Let's Talk BBQ

Outdoor Cooking Equipment => Grills & Smokers => Charcoal Smokers => Topic started by: nylic76 on October 17, 2014, 09:24:54 PM

Title: What is the max size turkey a Junior can handle
Post by: nylic76 on October 17, 2014, 09:24:54 PM

I'm trying to decide what to use this year to cook the big bird next month.....my Traeger Jr.,  the Big Easy, or, use my turkey fryer.  So, how big a turkey can you cook on a Jr?

Title: Re: What is the max size turkey a Junior can handle
Post by: RAD on October 17, 2014, 10:46:01 PM

Don't know anything about the JR but since I got my BE that is the only way I make turkeys.

Title: Re: What is the max size turkey a Junior can handle
Post by: Las Vegan Cajun on October 18, 2014, 01:23:25 AM

According to the sources I have read 12-14 lbs on the JR.

Title: Re: What is the max size turkey a Junior can handle
Post by: Pam Gould on October 18, 2014, 08:14:53 AM

Quote from: Las Vegan Cajun on October 18, 2014, 01:23:25 AM

According to the sources I have read 12-14 lbs on the JR.

Ask High on Smoke..he has one.  Pam   .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ.    

Title: Re: What is the max size turkey a Junior can handle
Post by: HighOnSmoke on October 18, 2014, 09:42:30 AM

I haven't done a turkey yet on my Traeger Junior.  (too many other cookers!  8) ) But I wouldn't
go over the 12 to 14 pound mark.  Traeger recommends 15 pounds and under for all their cookers.

Title: Re: What is the max size turkey a Junior can handle
Post by: Hub on October 18, 2014, 10:07:03 AM

Suggestion:  Measure your interior (depth, height, width) then take your tape measure to the grocery store with you.  Why?  Poundage isn't always a perfect indicator of turkey size.  The amount of injection added to the bird and its breed, freezing method and sex will affect size, too.

You'll need clearance in any pellet cooker because of the convection effect -- circulation of heated air.  I'd say keep the bird sized so that there is at least an inch of clearance at the tightest point and you'll be fine.

For most impact, thaw the bird very thoroughly (slowly in the fridge for several days is best), wash it out and pat it dry -- put it in the cooker cool but with no frozen spots.  Set your controller to smoke for about 30 minutes and let it "bask" then kick it on up to 250-275 for an hour or two (slow cook with some smoke) then move on to 350 for the finish (160 degrees in the thigh).  Because of the slower cooking, do not stuff the bird.  Allow plenty of time so you'll finish early (wrap in foil and place in an empty cooler -- it will stay hot for three or four hours).

I've done a couple of turkeys this way on both of my pellet machines and the results are most enjoyable.  You'll get a light smoke flavor and crisp skin.

Hub 

Title: Re: What is the max size turkey a Junior can handle
Post by: Pam Gould on October 18, 2014, 10:29:11 AM

I don't have a jr., married to a Jr. but..nevermind.. but I would spatchcock mine. It would definitely fit then.  Pam   .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ.    

Title: Re: What is the max size turkey a Junior can handle
Post by: Smokin Soon on October 18, 2014, 11:01:12 AM

I like to go on smoke mode on my Traeger for 60 - 90 minutes and into the Big Easy to finish.