How Long to Smoke a Turkey on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill (12–20 lb Time Chart & Brine)
Thanksgiving Pit Boss smoked turkey time and temperature chart for 12 lb, 14 lb, 16 lb, and 18 lb whole or spatchcocked turkeys, including crispy skin tips and apple-maple pellet pairings.
Pit Boss Smoked Turkey Time Chart by Weight (250°F–300°F)
Unlike brisket, turkey has very little intramuscular fat, so smoking too low (like 200°F for 8 hours) dries out the breast and leaves the skin rubbery. Running your Pit Boss at 250°F for the first hour of smoke and then 300°F (or 275°F throughout) produces juicy white meat and golden, bite-through skin.
| Turkey Weight | Whole Turkey at 275°F–300°F | Spatchcocked at 300°F | Target Breast Temp | Target Thigh Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 – 12 lb Turkey | 2.5 – 3 hours | 1.75 – 2.25 hours | 160°F–165°F | 175°F |
| 12 – 14 lb Turkey | 3 – 3.5 hours | 2.25 – 2.75 hours | 160°F–165°F | 175°F |
| 14 – 16 lb Turkey | 3.5 – 4.25 hours | 2.5 – 3 hours | 160°F–165°F | 175°F |
| 16 – 18 lb Turkey | 4.25 – 5 hours | 3 – 3.5 hours | 160°F–165°F | 175°F |
Tested gear to achieve the exact temperatures, tender doneness, and results in this guide:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long to smoke a 14 lb turkey at 250 degrees?
At 250°F on a Pit Boss pellet grill, a 14 lb unstuffed whole turkey takes roughly 4 to 4.5 hours (about 18–20 minutes per pound) to reach 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Bumping the temperature to 300°F for the final 45 minutes crisps the skin.
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
250°F to 275°F (or 1 hour at 225°F followed by 300°F) is better for whole turkey than 225°F the entire time, because poultry skin needs higher heat to render fat and turn crisp rather than leathery.
Recipe by Robert P. Anderson
Adapted from Pit Boss Smoker Cookbook for Beginners and edited for American kitchens by the RecipeVault Pro editorial team — US & metric measurements, USDA-safe doneness temperatures, and practical tips. Our editorial policy
