smoking a turkey in the 009

I did a 14 pound turkey in mine last Thanksgiving and had plenty of room left. I would guess that a 16 -18 pound turkey would be OK> The skin doesn't get crispy, so if you want that you need to finish it off for 10 minutes in the oven at 400 F or so. - Duffey

The shelves (grates) are 14"x14" and are removeable, so as long as heat and smoke can travel around the turkey, no problem.

Have you seen 1 in person yet?

My boss has a smokintex, and man does it look little. The 008/009 is smaller. That is why I am double checking before I order.

I've also done ONE 14#er.. I prefer the 10-12+ #'ers because they are dang cheap just before T'giving.. I usually buy 8-10 of them to use during the year.. almost one/month.. just about right.. I think it's my favorite meat to smoke. and it makes such great turkey soup after the bones are exposed.. MMMMM GUUUUUD!!!!

If price is not a problem, I would go with the larger smoker. By handling the 10% of your needs that the smokette wouldn't be able to handle, you've covered 100% of your needs.

Just my opinion.

The shelves are the same size in both smokers. The AmeriQue gets to 300* and the shelves are 18" wide, I believe. I have never had a problem cooking a turkey in my 008, except it don't get hot enough to crisp the skin.

Good luck.

Most chefs,kitchens cook 12-14 lb gobblers,because that is what cooks well.

Like GLH says,if someone were foolish enough to picked an appropriately shaped bird of 24 lbs,they could cook it in a Smokette.

Don't ask me how I know.

just bought the 55 from the charcoal store. thanks everyone for your help

Sure thang.

Don't be a stranger.

I used to smoke turkeys all the time in a barrel smoker and loved the way they came out.

But now the wife says she wants the stuffing and all of the usual turkey doings.... and she cooked the last one in the oven.

What I'm thinking of trying this weekend is to put a bird in the 055 for about 3 or 4 hours... let it get good and smokey, and *then* turn it over to her for stuffing and finishing in the oven. Sounds like the best of both worlds.

Sounds good to me!

My BH does dressing in the crockpot.

I crisp skin in the oven, sometimes burn it!