How to Smoke a 14-Pound Turkey on a Pellet Smoker Safely?

By Avi Green October 01, 2023

When it comes to cooking during the holidays, nothing tops the excitement of preparing a perfectly smoked turkey. If you're looking to answer the question of how to smoke a 14-pound turkey on a pellet smoker, youve come to the right place. This guide is tailored specifically for kitchen professionals eager to enhance their culinary skills.

With a pellet smoker, you can achieve deliciously smoked flavors while retaining moisture and tenderness in your turkey. This guide provides detailed steps, tips, and techniques to ensure your turkey turns out spectacular. Get ready to impress your clients or family!

how to smoke a 14-pound turkey on a pellet smoker

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

To get started on your journey to smoking a turkey, you will need some specific ingredients and equipment:

14-pound turkey
Wood pellets (preferably apple, cherry, or hickory)
Pellet smoker
Meat thermometer
Brine solution (water, salt, sugar, spices)
Injection marinade (optional)
Aluminum foil

Preparing Your Turkey

The first step in the process is to prepare your turkey adequately:

Brining Your Turkey

Brining is essential for adding moisture and flavor. Prepare a brine solution by combining about 1 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of sugar in a gallon of water. You can also add herbs and spices like rosemary and thyme for extra flavor.

Soak the turkey in the brine solution for at least 12 hours, or preferably overnight. Rinse thoroughly with cold water after brining, and pat dry with paper towels.

Injecting Flavor (Optional)

If you want to take flavor to the next level, consider injecting a marinade into the breast and thighs of your turkey. This will lock in more juices. You might use a simple solution of melted butter, garlic, and herbs for an extra depth of flavor.

Setting Up the Pellet Smoker

Setting up the pellet smoker correctly is crucial for achieving the perfect smoke:

Choose Your Pellets Wisely

The type of wood pellets you choose will greatly affect the flavor of your turkey. Popular choices include apple for a sweet flavor or hickory for a stronger taste. Make sure to have enough pellets for the duration of the smoking process.

Preheating Your Smoker

Preheat your pellet smoker to 225F (107C). This low-and-slow method is ideal for ensuring even cooking and smoke absorption.

Smoking Process

Now that your turkey is prepared and your smoker is set up, it's time to smoke:

Smoking the Turkey

Place the turkey breast side up on the smoker rack. As a rule of thumb, allow about 30-35 minutes of smoking time per pound of turkey. For a 14-pound turkey, plan for around 7-8 hours of cooking time.

Monitor your smoker's temperature and ensure it stays consistent. Adding pellets periodically will help maintain the heat.