How Much Does a Smoked Turkey Cost? A Budget-Friendly Guide

A beautifully browned smoked turkey makes a gorgeous centerpiece for your holiday table. But buying a pre-smoked bird costs quite a bit more than a plain roasted turkey. Why the price difference and how can you get the best deal? This guide explains average smoked turkey prices and tips to fit it into your budget.

Why Smoked Turkeys Cost More

There are several reasons why smoked turkeys command $3-5 per pound or more versus $1 per pound for a basic roasted turkey

• Specialized smoking equipment and fuel like wood chips or charcoal are needed, unlike just using the oven.

• Monitoring a smoker for 6-12 hours is labor intensive compared to roasting for 2-3 hours.

• Some moisture loss during long cook times reduces edible meat yield.

• Genuine smoke flavor is hard to replicate at home without a smoker, making pre-smoked birds a specialty item.

• Most smoked turkeys rely just on real hardwood smoke, not artificial injections, for premium flavor.

In short, specialized gear, extra time, lower yield, and all-natural wood smoke drive up the price. But the results can be worth it!

Average Price Per Pound

On average, expect to pay:

• 10-12 lb smoked turkey: $30 to $60
• 12-14 lb smoked turkey: $45 to $75
• 16-18 lb smoked turkey: $60 to $100
• 20-22 lb smoked turkey: $75 to $125

Frozen pre-smoked birds may cost slightly less than fresh. Exact pricing varies based on brand, source, quality, and size.

Getting the Best Deal

Here are some tips for saving money when buying a smoked turkey:

• Shop early, at least 1-2 months before the holidays when prices are lower.

• Watch for holiday sales, promotions, and deals in weekly supermarket ads.

• Check restaurant and warehouse stores for large smoked turkeys at a lower per-pound cost. Slice and freeze extra portions.

• Consider boneless smoked turkey breast, often easier to find on sale than whole birds. Allow 1⁄3 pound per person.

• Do it yourself. Buy an untreated turkey and smoker box to DIY for a fraction of the price.

Meat Smoking Service Costs

Rather than buying a pre-smoked turkey, hire a professional meat smoking service to customize smoke a bird for you. Expect to pay:

• $3-4 per pound for smoking labor only. You supply the raw turkey.

• $6-8 per pound for them to supply and smoke the turkey.

Many smokers charge $100-200 minimums for small birds. Always get a price quote upfront.

Is Smoked Turkey Worth the Cost?

Only you can decide if premium smoked turkey fits your budget and preferences. There’s no denying the impressive presentation and amazing flavor. Yet for the budget-conscious, a delicious oven-roasted turkey costs a fraction of the price. Focus on making memories around the meal rather than fretting over the main course cost.

Average Prices From Markets and Stores

To give you an idea of real-world smoked turkey prices from various sources, here are some average costs:

• Local butcher shop or meat market: $3-5 per pound

• High-end grocery store (Whole Foods, etc.): $4-6 per pound

• Warehouse club (Costco, Sam’s Club): $3-4 per pound

• Dedicated barbecue or meat shop: $5-8 per pound

• Online mail order smoked turkey: $6-10 per pound

• Farmer’s market vendor: $4-7 per pound

Pricing varies widely based on exact size, fresh vs frozen, boneless vs bone-in, and inclusion of shipping costs for online ordering. Shopping early, buying in bulk, and considering boneless can save money.

Size Estimates Per Person

When budgeting and planning portions, here are some general smoked turkey estimates per person:

• Whole bone-in: 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound per person
• Boneless roast or breast: 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound per person
• Leftovers and sandwiches: 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound per person

Calculate about 40-50% loss to bones, scraps and fat when portioning a whole turkey. Go with the higher ranges if you want ample leftovers. An 8-10 pound boneless breast can feed 8-12 people easily.

Make a Smoked Turkey Fit Your Budget

With the right strategies, you can enjoy delicious smoked turkey without breaking the bank:

• Shop early when prices are lowest.
• Check ads and stock up on holiday sales.
• Buy the biggest bird that fits your group to lower the per-pound cost.
• Consider buying just boneless breast or turkey parts to reduce cost.
• DIY smoking lets you control the price.
• Focus on sides and fun to balance a higher main dish price.

Smoked turkey makes a gorgeous spread but does cost more than roasting your own. With smart planning and savvy shopping, you can serve up this special dish for a holiday to remember!