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I plan on doing 2 or 3 pork butts for a large crowd. In the past, I have only done one at a time and have found about 1.25 hours per pound to be a good starting point. When doing 3 at one time, do I average the weights and then go to 1.25 hours per pound, or do I add them together and then go 1.25 hours. I may have as much as 30 pounds in the smoker. Logic tells me to use the average weight, not the combined weight. Otherwise, my smoke would be close to 40 hours. Any guidance would be appreciated.
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Like the good cooks above said.Having a little more of a load,the cooker keeps a more stable temp ,if you have to open the door,etc.

I found in your profile that you are using a smokette,so you are about at its max cooking weight.

You might think about placement,to be sure you don't block airflow.It usually works well to place your largest butt fat down on the bottom rack.If you are using a probe thermometer,many cooks will place it it in the smallest butt,as it may finish first.Since that is a large heat sink for your cooker if you are starting cold,many cooks will run the cooker between 235º-250º.

Hope this helps a little.
I have done 30ish pound in my smokette many times, I usually figure about 12-14 hours. and have never had any issues, I put the largest on the bottom and try to put the other 2 above it, they will shrink up and you will get better air movement as they cook.

I try to get meat out of the fridge for an hour or so before putting them in a cold smoker.
I started in a Smokette, moved to an AmeriQue, and am getting ready for my maiden voyage in a SM260 next Sunday. I have always figured on 1 1/4 hour to 1 ½ hour per pound for brisket and 1 1/2 hour to 2 hours per pound for butts.
I don’t know why butts take longer than briskets, but I’ve found life is easier if you don’t argue logic with what works.

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