I'm about to use my Bradley for the first time just had a quick question. In the past I have used smoke for the entire time but I've seen a few posts on here where people are only using it part of the time. Any advice? I'm smoking a 6.5lb butt and usually go for about 8hrs.
I am far from an expert but I would start with 2 -3 hours of smoke. In my experience it takes about 2 hours a pound to cook it in the Bradley. I am sure the experts will be along soon.
pre heat your box to 225 F along with your puck burner for 30 minutes or a bit longer, put your 6.5 lb but in the smoker. close the door, add in your favorite wood pucks so you have 3 hours of smoke, advance the pucks so one is on the burner, full the water bowl and place in the smoker,,, open your top vent,
when the smoke has stopped continue to cook the butt in the smoker,,, most would go for pulled pork, for pulled pork general temperature range is 185- 200 F when the meat is done it is done!
if you are not going for pulled pork, you can remove it as soon as it reaches an I.T of 145 F
on a pulled pork of 6.5 lb it would take somewhere 6 and 12 hours,,, would start checking it at 6 hours unless you have a remote thermometer
good luck and have fun
Quote from: beefmann on December 30, 2013, 06:58:39 AM
pre heat your box to 225 F along with your puck burner for 30 minutes or a bit longer, put your 6.5 lb but in the smoker. close the door, add in your favorite wood pucks so you have 3 hours of smoke, advance the pucks so one is on the burner, full the water bowl and place in the smoker,,, open your top vent,
when the smoke has stopped continue to cook the butt in the smoker,,, most would go for pulled pork, for pulled pork general temperature range is 185- 200 F when the meat is done it is done!
if you are not going for pulled pork, you can remove it as soon as it reaches an I.T of 145 F
on a pulled pork of 6.5 lb it would take somewhere 6 and 12 hours,,, would start checking it at 6 hours unless you have a remote thermometer
good luck and have fun
6 to 12 hours gives lots of uncertainty time. Plan on the longer time and Foil, Towel, Cooler (FTC) should it get done sooner. you can FTC for a very long time with no ill effects. Use a remote thermometer, plan on the longer time. FTC if needed, relax and enjoy the final product. You will want it to cool some before pulling. It took me 16 hours for a 9.5# shoulder
Don't panic if your butt stall around 165 for 2 or 3 hours. That is normal.
I recommend that you apply smoke for 2 to 4 hours. I like a heavier smoke flavor so I would do 4 hours. IMHO any more than 4 hours is a waste of money.