What is the danger zone when smoking a turkey?

When the turkey is left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, its temperature becomes unsafe. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.

Consequently, Does turkey hit a stall when smoking?

Re: Turkey stalled

The long stall generally begins around 160°F. That is when the tough collagen begins to break down into gelatin. When I fully smoke/cook a turkey in the Bradley I stay around 225°F or below, and the stall that occurs around 140°F is only 30 minutes; one hour maximum.

Also question is, Can a turkey be too big to smoke?

Whole turkeys that weigh 12 POUNDS OR LESS are the recommended size for safe smoking. A larger turkey remains in the « Danger Zone » – between 40°F and 140°F – too long.

Besides What is the best temp to smoke a turkey? What’s The Best Smoker Temperature for Making The Perfect Smoked Turkey? 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.

Also, How long does a 12 pound turkey take to smoke?

For smoking a full turkey, set the smoker at 240°F. It is recommended to cook it for 30-40 Minutes per pound. A 8 pound turkey will take in average 4 hours while a larger, 12 pound turkey will take about 6 hours.

How long do I smoke an 18 pound 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.

14 Related Questions and Answers Found

Can you smoke a turkey at 185?

A smoker usually operates in the temperature range of 185 to 215 F, so it takes longer than in your oven at 350 F! As the turkey cooks, you will need to add more wood chips / chunks. … You’ll probably need about 10 lbs of wood altogether for a large 20 – 25 lbs turkey, 5 lbs for a small 8 – 12 lb turkey.

How low can you smoke a turkey?

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. When smoking at a lower temperature you’re looking at more time in the smoker, but that means the turkey could potentially have a richer smoke flavor.

Can you smoke 2 turkeys at once?

Yes. Cooking two turkeys of about the same weight does not double the roasting time. Cooking time is determined by the weight of one bird. Just make sure there is sufficient oven space for proper heat circulation.

Is a 20 lb turkey too big to smoke?

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 a 20 pound turkey to big to smoke?

Can you smoke a turkey too long? Note: when smoking turkey try purchasing one that is no more than 12-14 pounds. Much larger than this and the meat may stay in the danger zone (40-140 °F) for too long. A 20 pound turkey will take 10-14 hours and larger turkeys greatly increase food contamination risks.

Do you wrap a turkey in foil when smoking?

The turkey should cook for about 45 to 60 minutes before you check it. … 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.

What is the best temperature to smoke chicken?

Temperature for Smoked Whole Chicken

Start by smoking the whole chicken at 225 – 250 degrees F, keeping it fairly low. If we continued cooking at that range for the entire length of the cook it would take several hours to get a properly smoked chicken and the skin will be rubbery.

Should I wrap my turkey in foil while smoking?

If the wings are getting too dark, cover them with aluminum foil. … 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 does a turkey take to smoke?

Set the smoker to 225° F. Place the turkey on a cooking rack and cook for 8 to 12 hours or until the inner thigh temperature reaches 180° F. Check the temperature of your turkey after 3½ hours. Your turkey must pass through a critical range of 40° F to 140° F in 4 hours or less.

What temperature do you smoke a turkey at?

Set the smoker to 225° F. Place the turkey on a cooking rack and cook for 8 to 12 hours or until the inner thigh temperature reaches 180° F. Check the temperature of your turkey after 3½ hours. Your turkey must pass through a critical range of 40° F to 140° F in 4 hours or less.

How long do you smoke a 10 pound turkey?

Smoke at 225 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C) for 10 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the bird every 1 to 2 hours with the juices from the bottom of the roasting pan.

What temperature should I smoke my turkey at?

Smoking Your Turkey

Run your smoker at 240 degrees F (115 degrees C). Allow 30 minutes of cooking time per pound of meat. Baste the turkey with its own juices a few times during smoking, but avoid opening the smoker too often; you will lose heat and increase the cooking time.

Can you smoke a turkey at 180 degrees?

Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh. It’s good to plan 30 minutes per pound when you smoke a turkey between 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.

When smoking a turkey what temp is done?

Smoking Tip

1. Check the temperature of your turkey after 3½ hours. …
2. Cook the turkey to internal temperatures of 175° F to 180° F in the thigh and 170° F in the breast. …
3. When done, remove the turkey from the smoker, protecting your hands with washable mitts or towels, and let stand for 15 minutes before carving.

What is the best temp to smoke a turkey?

Smoke at 225 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C) for 10 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the bird every 1 to 2 hours with the juices from the bottom of the roasting pan.

How long does it take to smoke 2 turkey breasts?

Smoke turkey, maintaining temperature inside smoker between 225° and 250°, for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 165°. Remove turkey, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

How long does it take to smoke a turkey on electric smoker?

Preheat electric smoker to 225°F (107°C). Apply a thin layer or cooking oil to cooking grate, and add a handful of wood chunks to smoker box. Cook for 40 minutes per pound of turkey, about 8-10 hours. Aim for internal temperature of 165°F.

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Editors. 22 – Last Updated. 42 days ago – Authors. 11