911!! 2 13Lb spatchcocked turkey's on a 22.5" please help he estimate cook time.

[John_Goebel]

Very much a last minute deal, cooking for my brothers girlfriends family. Sadly her mother is really ill and this may well be her last holiday. Feeling quite a bit of pressure to deliver a nice spread to feed 14 or 15 people. They have all had my Q before and loved it BUT I have NEVER smoked a turkey before.

Food will be picked up and driven to their family home, about a 30 minute drive. I plan on cooking and carving the birds then into foil pans with hot broth/butter combo to keep temp as best as possible. Then into big igloo coolers for transport.

My main concern is cook time? Both bird's are 13.1 Lbs before prep. I plan on spatchcocking both birds no injection as they are butterball fresh birds pre brined, just butter and light rub over and under the skin. One on top grate and the other on the bottom, I figure I'll need to rotate top and bottom at least once? Gonna' be chilly in the morning 28 degrees or so wind should be manageable.

All food needs to be packed up and ready to leave my place at 1:30pm est. I am going to try for 350 at the top grate using blue bag and apple wood chunks full ring and scatter the lit coals. Full water pan also.

I do have a very nice true convection oven as well.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and happy holidays,
John Goebel

 

[YYang]

Sorry to hear about your brother's girlfriend's mom. It's nice of you to help her make some great holiday memories.

I'll let more experienced people chime in on cook times and such, but here are a few observations:

1. You said you planned to carve and put into foil pans. Do you mean that you're going to carve and slice? I would suggest carving whole pieces (breasts, drums, thighs) and waiting to slice them on site in the interest of maintaining moisture and heat.

2. Don't use a full water pan. It'll just mess with the skin and make it harder to reach 350.

3. The forums have some great tips on getting to 350. From what I've read so far, it helps to use an empty water pan, let the lit coals sit on top of the unlit for a few minutes before assembling the cooker, and prop the lid open with a skewer to increase air flow.

4. Use wood conservatively. 3 chunks or so would be plenty for two birds.

Have you seen this page from the site on butterflied turkey? http://virtualweberbullet.com/turkey8.html

 

[Steven Paul]

Sorry to hear about your situation. Some years ago I was in a similar situation, I decided to smoke the Turkey for about an hour, then I popped it into a preheated oven and it was excellent. I had all that extra time to spend with loved ones. Good luck and enjoy your holiday!