How Long Does It Take to Smoke a 15 lb Turkey? Here's the Answer!

If you are planning to smoke a turkey, one of the first questions you will ask is simple.

How long does it take to smoke a 15 lb turkey?

The short answer is about 4 to 5 hours.

But the real answer depends on temperature, smoker type, and how steady your heat stays.

In this guide, you will get a clear, no-guess answer.

You will also learn what affects the time and how to know when your turkey is truly done.

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How Long Does It Take to Smoke a 15 lb Turkey?

A 15 lb turkey takes about 30 minutes per pound when smoked at 225°F to 250°F.

That means:

• 225°F: about 5 hours

• 250°F: about 4 to 4½ hours

This range works for most smokers.

Pellet, electric, charcoal, and offset smokers all follow this rule when heat stays steady.

The key thing to remember is this.

Time is a guide, not the final rule.

Internal temperature matters more than the clock.

Best Smoking Temperature for a 15 lb Turkey

The sweet spot for smoking turkey is 225°F to 250°F.

At this temperature:

• The meat cooks evenly

• The smoke flavor stays mild

• The turkey stays juicy

If you go lower than 225°F, the turkey can stay in the danger zone too long.

If you go much higher than 275°F, the skin may cook too fast while the inside lags behind.

Most pitmasters aim for 250°F because it balances time and moisture well.

If you like having exact numbers in front of you while cooking, this Best Smoked Turkey Temperature Chart is a helpful reference to keep nearby.

What Internal Temperature Means the Turkey Is Done?

A smoked turkey is safe to eat when the thickest part of the breast hits 165°F.

Check these spots:

• Breast: 165°F

• Thigh: 170–175°F

Always test away from the bone.

Bones heat faster and can give a false reading.

If the breast reaches 165°F first, pull the turkey.

Carryover heat will finish the rest as it rests.

Many cooks also rely on a simple Smoking Times and Temps Cheat Sheet: Quick Guide & Chart to confirm they are right on track.

Why Smoking Time Can Change

Even with the same weight, smoking time can change.

Here is why.

Smoker temperature swings

If your heat goes up and down, cooking takes longer.

Outdoor weather

Cold or windy days slow cooking.

Turkey shape

A compact bird cooks faster than a long, flat one.

Stuffed vs unstuffed

Stuffed turkeys take longer.

Most smokers recommend smoking unstuffed for safety.

Opening the lid

Each peek lets heat escape and adds time.

This is why using a thermometer is better than watching the clock.

Should You Brine a 15 lb Turkey Before Smoking?

Brining is optional, but many people do it.

Brining helps:

• Keep meat moist

• Add mild seasoning

• Reduce cooking stress

A basic brine takes 12 to 24 hours.

If you are short on time, you can skip it and still get great results.

Smoking already adds moisture when done right.

How to Tell When the Turkey Is Ready to Rest

Once your turkey hits temperature, do not carve right away.

Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes.

Resting allows:

• Juices to settle

• Meat to stay moist

• Easier slicing

Cover the turkey loosely with foil during rest.

Common Smoking Time Mistakes to Avoid

Many turkey issues come from a few simple mistakes.

Cooking only by time

Every bird cooks differently.

Running the smoker too low

This can dry out meat and delay cooking.

Pulling the turkey too late

Overcooking dries the breast fast.

Skipping temperature checks

This leads to guessing, not cooking.

A clear temperature chart near your smoker helps avoid all of these.

Many backyard smokers like using a simple reference such as the Easy Function Meat Smoking Guide magnet, which shows safe temps and doneness at a glance without opening your phone mid-cook.

Buy Easy Function Meat Smoking Guide - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Meat Smoking Guide - Amazon USA

Quick Time Summary for a 15 lb Smoked Turkey

Here is the simple answer again.

• Smoking temp: 225–250°F

• Time per pound: 30 minutes

• Total time: 4 to 5 hours

• Safe internal temp: 165°F (breast)

If your smoker stays steady, your turkey will come out juicy and full of smoke flavor.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does it take to smoke a 15 lb turkey?

About 4 to 5 hours, depending on your heat.

Focus on steady temperature and internal doneness, not just time.

That is the real secret to a great smoked turkey.

When you are ready, click the image to check out our products and explore our full range of grill and smoking tools designed to make every cook easier.

P.S. We regularly publish new recipes and grilling tips. Here’s the most recent one: Discover How Long to Grill Turkey Legs in Foil!