How big of a turkey can you smoke in a SMO45? I've done a 12 lb in the past and would like to do bigger.................. 15, 16 lb etc. However, I have read health/safety concerns about bigger turkeys? What is the consensus??
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If you are smoking it whole, there is some concern about the size of the turkey with regards to the breast and legs getting done at the same time.
This is why I try to find a 13-14# bird to smoke.
This is why I try to find a 13-14# bird to smoke.
I've done 20+ lb turkeys in my 055 without a problem. But I use the suggested amount of cure in Smokins Holiday brine so food safety isn't much of a concern. And I usually smoke the bird to about 140 unstuffed and then turn it over to my wife to stuff and finish in the oven. Works for us. Just don't stuff the cold bird and then smoke it... For food safety reasons.