Smoke Pork Shoulder on Pit Boss: How Long It Really Takes

Smoking a pork shoulder on a Pit Boss pellet grill is one of the most satisfying backyard BBQ experiences.

This cut is forgiving, flavorful, and ideal for slow cooking.

But one of the most common questions people ask is: how long does it actually take?

Let’s break it down simply so you can plan your perfect smoke.

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What’s the Ideal Smoking Temperature?

For tender, pull-apart pork shoulder, the ideal temperature on your Pit Boss pellet grill is 225°F.

At this low-and-slow setting, you give the meat enough time to absorb that rich, smoky flavor while breaking down the tough connective tissues.

If you're short on time, you can bump the temp up to 250°F or even 275°F, but the texture will be slightly different.

Learn More – Read the Full Guide: What is the Perfect Temperature of Cooked Meat in Celsius?

General Rule: Time Per Pound

At 225°F, a good rule of thumb is:

1.5 to 2 hours per pound of pork shoulder.

So for common sizes:

• 6 lb shoulder → 9 to 12 hours

• 8 lb shoulder → 12 to 16 hours

• 10 lb shoulder → 15 to 20 hours

Yes, it’s a long process — but 100% worth it.

Key Temperatures (Not Just Time!)

Time is a guideline.

Internal temperature is what really matters.

• At 165°F, your pork hits the stall (it stops rising for hours).

• At 195°F to 205°F, your pork shoulder is done and ready to shred.

Use a meat thermometer to track this.

If you want a cheat sheet, Easy Function makes a magnetic smoking guide that sticks right to your grill and tells you the perfect temp for pork shoulder and more.

Buy Easy Function Meat Smoking Guide - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Meat Smoking Guide - Amazon USA

To Wrap or Not to Wrap?

Many pitmasters wrap the pork shoulder in foil or butcher paper around 160–170°F to power through the stall.

This technique, often called the “Texas Crutch,” speeds things up by locking in moisture.

Unwrapped = more bark

Wrapped = juicier and faster cook

It’s up to your style.

Rest Time is Key

Once your pork hits 200°F internal temp, pull it off the Pit Boss and let it rest for at least 1 hour, wrapped in foil and a towel, inside a cooler.

This lets juices redistribute and improves shreddability.

Final Thoughts

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

👉 Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours per pound at 225°F

👉 Target internal temp: 195°F to 205°F

👉 Rest for at least 1 hour before pulling

Patience pays off.

Low and slow wins every time.

Looking to make your next BBQ session easier?

Click the image below to check out our range of helpful BBQ tools and smoking accessories from Easy Function.

We’ve got what every pitmaster needs.

👉 Explore Easy Function BBQ gear on Amazon