Whole Turkey

mlhawken · January 19, 2011, 08:04:11 AM

I am considering the purchase of the Bradley digital 4 rack. If I remove some of the racks can I smoke a whole turkey?
Thanks

jiggerjams · January 19, 2011, 09:08:19 AM

Hey mlhawken,

The answer is yes you can. If you like scan around the poultry section of the forum targeting around Christmas and thanksgiving. You will see some posts there on the topic.

JJ

TedEbear · January 19, 2011, 09:56:36 AM

Quote from: mlhawken on January 19, 2011, 08:04:11 AM
I am considering the purchase of the Bradley digital 4 rack. If I remove some of the racks can I smoke a whole turkey?
Thanks

I smoked a 10 lb turkey in my 4 rack OBS for Thanksgving. Someone else brought another 10 lb turkey to the family dinner in which they'd cooked it in the oven overnight. Mine was all gone by the end of the meal. There was about 1/2 left of the other turkey. ;D

OU812 · January 19, 2011, 10:13:03 AM

I smoke/cook turkey all the time, just try to keep the bird under 14 lb, it cooks better.

Keep the vent wide open and cook with high heat, you dont need slow N low with poultry.

Captainslug · January 19, 2011, 12:43:01 PM

Quote from: OU812 on January 19, 2011, 10:13:03 AM
I smoke/cook turkey all the time, just try to keep the bird under 14 lb, it cooks better.

Keep the vent wide open and cook with high heat, you don't need slow N low with poultry.

14lbs is about right for using the trays (I doubled mine up just to play it safe). I heard you can do larger but have to hang it. The bird I cooked about 6 weeks ago took roughly 30 mins a pound @ 240* but that was me. Always plan for the cook to take longer than you think.

Enjoy!

GusRobin · January 20, 2011, 06:27:52 AM

I did a 12 lb er --here is the thread.
http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=17787.0

Uncle Pigfat · January 20, 2011, 07:05:23 PM

If you pick up a vertical stand you can do a bigger bird. They have one at yard and pool. I'm doing a 14.4 lb bird this weekend in my BDS4.

ArnieM · January 20, 2011, 07:28:26 PM

I like a 12-14 pounder. Use a vertical rack if you can. If the bird is laying down there will be a LOT of hot juice in the cavity. Also, as Captainslug said, it may take longer than you think.

I'd just as soon as giving it a few hours of smoke as hot as the smoker can go and then going into a 375 oven to finish it off. Just my opinion.

Quarlow · January 20, 2011, 07:34:01 PM

I did 17 lb'r. Smoked in the bradley then dump it in the BE's basket and finished it to perfection. God I love my Bradley and my Big Easy. Life is good.....Ok, I am ok, just got a little carried away there. ;D ;D

OU812 · January 21, 2011, 06:25:45 AM

I'm on the same boat as Q

Smoke the turkey in the Bradley sitting on a thrown then finish in TBE.

Tender, juicy and crisp skin.