I'm doing (as in previous post) 2 butts (6 & 7lbs).
I've seen people mention times anywhere from 10 -20 hours for that size.
What should I estimate?
Hi there, it's quite difficult to give times with big cuts of meat, as there's lots to consider, fat content?, bone in or out? cooking temp etc, but i would say expect at least 14 hours.
Whenever i'm doing shoulder/butts, i choose a time when i'm not working next day, i start smoking/cooking about 4 hours before i intend going to bed. After 4 hours of smoking, i change the water bowl with fresh hot water, if there's more than one butt cooking, i rotate them quickly, close the door and go to bed.
After that, i let the Bradley do it's thing until the meat hits 190F, then i remove and FTC for a couple of hours or so before pulling etc. ;)
This is making me very hungry, think i'll pay the butcher a visit, and see what the pork situation is ;D
LilSmoker (http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s62/Gitster59/Tip-Hat.gif)
Dscarry
I would go with the time closer to 16 to 18 hours.
If it gets done a couple of hours earlier FTC the bad boys a little longer.
Like it was stated above the fat content causes them to stall at the plateau (around 160 degrees)
for 3 or 4 hours. After that it's a slow steady climb to the 190 degree mark.
I usually take the time that I'm going to serve them and back off 18 hours for butts in that size range.
After sitting in the fridge over night with a rub on them I also just take them out put them in the smoker and don't even preheat the smoker. I monitor the temps with a remote thermometer and usually sleep through most of the overnight process.
Good luck
John