Do Brined Birds Cook Faster?

[JimK]

I'm pretty sure they do. In this case, I'm talking specifically about a wet brine. It's been a few years since I've cooked the Thanksgiving bird, but I recall the last time that it was done MUCH earlier than anticipated. I'm planning to do a lightly stuffed, brined bird on the WSM, targeting 300-350. I'm expecting it to be about 17lbs. Normally, the estimated cook time would be 3.75-4.5 hours. Again, I'm going on memory here, but I think my bird of a similar size and prep was done in about 3 hours the last time.

 

[JeffB]

I'm pretty sure they do. In this case, I'm talking specifically about a wet brine. It's been a few years since I've cooked the Thanksgiving bird, but I recall the last time that it was done MUCH earlier than anticipated. I'm planning to do a lightly stuffed, brined bird on the WSM, targeting 300-350. I'm expecting it to be about 17lbs. Normally, the estimated cook time would be 3.75-4.5 hours. Again, I'm going on memory here, but I think my bird of a similar size and prep was done in about 3 hours the last time.

Based on my experience the last 2 or 3 years in which I brined my bird first for 24 hours submersed in liquid, then air dried for another 24 hours, I smoked them around the 300-350* range and finished earlier than expected. If memory serves, my birds have been around 15-17lbs and cooked in about 3 hours. Just like your post suggests.

Good luck with your bird!

 

[LarryR]

I do 20lb-ish birds and they seem to finish about 30 minutes early.