19# Turkey

[Steve Mayer]

I have a 19# turkey almost thawed. With it being so big, am I better off cutting it up and smoking it in peices or leaving it whole? I never smoke one over 12-13#'s. I'm also planning on brining.

Steve

 

[Ray Crick]

Steve,

I have never smoked one that big but I would try doing it whole. I have grilled a 22 pound bird, but largest I ahve smoked is 14 pounds.

For a bird that big, it will take a bit longer to cook so I would go easy on the amount of smoke wood. Poultry is easy to over-smoke, so less wood would be better.

Good luck,

Ray