It’s the time of year when people all over the country are firing up their ovens and smokers to prepare that traditional Thanksgiving feast. And while there are many different ways to cook a turkey, one of the most common questions is how long to smoke a 20lb turkey? As with so many things in life, the answer is it depends.
There are several factors that can affect the smoking time of a turkey, including the type of smoker you’re using, the temperature you’re smoking at, the kind of wood you’re using for smoke, and even the weather conditions on the day you’re smoking.
So, while there isn’t a definitive answer to how long to smoke a 20lb turkey, we’ve put together a general guide to help you plan your cook.
How Long to Smoke a 20 Pound Turkey?
When you smoke a 20lb turkey, you will need to cook it for approximately some hours to get a more delicious meal. The best way to ensure that your turkey is cooked thoroughly is to use a meat thermometer.
Inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, you should cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the turkey is cooked through and is safe to eat.
While the smoking time will vary depending on the type of smoker you are using and the temperature you are smoking at, you can expect to smoke a 20lb turkey for approximately 8 hours. If you are smoking the turkey at a lower temperature, such as 250 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need to cook it for a more extended period, closer to 10 hours.
If you are smoking for a longer period, you can wrap your turkey in foil after 6 hours to prevent it from drying out. The time for smoking turkey also depends on whether or not you choose to brine the turkey before smoking it.
Brining is the process of soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution, which helps to keep the turkey moist while cooking.
If you do choose to brine your turkey, you will need to factor in an additional 1-2 hours for the brining process.
It is important to keep in mind that the best way to ensure your turkey is cooked thoroughly is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast and cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The size of the turkey will determine how long it needs to be smoked. A 20-pound turkey should be smoked for about 4 to 5 hours. The turkey’s internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit before it is considered safe to eat.
The factors that will affect the smoking time of a turkey are the size of the bird, the type of smoker used, and the temperature at which the turkey is being smoked. So, if you are smoking a 20-pound turkey at 250 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take about 4 to 5 hours.
But, if you are smoking the same turkey at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only take 3 to 4 hours. When smoking a turkey, it is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked all the way through.
Related: How Long To Smoke Pork Shoulder at 275?
How Big is Average Turkey?
The average turkey typically weighs between 20 and 29 pounds. A 20-pound turkey will usually take between four and five hours to smoke. The bigger the size of the turkey, the longer it will need to cook.
When smoking a turkey, it is important to use indirect heat. This means that the turkey should not be placed directly over the heat source but rather to its side. This will help to ensure that the turkey cooks evenly and does not get burnt on the outside.
How Much Turkey to Serve Per Person?
When smoking a turkey, it is important to consider how many people you will be serving. A good rule of thumb is to plan on one pound of turkey per person. You will have plenty of leftovers for sandwiches, casseroles, and other dishes. This can be especially important if you smoke a turkey for a holiday meal.
If you are feeding a large crowd, you may want to smoke two turkeys. This will help ensure that everyone gets a nice, juicy piece of turkey. Ensure that you have enough room in your smoker for two turkeys. If not, you may need to cook them one at a time.
How Much Turkey Do I Need For 8 Adults?
If you plan to smoke a turkey, you may be wondering the size you want to get. A 12-pounder turkey will serve approximately 8 adults. This size is also a good choice if you want leftovers for sandwiches or other dishes. But if you have a large group or want leftovers for a longer period, you could get a larger turkey.
Smoking a turkey takes a little longer than roasting it in the oven, but the results are well worth the wait. A smoked turkey has a unique flavor that is perfect for any holiday meal.
Before you begin, you need to decide how long to smoke the turkey. The general rule is to smoke the turkey for 1 hour per pound. So, a 20 lb turkey should be smoked for 20 hours.
However, a few things to keep in mind may affect the smoking time. If you stuff the turkey, it will take longer to cook. And if you are using a frozen turkey, it will also take longer to cook.
- If you are using a fresh turkey, it is essential to let it thaw completely before starting the smoking process. This can take several days in the refrigerator. Once the turkey is thawed, you are ready to start smoking it. Start by preparing the smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you are using wood chips, soak them in water for 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker. This will help to prevent them from burning too quickly.
- Place the turkey on the rack in the smoker and cover it with the lid. Smoke the turkey for 1 hour per pound.
- After the smoking time is up, remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This will let the juices spread throughout the turkey meat to be juicy and flavorful.
How Big of A Turkey Do I Need For 9 Guests?
If you want to prepare a whole turkey for your holiday feast, you’ll need to factor in the size of the bird. The plan for each person should be 1.25 pounds, thus totaling 11.25 pounds.
But, most importantly, you should check the size of your oven and refer to the turkey cooking time chart below to ensure that your turkey will fit and have enough time to cook through. This size turkey will feed nine people with some leftovers.
| Turkey Size | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 6 lbs | 1½ to 2¼ hours | Not applicable |
| 6 to 8 lbs | 2¼ to 3¼ hours | 3 to 3½ hours |
| 8 to 12 lbs | 2¾ to 3 hours | 3 to 3½ hours |
| 12 to 14 lbs | 3 to 3¾ hours | 3½ to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 lbs | 3¾ to 4¼ hours | 4 to 4¼ hours |
| 18 to 20 lbs | 4¼ to 4½ hours | 4¼ to 4¾ hours |
| 20 to 24 lbs | 4½ to 5 hours | 4¾ to 5¼ hours |
What is the Best Way to Season a Turkey?
Seasoning a turkey is essential in ensuring that your bird is flavorful and moist. There are a few different ways to season a turkey, but one of the best ways is to use a dry rub. A dry rub is a mixture of spices that you rub all over the outside of the turkey.
This will help to flavor the skin as well as the meat. Make sure that you get the rub into all of the nooks and crannies, as this will help to ensure that the flavor is evenly distributed.
Once you have rubbed the spices into the skin, you can place the turkey into a roasting pan. Be sure to add some water to the bottom of the pan, as this will help to keep the turkey moist during cooking. You can then cover the pan with foil or a lid and place it into the oven.
Now, how long should you cook a turkey?
This will depend on the size of your bird. A good rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound. So, if you have a 20-pound turkey, you should cook it for approximately 300 minutes or 5 hours.
Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful bird. Serve and enjoy!
Can You Smoke a Turkey Overnight?
It is perfectly safe to smoke a turkey overnight, provided you take the necessary safety precautions. The key is to maintain a consistent temperature between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit in your smoker.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. It should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the smoker.
To help prevent the turkey from drying out, you can wrap it in foil or butcher paper after it reaches the 165 degrees Fahrenheit mark.
This will also help keep the juices locked in, giving you a juicier and more flavorful bird. Smoked turkey is a delicious way to cook this holiday staple, and smoking it overnight means you don’t have to be tethered to the smoker all day long. Just be sure to follow these tips for a safe and delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Smoke a 20lb Turkey at 250 Degrees?
This is determined by the size of the turkey that you want to smoke. A 20-pound turkey will take between 6 to 8 hours to smoke at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. If your turkey is smaller or larger, adjust the cooking time accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to smoke the turkey for 30 minutes per pound.
How Long Do You Smoke A 20lb Turkey At 300 Degrees?
A 20-pound turkey will take between 4.5 to 6 hours to smoke at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This range will depend on a few factors, such as the type of smoker used, the quality of the turkey, and how often you open the smoker during the cooking process.
For the best results, it is recommended to use a digital thermometer to monitor the turkey’s internal temperature.
How Long Do You Smoke A 20lb Turkey At 325 Degrees?
You’ll need to cook your 20-pound turkey for about 4-5 hours at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s about 1 hour and 15 minutes per pound. A 20 lb turkey will usually serve about 8-10 people. When smoking a turkey overnight, you’ll need to cook it for about 6-7 hours at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes per pound.
A 20 lb turkey will usually serve about 12-14 people. If you’re looking to cook a turkey faster, you can cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes per pound. A 20 lb turkey will usually serve approximately 9-11 people.
Is it Essential to Wrap the Turkey Using Foil While Smoking?
You don’t need to wrap your turkey in foil while smoking it. Wrapping it in foil could make the skin less crisp. This is a personal preference, but many people find that basting the turkey while it cooks helps keep the meat moist.
If you choose to baste, do so every 30 minutes or so with either the pan drippings or a mixture of butter and chicken broth.
Should Turkey Sit at Room Temperature Before Cooking?
It is not necessary to let your turkey sit at room temperature before cooking. It is safer to cook the turkey straight from the fridge. If you choose to let your turkey sit out for a bit before cooking, make sure it is no longer than 2 hours.
Should You Brine Turkey Before Smoking?
Yes, it is always best to brine your turkey before smoking it. This helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. There are many different brine recipes, but basic brine is simply water, salt, and sugar. You can also add other flavors to the brine such as herbs, spices, and citrus.
Be sure to follow the recipe carefully so that your turkey does not become too salty.
Can You Smoke a Frozen Turkey?
Yes, you can smoke a frozen turkey. However, it will take about 50% longer to cook. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature before eating. It should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Can I Tell When My Turkey Is Done?
The best way to tell when your turkey is done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the turkey should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check if the juices run clear when you insert a fork into the meat.
Conclusion
When smoking a turkey, it is important to know how long to cook it. The size of the turkey, the type of smoker used, and the temperature at which it is cooked all play a role in how long the turkey will take to smoke. In general, it takes about 30 minutes per pound to smoke a turkey.
For a 20lb turkey, it will take about 10 hours to cook. So, if you are planning on smoking a turkey for Thanksgiving, make sure to start early in the morning so it will be ready in time for dinner.
