make the investment in a multi-probe thermometer with hi/lo temp alarms.You can simultaneously monitor both food and ambient temps.You'll sleep much better.

 

[biznick]

Thank you both

 

[schlotz]

Yup you're safe and please take normanaj advice and get a reporting thermometer.

First rule of thumb in overnight smoking, always have a thermometer that can wake you if the temp drops!