Smoked Turkey
For deep, smoky flavor and a low-and-slow cook -- takes the most time but needs minimal hands-on attention.
Runner-up: Standard Roasted Turkey · Retake the quiz
Why this fits you
- Smoky flavor matters more to you than traditional roasted flavor.
- You have a smoker and are comfortable with a longer, low-and-slow cook.
- You have the most time of any method here to work with.
Smoking a turkey low and slow (typically around 225-275°F) infuses deep, smoky flavor throughout the meat, but takes considerably longer than oven roasting -- often 30 minutes or more per pound depending on smoker temperature. It requires a smoker (or a grill set up for indirect heat) and more total time, though the hands-on attention needed is minimal once it's going.
How it compares
| Method | Relative time | Equipment needed |
| Standard Roasted Turkey | Longest (baseline) | Roasting pan, thermometer |
| Spatchcocked Turkey | ~Half of standard | Kitchen shears or butcher, thermometer |
| Deep-Fried Turkey | Fastest (under 1 hr typical) | Turkey fryer, outdoor space, thermometer |
| Smoked Turkey | Longest, low-and-slow | Smoker or grill set up for indirect heat |
Buying checklist
- Budget significantly more total time than oven roasting -- smoking runs low and slow
- Use a meat thermometer rather than time alone, since smoker temperatures can vary
- Maintain consistent smoker temperature for even cooking throughout
Run the numbers
Frequently asked questions
How much longer does smoking take than roasting?
Considerably longer -- often 30 minutes or more per pound at typical smoking temperatures (225-275°F), compared to about 15 minutes per pound for standard oven roasting.
Do I need a dedicated smoker to smoke a turkey?
A dedicated smoker works best, but a grill set up for indirect heat with wood chips can also work if you don't have one.
Does smoking a turkey change how I check doneness?
No -- a meat thermometer reading 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh is still the real test, regardless of cooking method.
Not happy with our calculations or how it works? Let us know.
Have a suggestion for a calculator you don't see here? Let us know.