First smoked turkey

[ABecker]

I'm doing my first smoked turkey for Thanksgiving this year. Just a few questions. Will 2 turkeys fit on a WSM18, and what do you guys recommend for a rub for the turkey?

 

[Chris Allingham]

From Turkey Selection & Preparation:

Yes, two 12-14 pound turkeys will fit in the 18.5" or 22.5" WSM, one on each cooking grate. The distance between the top and bottom grates is 7.5" in the 18.5" WSM and 9" in the 22.5" WSM, so purchase birds that are broad and flat. You may want to take a ruler or measuring tape to the grocery store...better safe than sorry.

As for rubs, you can go with a simple salt & pepper to compliment the smoke flavor, or a creole seasoning like Tony Chachere's (sold at most grocery stores), or I've used SYD All-Purpose Rub with good results. You'll find the SYD recipe in this article:

Whole Turkey - Brined Butterball Self-Basting

I also like the cinnamon/cumin rub from this article:

Turkey Breast - Boneless & Skinless

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Bob H.]

It never hurts to do a trial run with a small turkey before the big day for practice. I like crispy turkey skin and usually
don't use a rub on a turkey. But everyone likes different things.

 

[Dwain Pannell]

Similar to Tony Chachere's is Cajun Shake which is basically a seasoned salt. I've been using it for years and years.