Would you do one full pork butt or cut into halves?

[Dan A]

Hi, I'm going to do pulled pork this weekend. My first one was 3.5lbs and it tasted great. Smoked it for 4 hours and pulled it at 195 after 10 hours. My question is, would it be better to smoke a full size butt at 9 lbs or two 4.5 lb halves? It makes sense you would get more seasoning and bark on two halves, but maybe I'm crazy. Am I over thinking this or?

 

[timothy]

Bone in I would leave it. Boneless you could divide it in half or fourths.

Tim

 

[Dwain Pannell]

You're not crazy. A lot of folks cut them for the same reason.

 

[Cee El]

I saw a half picnic in my walmart yesterday. I don't remember them sold here before. I was tempted to buy a couple just to throw in the freezer but I already had about a ten pounder in there from a few weeks back. The appeal for me to half or quarter a shoulder or buy one already done is
high because I usually make too much bbq and have to take it to relatives or freeze it.

 

[Jim Bounds]

Cut it in half and you get more bark to the bite! Also, cooks faster.

 

[Enrico Brandizzi]

You're not crazy. I read a lot about portioning boston butt to get more bark and goodness!

 

[Carl H.]

Tried it both ways. I like cutting them.

 

[~Mark~]

And this is why I joined this forum. Great info!!

 

[Dan A]

Thanks everyone, I will definitely do two bone in halves. Can't wait till the weekend! It sounds stupid but I actually look forward to smoking meats. It can be time consuming, hot, messy, and tiring, but I just can't stop!

 

[James Lake]

If your anxious to get to your smoker and you think that might sound stupid, than I'm stupid also, I'm excited to see the results of your cook.