For those looking to take their outdoor grilling game up a notch, smoking a whole turkey on a pellet grill is the perfect way to do it.
Achieving that delicious smoky flavor while cooking your entire bird requires careful preparation and attention.
From choosing the right type of turkey, setting up your pellet grill correctly, understanding how long to smoke for, and finishing off with proper basting techniques – all these steps will ensure you get the best-tasting smoked turkey every time!
Let’s explore each step in detail so you can confidently start smoking your turkeys on a pellet grill today!
Choose Right Turkey
When it comes to grilling a turkey, the type of turkey you choose can make all the difference.
You may choose a fresh turkey or a frozen turkey. Butterball turkeys are specially bred for tenderness and flavor, making them an ideal choice for your grill.
Regular turkeys are usually less expensive than Butterballs but may not be as flavorful or juicy when cooked.
Size Matters
The size of your turkey is important when choosing which one to buy.
A large Butterball will feed more people than a regular-sized turkey, so if you’re cooking for a crowd, go with the larger bird. If you’re only feeding a few people, opt for the smaller option.
Thawing Times
Butterball turkeys come pre-brined and frozen, so they take longer to thaw out before cooking than regular birds do.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to properly thaw out your frozen turkey before grilling it; otherwise, it won’t cook evenly on the outside while still being raw in some areas on the inside.
Flavorful & Juicy
Butterballs have been specifically bred over many years to be extra flavorful and juicy compared to regular turkeys due to their higher fat content – especially noticeable after grilling or smoking them low and slow.
This makes them perfect for those who want maximum flavor from their grilled poultry dishes without having any dry spots in their meat afterward.
Price Point
Regular turkeys tend to cost less than Butterballs, but don’t let price be your only deciding factor.
Consider what kind of flavors and textures you want to get the best results from your grilled dish.
Choosing the right turkey is essential to getting the best results when smoking an entire turkey on a pellet grill. Now that you have selected your bird, it’s time to prepare it for cooking.
Preparing the Turkey
Preparing the turkey for smoking is an important step in creating a delicious meal. Start by thawing the turkey in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before smoking.
This will ensure that your bird is completely thawed and ready to be cooked. Once it has been thawed, remove any giblets and neck inside the cavity, rinse with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
To give your turkey flavor, rub the outside with a mixture of herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, or whatever you prefer.
Next up is brining. Brining helps keep your meat moist during the cooking process, so it doesn’t dry out during smoking.
You can use either a wet or dry brine, depending on what you prefer; both are equally effective when done correctly.
For a wet brine, mix salt water (1 cup of salt per gallon of water) along with some aromatics like bay leaves or peppercorns if desired, then submerge your turkey into this solution overnight in the fridge (8-12 hours).
If using a dry brine, simply combine equal parts brown sugar and salt plus any other seasonings you would like to add, then rub all over the skin of your bird before refrigerating overnight (again 8-12 hours).
Once finished brining, make sure to rinse off any excess liquid from its surface before drying it off thoroughly again with paper towels. Now that everything is prepped, we can set up our pellet grill.
Once you have your turkey prepped, it’s time to set up the pellet grill and get ready for smoking.
Smoking a Whole Turkey on a Pellet Grill

When it comes to finishing the turkey on your pellet grill, there are a few key steps that you need to take.
First, make sure that the internal temperature of the turkey has reached 165°F. You can use an instant-read digital thermometer to check this.
Once it’s done cooking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will help keep all of those delicious juices inside.
Next, carve up your turkey and serve as desired. If you want something hot off the grill, slice up some pieces and put them back onto your pellet grill until they reach a nice golden brown color.
For cold dishes like salads or sandwiches, simply slice up what you need and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use.
Finally, don’t forget all those tasty drippings left behind after cooking. These are full of smoke flavor and can be used to make amazing turkey gravy or sauces for other dishes down the road.
Simply strain out any large chunks with a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or jar before storing them in an airtight container in your fridge until ready to use again.
No matter how you decide to finish your grilled turkey feast – whether hot off the grill or cold – just remember that proper preparation is vital when grilling any type of meat on a pellet smoker. With these tips in mind, now enjoy every last bite.
Once the turkey is finished, remove it from the grill and rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Now that you have a perfectly smoked whole turkey, it’s time to clean up and prepare for your next grilling adventure.
Cleaning Up
When it comes to cleaning up after grilling, the most important thing is to make sure your grill has cooled completely before you begin.
This is essential for safety reasons and also helps prevent any damage that could be caused by heat.
Once the grill has cooled, remove any ashes or debris from the firebox using a brush or vacuum cleaner.
If you have a pellet grill, remove the pellets and store them in an airtight container away from moisture until subsequent use.
Next, take a damp cloth or brush and wipe down all the grates on your grill. Make sure to get into all of those hard-to-reach areas as well.
Use a wire brush if necessary for more stubborn grease buildup. After wiping down each grate with a damp cloth, dry them with another clean cloth so they don’t rust over time.
Finally, check inside your firebox for any remaining debris that may have been missed during the initial cleanup and remove it with either a vacuum cleaner or broom/dustpan combination. Be sure to dispose of these items properly afterward.
Once everything is cleaned up and put away properly, you can rest assured knowing that your next BBQ session will be just as enjoyable as this one was.
FAQs in Relation to Smoking a Whole Turkey on a Pellet Grill
How long does it take to smoke a whole turkey on a pellet grill?
Smoking a whole turkey on a pellet grill typically takes between 4 and 6 hours. The exact cook time depends on the size of the bird, as well as the grill temperature. It’s important to keep an eye on your meat thermometer throughout the process and adjust accordingly if necessary. For best results, you should aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is cooked through. Additionally, baste your turkey regularly with either butter or oil while smoking for optimal flavor and moisture.
How long to smoke 20 pounds of turkey on a pellet grill?
Smoking a 20 lb turkey on a pellet grill can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. The consistent temperature should be set at 225-250°F, and the turkey should be placed in an aluminum pan with some liquid, such as broth or water, to help keep it moist. Check the internal temperature of the turkey regularly; when it reaches 165°F, it is done cooking. It’s important not to open the lid too often during the smoking process as this will cause the heat loss and increase cooking time. Once the turkey is done, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
How long does it take to smoke 15 pounds of turkey on a pellet grill?
Smoking a 15-pound turkey on a pellet grill typically takes around 4 to 5 hours. The time may vary depending on the temperature of the smoker and the size of your bird. It is important to monitor the internal temperature of your turkey throughout cooking, as it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before being considered safe for consumption. Additionally, you should allow at least 30 minutes after smoking for your turkey to rest before carving or serving. With proper preparation and monitoring, you can ensure a delicious smoked turkey.
Conclusion
With proper preparation, setup, and monitoring, you can have a delicious and juicy turkey that will impress your guests.
Remember to choose the right turkey for smoking, prepare it properly before placing it in the smoker, set up your wood pellet grill correctly, and monitor its temperature throughout cooking.
Finally, finish off with basting or glazing as desired and clean up afterward for an enjoyable experience when smoking a whole turkey on a pellet grill.
If you want to learn the best techniques for smoking a whole turkey on a pellet grill, look no further than BBQGrillGuides!
Our comprehensive guide will teach you all the tips and tricks necessary to make your next smoked turkey delicious.
From choosing your favorite wood pellets, marinades and seasonings, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions so that even beginner cooks can get great results every time.