Where Can I Get a Turkey Smoked? A Guide to Finding Delicious Smoked Turkeys

Smoked turkey is becoming more and more popular every holiday season. The rich, smoky flavor takes relatively bland turkey up several notches. But many wonder – where can I get a turkey smoked if I don’t own a smoker? Luckily, you have several excellent options.

In this article, I’ll overview the various places you can get a smoked turkey and key things to consider with each option. Read on to learn where to find smoked turkey for your next special meal.

Purchase a Fully-Cooked Smoked Turkey

The easiest route is to buy a pre-smoked turkey that is fully cooked and ready to serve, Many specialty meat shops and online retailers offer smoked turkeys you can order ahead of time

Some places to buy fully cooked smoked turkeys:

• Local butcher shops or meat markets – Many have smoked turkeys, especially for holidays. Call ahead to order.

• Online specialty meat companies – Retailers like Smokehouse.com ship smoked turkeys nationwide. Order ahead for delivery.

• Grocery store deli – Some delis stock smoked turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check with your local store.

• Costco – Costco usually has smoked turkeys for the holidays No membership required to purchase

The benefit of a pre-smoked turkey is convenience – no work on your end. The downside is the cost is higher than smoking it yourself.

Order a Smoked Turkey from a Restaurant

Another route is to order a smoked turkey from a local restaurant, BBQ joint, or catering company. Many smoke turkeys for holidays and will cook one specially if you order ahead.

Places that may offer smoked turkeys:

• BBQ restaurants – Ask your favorite local BBQ spot if they smoke turkeys for holidays.

• Catering companies – Most caterers can provide smoked turkeys for events or individual orders.

• Fine dining restaurants – Some upscale restaurants will smoke a turkey if ordered in advance.

• Butcher shops with kitchens – Butchers with on-site kitchens sometimes offer holiday smoked turkeys.

Ordering from a restaurant gets you a ready-to-eat smoked turkey without any work. The downside is the price tag, since you’re paying for the chef’s time and expertise.

Hire a Private Chef to Smoke a Turkey

For ultimate convenience, hire a private chef to come smoke a turkey at your home. Many professional chefs offer this service for holidays.

The chef will bring the equipment, prep and season the turkey, smoke it on-site, and present a gourmet ready-to-eat turkey. It saves you all the work but is one of the more expensive options.

Smoke a Turkey on Your Outdoor Grill

With the right technique, you can smoke a turkey on a standard charcoal or gas grill, even without a real smoker. This allows you to enjoy homemade smoked turkey without buying new equipment.

Here’s a basic process for smoking turkey on a grill:

• Set up a two-zone fire with coals/burners on only one side to create an indirect heat zone.

• Use wood chips or chunks for smoke flavor. Soak chips in water before grilling.

• Place turkey on the indirect side over a drip pan and maintain temperature of 225-250°F.

• Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 30 minutes per pound.

• Allow turkey to rest 15-20 minutes before carving.

With a few adjustments, any outdoor grill can “smoke” turkey. It takes effort but saves money over buying pre-smoked.

Rent or Borrow a Smoker

If you don’t own a smoker, consider renting or borrowing one. Many specialty cooking stores offer smoker rentals for reasonable rates.

You may also have family/friends willing to lend their smoker. Offer to provide the turkey, wood, and supplies in exchange.

Types of smokers you may be able to rent or borrow:

• Electric smoker – Very easy to use even for beginners. Excellent for turkey.

• Charcoal smoker – Requires some skill but imparts great flavor.

• Pellet grill/smoker – Versatile all-in-one grill and smoker.

• Propane smoker – Relatively easy to use for beginners.

Renting or borrowing allows you to smoke turkey without buying an expensive appliance. Just learn to use the smoker properly before the big day.

Purchase an Affordable Smoker

Finally, consider purchasing your very own smoker. You can find basic smokers these days for under $100. While not as feature-filled as pricier models, they can still smoke tasty turkey.

Some budget-friendly smoker options:

• Charcoal kettle grill – Functions as both grill and smoker. Weber kettles around $100.

• Electric smoker – Basic models from Masterbuilt and Cuisinart $100-$200 range.

• Propane smoker – Small propane smokers start around $60-$70 on Amazon.

• Smoking tube – Inexpensive pellet smokers for use with any grill.

Buying your own smoker means you can smoke foods anytime. An affordable smoker can easily pay for itself over time.

Enjoy Delicious Smoked Turkey!

Don’t miss out on amazing smoked turkey just because you don’t own a smoker. You have numerous options for getting your hands on smoked turkey without doing it yourself.

For a first experience, try ordering a pre-smoked turkey. Next time, smoke a turkey on your outdoor grill. And if you get hooked, invest in a budget-friendly smoker so you can smoke turkeys and other meats year-round!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest way to get a smoked turkey?

The easiest way is to purchase a fully cooked smoked turkey from a local butcher shop, online meat retailer, grocery store deli, or big box store like Costco. It arrives ready to reheat and serve.

What’s the most cost-effective option?

If you have the time and equipment, smoking the turkey yourself is the most cost-effective. Options like borrowing a smoker, using your grill, or buying an inexpensive smoker allow you to DIY for much less.

Should I order from a restaurant or purchase pre-smoked?

Ordering from a restaurant has the convenience factor – they handle everything start to finish. But pre-smoked from a store is often cheaper than a restaurant for comparable quality.

Can I really smoke on a regular grill?

Yes, you can absolutely smoke a turkey on a regular charcoal or gas grill with indirect heat and wood chips/chunks for smoke flavor. It takes more time and effort than a real smoker but can produce delicious smoked turkey.

What should I look for when buying a pre-smoked turkey?

Look for turkeys labelled “fully cooked” and inspect the packaging date to ensure freshness. Estimate 1 pound per person, and account for leftovers. Reputable brands and quality ingredients indicate a better pre-smoked turkey.