Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:54:48 +0000

You Won’t Believe How Long It Takes to Smoke a Whole Turkey – The Surprising Answer! If you’ve ever wondered just how long it takes to smoke a whole turkey, you’re not alone. For holiday entertainers, backyard chefs, and turkey lovers everywhere, estimating the cooking timeline can be surprisingly tricky — and the actual time might just surprise you. ### The Hidden Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take? Smoking a whole turkey isn’t just about tossing it in the oven. To get a juicy, tender, fully-cooked turkey with perfectly crisp skin, slow smoking at low temperatures (typically between 180°F and 200°F or 82°C to 93°C) is key. This method allows moisture to slowly evaporate and intensifies flavor through low-and-slow cooking — but consistency is everything.