How to Smoke a Turkey on a Brinkmann Smoker Grill

Brinkmann Cook'N Ca'Jun Charcoal Smoker Grill

There are many excellent ways to prepare a turkey, but only one way to give your bird a true smoked flavor. Brinkmann electric and charcoal smokers cook at a low temperature in a moist environment and constantly baste the turkey to succulent perfection. A 12 to 16 pound turkey will smoke in 8 to 12 hours, so start early in the day or prepare the turkey the day before you plan to serve it.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Brinkmann smoker
• Charcoal or lava rocks
• Water or marinade
• Turkey
• Wood chips or chunks
• Meat thermometer

1. Fill the smoker's charcoal pan with briquettes or lump charcoal and let the coals burn until the surface is covered with ash (about 20 minutes). If you're using an electric smoker, plug the unit in and be sure to use lava rocks.

2. Fill the water pan with water or marinade and set it in place. After the water has heated to near boiling, add damp wood chunks or chips to the hot coals or lava rocks.

3. 

   Prepare a 12 to 16-pound turkey as you would for oven roasting and set it in the smoker on a lightly greased grill. Heavier birds will not fit well in the Brinkmann smoker and may cook unevenly. If you're making stuffing, cook it separately.

4. Adjust the Brinkmann smoker's vents to hold the temperature at 230 to 250 degrees. If your smoker's thermometer is not graduated in degrees, keep the temperature in the high half of the "ideal" range.

5. Check the coals, wood chips and water level every two hours. Cooking times vary, but allow 35 to 40 minutes per pound.

6. Test for doneness with a meat thermometer. Breast meat is done at 165 degrees. Dark meat should register 180 degrees.

Tips & Warnings

• Decrease cooking time by separating the turkey into pieces. Cook two turkeys on different grills instead of one heavy turkey. Brine the turkey overnight for added flavor and juiciness. Try diluted marinades such as wine or apple juice in the water pan. Use a light touch on the wood chips until you have a feel for how much to add.