How long do you smoke a 20 lbs turkey
Andrew White
Published Mar 23, 2026
Generally, though, you should allow for about 30-40 minutes of smoking per pound. So, if you have a 20-pound turkey, it’ll probably take 10-12 hours to completely smoke it.
Is it safe to smoke a 20 lb turkey?
For a faster cooking time, you can smoke at 250 or even 275 degrees, but for a regular-sized turkey, we like 225 for about 30 minutes per pound. In fact, it might be best to avoid smoking big birds (say, 20 pounds), because the increased time required could increase your risk of the bacteria issues we noted above.
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
Turkey can be smoked at a smoker temperature as low as 225 degrees, but it’s much quicker if smoked at 275-300 degrees, or even higher. … I prefer to smoke whole turkeys at the 250 to 275 degree range. The skin gets good color, the turkey gets a good dose of smoke flavor and doesn’t take forever to finish cooking.
How long does it take to smoke a 20 lb turkey at 225 degrees?
A 20-pound turkey, for example, needs about 2 hours per pound at 225 degrees F. Check the internal temperature by taking an ovenproof meat thermometer and inserting it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching any bone (it’s best to use a digital thermometer and not one with a dial).How long does it take to smoke a 20 lb turkey at 300 degrees?
The rule of thumb is to smoke the turkey at 300 degrees, 15 minutes for each pound. This is the FASTER method for smoking a whole turkey.
How long does it take to smoke a 20lb turkey at 350 degrees?
8. Increase grill temperature to 350℉ and cook for 3-1/2 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ in the thickest part of the breast.
How long does it take to smoke a 21 lb turkey?
Put the turkey into the smoker and smoke for 30 to 40 minutes per pound, or until an instant read thermometer (or stay-in-the-bird probe thermometer) reads 160°F in the thickest part of the breast meat.
How long does take to cook a 20-pound turkey?
Turkey WeightServingsCooking Time15 to 18 lb10 to 123 1/4 to 4 hours18 to 20 lb12 to 144 to 4 1/4 hours20 to 22 lb14 to 164 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours23 to 24 lb16 to 205 to 5 1/4 hoursCan I smoke a 22 pound turkey?
Low & Slow Smoked Turkey – Smoke your turkey at the low temperature of 225 degrees F for approximately 6-8 hours for a 22 pound turkey. Remove turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels (this is an important step, don’t skip it). … Add wood when needed to maintain the temp for even cooking.
How long does it take to smoke a 18 lb turkey?A: A small bird (8 to 12 pounds) requires 2-1/2 to 3 hours at 325 degrees F; a medium (12 – 18 pounds) will need 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours; and a large bird (over 18 pounds) could take up to 6 hours.
Article first time published onCan you smoke a 25 pound turkey?
You can smoke your turkey anywhere between 200 and 275 F/95 to 135 C. … At 235 F/115 C, your turkey will take 30 to 35 minutes per pound. At 250 F/120 C, your turkey will take 25 to 30 minutes per pound. At 275 F/135 C, your turkey will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound.
Is turkey done at 165 or 180?
While some recipes state that turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat is safe to consume once it reaches the 165-degree mark. Cooking the breasts past 165 can result in dry meat, but the dark meat can be cooked to 180.
How long do I smoke a 15 pound turkey?
Smoke the turkey. At 225 degrees F, you can plan on approximately 30 minutes per pound for your turkey to smoke. For example, this 15 pound turkey will take 7 and 1/2 hours at 225 degrees F. I always plan an extra 30 minutes, just in case.
How long does it take to smoke a 15 pound turkey at 325?
How Long Do You Cook a 15-Pound Turkey at 325 Degrees? An unstuffed bird of 15 pounds will likely finish at around the 4-hour mark (or just before). A stuffed turkey will take at least 4 hours to cook, and typically takes an extra 15 minutes until you’ve hit that desired internal temperature.
How long does it take to smoke a turkey at 375?
Cook for about 30-45 minutes on Hi Smoke, then adjust the temperature to 375° F-400° F. Cook for another 1 1/2 hours, or until the temperature probe inside the turkey reads 170° F.
How long does it take to smoke a 16 lb turkey?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SMOKE A TURKEY? It’s good to plan 30 minutes per pound when you smoke a turkey between 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you smoke a 20-pound turkey?
At 225 degrees, a 20-pound turkey should cook at a rate of 30 to 40 minutes per pound. If you increase the temperature to 250, it will take 25 to 30 minutes per pound. It’s best to keep the smoker temperature above 225 when smoking a bird this large.
Can you smoke an 18 pound turkey?
Electric Smoker Prepare an 8 to 18 lb. thawed or fresh turkey by removing the giblets and neck draining the juices, and drying with paper towels. The turkey should be completely thawed for even, safe cooking. Do not stuff your turkey.
How long do you cook a 20 lb unstuffed turkey?
Cooking time will vary. For example, a 20 pound turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 hours to cook, check the temperature on the thermometer after 4 1/4 hours. 4. Meanwhile, mix the stuffing or dressing.
How long do you cook a 20 lb Butterball turkey?
- 6-7 pounds: 2-2½ hours.
- 7-10 pounds: 2½-3 hours.
- 10-18 pounds: 3-3½ hours.
- 18-22 pounds: 3½-4 hours.
- 22-24 pounds: 4-4½ hours.
- 24-30 pounds: 4½-5 hours.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.
What temperature should I pull my turkey?
According to the Department of Agriculture, a turkey must reach 165 degrees F to be safe, but you can take it out of the oven as low as 160 degrees F because the temperature will rise at it rests.
Do you rest a turkey covered or uncovered?
Cover the turkey loosely with foil, but remove it just under an hour before the timing is up to get the turkey nicely browned. … Once cooked, carefully lift the turkey out of the tray and rest on a board. Cover loosely with foil for at least an hour while you get on cooking your roast potatoes.
Where do I put the thermometer in the turkey?
- When preparing a whole turkey, insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the turkey breast, the innermost portion of thigh and the innermost portion of the wing.
- Make sure the thermometer does not touch bone, gristle or the pan.
Do you wrap a turkey in foil when smoking?
Place the turkey on the middle rack of the smoker. Add a few pieces of wood. … He wraps the turkey in heavy duty aluminum foil and finishes the cooking in the smoker until the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Once the turkey is cooked through, allow it to rest for five to 10 minutes before carving.
How long do I smoke a turkey at 250 degrees?
Typically, it takes at least 6 hours to smoke an average sized turkey at 250 degrees F. Plan on having your turkey cook for about 30 minutes per pound.
Can I smoke a turkey at 325?
How long does it take to smoke a turkey? … Plan for 11-13 minutes a pound for a 325 degree F smoke temp. The best way to get a great bird is to cook to 165 degrees, and to let the bird rest after cooking before cutting.