Cook Pork Shoulder on a Traeger Grill: How Long It Takes

Cooking pork shoulder on a Traeger grill is one of the best ways to bring out its rich, smoky flavor. 

But the most common question is: how long does it really take?

Here’s everything you need to know — clear, simple, and based on real Traeger grill performance.

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How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder on a Traeger Grill

The short answer:

At 225°F, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours per pound to smoke a pork shoulder until it's tender and fully cooked.

So if you have a 6 lb pork shoulder, you’re looking at 9 to 12 hours total cook time.

But that’s just the beginning. Let's break it down.

Ideal Internal Temperature for Pork Shoulder

You’re not cooking to time — you’re cooking to temperature.

Your target internal temp is:

• 195°F to 205°F for pulled pork (super tender)

• 185°F to 190°F for slicing (a bit firmer)

Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness. 

Many pitmasters stop at 203°F for a perfect pull-apart texture.

Check Out Our Guide For Further Details: What is the Perfect Temperature of Cooked Meat in Celsius?

Pork Shoulder Smoking Time Chart (Traeger 225°F)

Tip: Always allow 1 extra hour for rest and stall recovery. 

The stall usually happens around 160°F.

The Stall: What It Is and Why It Happens

If you notice your pork shoulder hovering at 160°F for hours — don’t panic. 

That’s the stall. 

Moisture is evaporating from the meat, which cools it down and slows the cook.

To push through:

• Just wait it out

OR

• Wrap it in butcher paper or foil at 160°F (called the Texas Crutch) to speed it up.
  
  

Should You Wrap Pork Shoulder on a Traeger?

It depends on your style.

• Unwrapped: More bark, longer cook

• Wrapped: Softer bark, shorter cook

Many backyard grillers use butcher paper at 160°F to save a few hours without losing texture.

When to Rest Pork Shoulder After Smoking

Once your pork hits 195–205°F, rest it for at least 30–60 minutes.

Wrap it in foil and place it in a cooler or warm oven (around 170°F). 

This helps juices settle and makes shredding much easier.

Do You Need to Flip Pork Shoulder on a Traeger?

Nope. 

One of the benefits of pellet grills like Traeger is indirect heat circulation. 

Just place the fat cap up, and let it smoke.

Keep the Flavor, Not the Mess

Smoking pork shoulder for hours builds up grease and grime on your grill. 

Keeping it clean helps avoid flare-ups and keeps the smoke flavor pure.

If you want an easy way to keep your Traeger or any grill cleaner, check out the Easy Function Grill Scraper. 

It’s bristle-free, safe for all grill types, and scrapes off gunk fast — especially after long smokes like pork shoulder.

Buy Easy Function Bristle Free Brush - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Bristle Free Scraper Brush - Amazon Canada

Best Pellets for Pork Shoulder

Use hardwood pellets like:

• Hickory: bold, smoky flavor

• Apple: sweeter, milder smoke

• Cherry: slightly tart, great color

• Blend: Traeger Signature or Competition blend

Avoid softwoods or cheap pellets — they burn hotter and can mess with smoke flavor.

Summary: How Long Does It Take?

If you’re planning your BBQ day, here’s a quick recap:

• Set your Traeger to 225°F

• Smoke 1.5–2 hours per pound

• Target 195–205°F internal temp

• Rest 30–60 minutes after cook

• Don’t forget the stall!

Plan ahead, check temp — not time — and you’ll get melt-in-your-mouth pork every time.

Ready to master your next BBQ session?

👉 Click the image below to check out our full range of BBQ tools and accessories that make grilling and smoking cleaner, safer, and more fun — from temperature magnets to grill scrapers and more.