Here's How Long It Takes To Smoke A Turkey Of Any Size

When you imagine a holiday feast, you probably see a golden-brown turkey emerging from a hot oven and placed on a long table covered in side dishes and fixings while your loved ones sit around it, patiently waiting for the main event to arrive. What you don't imagine is the hours and hours of sweating by an overcrowded oven as you attempt to prepare all of your dishes in a timely manner. If you need to dedicate the oven to other dishes, consider smoking your Thanksgiving turkey this year. Smoking a turkey may sound daunting, but the process is similar to traditional roasting methods, and it takes almost the same amount of time. You'll want to set aside at least four hours to smoke a Thanksgiving turkey.

When deciding how long to cook the turkey, there's no one size fits all. The cook time largely depends on the weight of the turkey and which parts you're planning on smoking. Smoking a turkey is a lengthy process, but the savory, smoky results are worth the time. When a turkey is properly smoked, the end result is a deliciously crispy skin with juicy meat and a pleasant hint of smoke with each bite. 

Some will invest in a traditional charcoal-powered smoker, but an electric one can yield the same results when used correctly. And if budgets are extra-tight this holiday season, you can also try your hand at smoking the turkey on a grill.

While using a smoker, you can calculate the cook time by adding 30-40 minutes per pound of turkey. According to Charbroil, it will take four hours to cook an eight pound turkey at 240 degrees Fahrenheit in the smoker. For a larger turkey, you'll need at least six hours. To smoke only a part of the turkey, such as the wings or breast, lower the heat to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. (Use the same weight rule to calculate the cooking time.)

If you don't have a smoker, you can still achieve the same smoky flavor on the grill. Charbroil recommends cooking the turkey on medium-high heat. (Avoid cooking in direct heat, as this will likely burn the turkey's skin long before it's cooked through.) A one-inch aluminum pan full of water on the bottom should provide plenty of support and evenly distribute heat towards the bird. 

On the grill, calculate the cook time by adding 15 minutes to every pound of turkey. Even when you aren't using the traditional oven method, it's still a good idea to brine the turkey while it's smoking. Each time you check the internal temperature, give the turkey a little brine bath to ensure it doesn't become dry. Some chefs claim that brining a smoked turkey beforehand is plenty, but it's a good idea to be on the safe side to ensure moist, flavorful meat.

Whether it's your first time hosting Thanksgiving dinner or you simply want to experiment with a new cooking method, deciding how to prepare the main course can be a bit overwhelming. (Between all the prep and cooking instructions, you'll finally understand why your family was so exhausted after Thanksgiving dinner each year.)

When cooking a turkey, the most important rule to follow is making sure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. With a meat thermometer, periodically check the meat to ensure it's cooking thoroughly with no cold spots or undercooked bits — no one wants an after-dinner stomachache, especially on Thanksgiving. But before you throw the bird into a smoker, don't forget to prep it. 

Soaking the turkey in a chicken broth-based brine for at least 24 hours will keep the meat hydrated and retain flavor during the cooking process. Some prefer to stuff their turkey with things like apples, onions, and butter, while others rely on the brine for a majority of the flavors. It's also a good idea to season both the outer and inner parts with seasonings, such as garlic, salt, pepper, or even citrus. For an extra-savory flavor, apply a barbecue rub onto the turkey to embrace the smoky essence of the cooking method.