How Long Does It Take to Smoke a Pork Shoulder on a Pellet Grill?

Smoking a pork shoulder on a pellet grill is a labor of love — and patience.

If you’re aiming for juicy, fall-apart pulled pork, time is your secret ingredient.

So, how long does it take to smoke a pork shoulder on a pellet grill?

Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, clear, and beginner-friendly.

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Average Time to Smoke a Pork Shoulder

On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours per pound to smoke a pork shoulder at 225°F.

That means a typical 8-pound pork shoulder will need anywhere from 12 to 16 hours to reach perfect tenderness.

This isn’t fast food — it’s low and slow.

The goal isn’t just cooking the meat, but breaking down the fat and connective tissue so you get that tender, shreddable result everyone loves.

Key Smoking Temperature and Target Internal Temp

Set your pellet grill to 225°F for low and slow cooking.

This is the sweet spot for smoking.

Your pork shoulder is done when it hits an internal temperature of 195°F to 205°F.

But don’t go by temperature alone — probe tenderness matters. 

When you insert a meat probe and it slides in like soft butter, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Want help checking internal temps at a glance?

Easy Function’s Meat Temperature Magnet Chart is a handy guide you can stick right on your grill or fridge for quick reference.

It’s especially useful if you’re smoking different cuts of meat regularly.

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon Canada

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What Size Shoulder Are You Smoking?

Here’s a quick breakdown by weight (at 225°F):

• 4 lb shoulder: 6–8 hours

• 6 lb shoulder: 9–12 hours

• 8 lb shoulder: 12–16 hours

• 10 lb shoulder: 15–20 hours

But remember, these are estimates. Fat content, bone-in vs. boneless, and even weather can influence cook time.

Why The Stall Might Take Longer

Around 150–165°F, pork shoulder hits something called “the stall.”

This is when internal moisture evaporates and cools the meat, slowing down the cooking.

It can last hours but don’t panic. It’s normal.

If you’re in a hurry, you can wrap the shoulder in foil or butcher paper around 165°F.

This method, called the “Texas Crutch,” helps push through the stall faster without drying the meat out.

Resting the Pork Shoulder

Once your pork shoulder hits that magical 200°F mark and passes the tenderness test, it’s time to rest.

Let it sit, wrapped in foil or butcher paper, in a cooler or turned-off oven for at least 1 hour.

This helps the juices redistribute, making the pork easier to shred and more flavorful.

What If You Crank the Heat?

Yes, you can raise the grill temp to 250°F or even 275°F to shorten the cook.

But be careful — higher heat can dry out the meat or give you a tougher bark.

At 250°F, figure about 1 hour per pound.

At 275°F, maybe 45–50 minutes per pound.

It’ll cook faster, but you may sacrifice some tenderness and smoke flavor.

Do You Need to Flip the Pork Shoulder?

Nope! Just place it fat-side up and let the pellet grill do the work.

There’s no need to flip or fuss.

The fat cap helps keep the meat moist as it renders during the cook.

Use a Pellet Grill Smoking Guide

If you're new to smoking or juggling multiple meats at once, a Meat Smoking Guide & Magnet from Easy Function can be a great cheat sheet.

Stick it to your grill and get instant answers without grabbing your phone with greasy fingers.

Buy Easy Function Meat Smoking Guide - Amazon Canada

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Final Thoughts

So how long does it take to smoke a pork shoulder on a pellet grill?

Plan on 12 to 16 hours at 225°F for a standard 8-pound shoulder.

Be patient, trust the process, and use a meat thermometer to guide you — not just the clock.

Ready to take your BBQ game to the next level?

Click the image or button below to check out our full range of BBQ tools and accessories at Easy Function.

Whether you're new to smoking or a seasoned pitmaster, we’ve got the gear to make grilling easier and more fun.