Want to reduce Pork Butt cook time - Cut in half?

[dbarnett66]

I have two 8 pound butts, Can I cut them in half to reduce time, or will they be too small and dry out?

 

[ronp]

You should be fine, just go by temps.

 

[ddave]

I don't think you'll save much time. I've cooked 4.5 pounders and it still took 9 hours to get to 195° on my UDS running in the 250s.

Shouldn't be a problem with dryness though. Safeway here usually only sells 4 or 5 pounders. I think they cut the big ones in have and sell them separately. I've done several and never had a problem with one being dry.

Dave

 

[blackened]

That'll work.. More surface area for bark too..

 

[mballi3011]

I don't think you can speed it up that much if you cut it in half. You should just leave it a plan for the time.

 

[audioxtremes]

I cut one in half once for the purpose of more bark with a side effect of quicker cooking time. Took about 6 hours total plus rest time. It worked for quickness but it wasn't as fall apart as normal.

 

[tasunkawitko]

from the BBQFAQ (http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/index.html):