How to Smoke a Turkey?

Get an amazing smoked flavour while leaving your oven free for other dishes. Follow the instructions below for a water or electric smoker and get a taste unlike any other.

SMOKING TIP

For food safety, your turkey must pass through a critical range of 40° F to 140° F in 4 hours or less. If the internal temperature is low after 3½ hours, take your turkey off the smoker and finish it in the oven.

WEIGHT COOK TIME
8-12 LB. 4-8 HRS.
12-18 LB. 6-10 HRS.

WATER SMOKER

  • Prepare the smoker by removing the lid and center ring, opening all vents, and placing 2 layers of briquettes (about 10 lb.) in the charcoal chamber.
  • Light briquettes and let them burn for 30 minutes, or until they’re covered with gray ash. Start cooking as soon as the coals are ready.
  • Line the water pan with heavy foil, and place it in the center ring.
  • 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. Brush the skin with vegetable oil and insert an oven-safe meat thermometer deep into lower thigh.
  • Carefully set the center ring on the bottom section. Fill the water pan with hot water or another liquid to provide humidity during cooking. Add the top cook rack.
  • Place the turkey breast side up on the top rack. Place an oven thermometer alongside the turkey to monitor its temperature.
  • Cover the smoker and close the vents 1/3 of the way, being sure to protect your hands with oven mitts.
  • Soak 5 hardwood chunks (3×2 inches) for about 1 hour. Place the soaked wood on the coals after 1½ hours of cooking to produce smoke.
  • To maintain the heat around 250° F, add 12 to 14 briquettes through the door every 1½ hours. Replenish the water if necessary.
  • 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. If the internal temperature is low after 3½ hours, take your turkey off the smoker and finish it in the oven.
  • Cook the turkey to internal temperatures of 175° F to 180° F in the thigh and 165° F in the breast. Your turkey may take up to 12 hours to cook.
  • When done, remove the turkey from the smoker, protecting your hands with washable mitts or towels, and let stand for 15 minutes before carving.

ELECTRIC SMOKER

  • Follow the manufacturer’s directions for preparing the 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. Brush the skin with vegetable oil and insert an oven-safe meat thermometer deep into lower thigh.
  • 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. If the internal temperature is low after 3½ hours, take your turkey off the smoker and finish it in the oven.
  • Cover the turkey and chill or let stand for 20 minutes before carving.
A roasted turkey stuffed with herbs on a platter, surrounded by carrots and greens, on a wooden kitchen counter.
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