Make smoked turkey on a Weber kettle or charcoal grill. Includes what size turkey to buy, when to defrost, smoked temps and cook time.
Smoking a turkey on a charcoal smoker is a fantastic way to add deep smoky flavor while keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender. Unlike roasting in the oven smoking over indirect charcoal heat cooks the turkey slowly, allowing it to absorb the aroma of the smoke. With the right techniques, you’ll end up with the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table or backyard barbecue. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about charcoal smoking a turkey from start to finish.
Benefits of Smoking a Turkey on a Charcoal Smoker
There are several advantages to using a charcoal smoker instead of the oven to cook your turkey:
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Infuses amazing smoky flavor throughout the meat
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Cooks slowly so the turkey stays incredibly moist and tender.
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Allows you to add various wood chips for different smoke flavors.
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Provides even, consistent heat for thorough cooking.
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Frees up your oven for sides and other dishes.
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Looks impressive bringing the smoker to the table.
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Adds authentic BBQ flavor unlike oven roasting.
Smoking over charcoal takes a bit more time and effort than roasting, but the unbeatably juicy, smoky meat is well worth it in the end.
Equipment Needed
To smoke a turkey on charcoal, you will need:
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A charcoal smoker – An offset smoker or kettle grill works great.
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Natural lump charcoal – Avoid briquettes with chemical additives.
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Smoking wood chips – Opt for fruit woods like apple, cherry or maple.
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Chimney starter – To light coals without lighter fluid.
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Digital meat thermometer – For monitoring internal temp.
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Aluminum foil pan – For catching drippings below the turkey.
Make sure to prepare and season your turkey ahead of time as well. Now let’s get smoking!
Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking a Turkey
Follow this simple process for smoking turkey perfection every time:
1. Remove Neck and Giblets
Check inside both cavity openings of the turkey and remove the bag of giblets and neck. Discard or use for gravy.
2. Rinse and Dry
Rinse the turkey inside and out with cool water. Pat very dry with paper towels, inside and out.
3. Season the Turkey
Season the cavities generously with salt and pepper. For the skin, coat with olive oil then rub on spices like garlic powder, onion powder, sage, rosemary.
4. Prep the Smoker
Open vents fully. Place charcoal in chimney starter and light. Once coals are ashed over, dump them into the smoker. Add smoking wood chips. Keep temp at 225-250°F.
5. Place Turkey in Smoker
Set turkey breast up on cooking grate over drip pan. Insert meat thermometer into thickest part of breast, not touching bone. Maintain 225-250°F temp.
6. Estimate Cooking Time
Plan for 15-20 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey will take 3-4 hours. For food safety, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Maintain Steady Temp
Keep smoker temp steady by adding more charcoal and wood chips as needed. Don’t let it drop below 200°F.
8. Check Temp and Rotate
Check internal temp periodically. Rotate turkey for even cooking. Continue smoking until it reaches 165°F.
9. Remove and Rest
Carefully remove turkey when done. Tent loosely with foil and let rest 20-30 minutes before carving.
10. Carve and Serve
Carve turkey and serve immediately for maximum juiciness. Enjoy your perfect smoked turkey!
Turkey Smoking FAQs
What size turkey is best for smoking?
A small 12-14 lb turkey is ideal, as it can sit away from the direct coals. Larger birds may need to be cut in half.
What type of charcoal is best?
Opt for natural lump charcoal, not briquettes. Lump charcoal burns cleaner and imparts better flavor.
How long does it take to smoke a turkey?
Plan for 15-20 minutes per pound, so a 12 lb turkey will take 3-4 hours at 225-250°F. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F.
What is the best wood for smoking turkey?
Fruit woods like apple, cherry and maple give mild, sweet smoke flavor. Hickory and mesquite are too strong.
Should you brine a turkey before smoking?
Brining is highly recommended to keep the turkey extra moist. Brine for 12-24 hours before smoking.
Can you stuff a turkey when smoking it?
Yes, but stuff loosely and cook stuffing to 165°F. Removing stuffing halfway through allows turkey to cook faster.
Is it safe to smoke a frozen turkey?
Only smoke fully thawed turkeys for food safety. Thaw frozen birds in the fridge 1 day per 4-5 lbs.
How do you prevent turkey from drying out?
Cook slowly at 225-250°F and use a meat thermometer. Brining also helps keep it incredibly moist.
What temp should you smoke a turkey at?
Keep the smoker temp between 225-250°F for optimal even cooking. Avoid exceeding 300°F.
Tips for Delicious Smoked Turkey
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Inject turkey with marinades or broths for added moisture and flavor.
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Use giblets and neck to make gravy while the turkey smokes.
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Let turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
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Add a disposable foil pan below the turkey to catch drippings for gravy.
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Use leftover smoked turkey meat for sandwiches, soups, casseroles and more.
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Infuse smoke flavor into sides like mac and cheese and potatoes cooked in the smoker.
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Garnish carved turkey with fresh herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme.
The Perfect Centerpiece for Your Next Gathering
Smoking a turkey on a charcoal grill results in the most flavorful, tender and juicy meat imaginable. Your guests will be wowed by the succulent, smoke-infused turkey you serve up. Best of all, the smokey aroma in the air will get everyone excited well before the meal. Follow this guide and you’ll be a smoked turkey pro in no time!
Keep track of the temperature
The biggest complaint people have about turkey is that it can be dry, especially the breast meat. It takes a lot of work to make a meal with sides and desserts and watch the bird at the same time. So let something else take care of that for you.
The Weber iGrill and Thermoworks Smoke are thermometers that allow you to monitor the temps from your phone. You stick the thermometer probe into the breast of the bird.
With the iGrill app, click “start grilling” and select whole turkey. With the Thermoworks Smoke just set the alarm to 165F.
When that magic temperature is reached, the app will let you know on your phone while you watch the game.
Setting up the grill for smoked turkey
Now that the bird is ready, it’s time to prep the grill. I light my coals in a charcoal chimney. I stick a chimney starter in a brown lunch bag and crumble it up under the chimney.
Light a few edges of the bag, and your coals will be ready in no time.
When they start to turn gray and ash over, put them on the bottom grate of your Weber kettle or charcoal grill.
Move the coals around in your grill so they are in a U shape. You can use tongs or heat-resistant gloves to do this.
Then, add a few more unlit coals and three wood chunks. I usually use hickory or pecan with turkey. Finally, add the top grill grate.
Add the lid, and adjust the vents on the top and bottom of the grill. Your goal is to have an internal temperature of around 300-350F degrees.
If your Weber kettle grill doesn’t have a built-in thermometer, you can attach a thermometer probe to the grate and check the temperature of the air around the grill.
You can set a temperature range in the thermometer app so you know when the grill is getting too hot or too cold.
