Turkey Size

[mikeradio]

I am going to brine and smoke a turkey for Canada Thanksgiven.  Is it safe to use a 20lbs turkey?
I have read to use smaller turkeys so its not in the danger zone so long, if I brine the turkey
will that help protect it?

Thanks

[FLBentRider]

I am going to brine and smoke a turkey for Canada Thanksgiven.  Is it safe to use a 20lbs turkey?
I have read to use smaller turkeys so its not in the danger zone so long, if I brine the turkey
will that help protect it?

Thanks

I'm not sure it will fit. You might want to test fit one - you will probably have to go vertical to fit it in.

as far as the danger zone. The salt in the brine will help, but if it stresses you move it to the house oven after the smoke is done.

[mikeradio]

It will fit in my big smoker no problem ;D

I read 30 to 40 min per pound so that's 10 to 13 hours

I brine and smoked a small turkey before and everyone loved it, but this year
we have 14 people coming for dinner, so I figured a need a large bird.

[FLBentRider]

What kind of temps can your big smoker do?

IMHO - poultry does not benefit as much from the low and slow as beef and pork.

If you can maintain 275F to 300F it should shorten the cook time.