How Long to Smoke a 7 lb Pork Butt: A Detailed Guide

Smoking a juicy, tender pork butt is a joy for any backyard barbecue enthusiast. However, one key question often arises – how long does it take to perfectly smoke a 7 lb pork butt? This detailed guide provides the timing, tips and techniques for smoking a 7 lb pork butt to mouthwatering perfection.

Overview of Smoking a Pork Butt

Pork butt, also known as Boston butt or pork shoulder, refers to the upper portion of the front leg/shoulder from the hog It’s an inexpensive, flavorful and forgiving cut that’s ideal for low-and-slow smoking

When smoking a pork butt, the keys are low temperature (225-275°F), sufficient time and smart use of a rub and smoke. This slowly breaks down the collagen and fats, resulting in a tender, pull-apart texture with incredible smoked flavor.

How Long to Smoke a 7 lb Pork Butt

For a 7 lb pork butt, you can expect a smoking time of around 8-9 hours at 225-250°F. This allows ample time for the low heat to work its magic.

As a general guideline when smoking pork butts:

• Plan on 1 hour and 15 minutes per pound when cooking at 250°F.
• For a 7 lb butt, that works out to around 8-9 hours.

Here are estimated cook times for other common pork butt sizes

• 5 pounds: 6-7 hours
• 7 pounds: 8-9 hours
• 8 pounds: 9-11 hours

However, cooking time can vary based on shape, bone-in vs boneless, and your smoker temperature. Use an instant read thermometer and focus on final internal temp rather than time

Smoking a 7 lb Pork Butt Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps for smoking pork butt perfection:

1. Choose and Prepare the Meat

• Select a bone-in pork butt for the best flavor and moisture.
• Trim off any excess fat, leaving a thin layer over the top.
• Apply a dry rub 1-2 hours before smoking. A classic barbecue rub adds great flavor.
• Let the rubbed meat rest at room temperature before smoking.

2. Set Up Your Smoker

• Heat your smoker or grill to 225-250°F using indirect heat.
• Use your favorite smoking wood – hickory, oak, apple, pecan all work great.
• Add a water pan for extra moisture if your smoker accommodates one.

3. Add the Pork Butt

• Place the pork butt fat cap up on the smoker grates.
• Insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, without touching bone.
• Maintain the temperature between 225-250°F for the entire cook.

4. Smoke for 8-9 Hours

• Smoke the pork butt for 8-9 hours, until it reaches an internal temp of 200-205°F.
• Spritz with apple juice or broth every 1-2 hours for extra moisture.
• If bark is getting too dark, wrap in foil at around 160°F internal temp.

5. Rest and Serve

• Rest the pork for at least 30 minutes before pulling.
• Pull pork into bite-size pieces, discarding excess fat.
• Season the pulled pork with barbecue sauce, more rub, etc.
• Enjoy on sandwiches, nachos, baked potatoes and more!

Tips for Juicy, Tender Results

Follow these tips and techniques for the best smoked 7 lb pork butt:

• Cook low and slow – Stay between 225-250°F for best results.
• Monitor internal temp – Cook to 200-205°F for ideal tenderness.
• Rest before pulling – At least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
• Use a water pan – Adds moisture to combat drying out.
• Wrap if needed – Prevents over-smoking if bark gets too dark.
• Inject flavor (optional) – Marinades or injections add moisture and flavor.

With the right timing, temperature, and some patience, you’ll be rewarded with the ultimate smoked pork butt – so moist it pulls apart easily, with incredible smoke flavor throughout. Enjoy your perfectly smoked 7 lb pork butt!