Smoking wet-brined and spatchcocked turkeys

[DAWard74]

I'll be smoking a couple turkeys in my Masterbuilt propane smoker on Thursday. Tonight, I am wet-brining them. There are two things I am seeking guidance on:

1. Brine whole or spatchcocked? I can't decide whether to brine the birds whole or go ahead and spatchcock them for the brine. After the brine, I do plan to apply a rub. Anyone have advice on this?

2. I'm trying to get a sense of how long they should be in the smoker on Thursday. (internal temp, of course) I've read so many different things. I plan to smoke them at around 325. One thing I read said this would only take 2-3 hours, but said it depended on if they were brined or not. Others say 6-10 hours! Quite a difference. I need to have a general idea so I can time it correctly. Anyone got experience and advice on this? Thanks in advance!
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Chargriller SmokinPro, side firebox
Masterbuilt propane smoker

[jar]

What size birds are you smoking ?

[suckaass]

1. I'd say it depends on the container you're going to brine them in. I don't think it makes any difference you brine them whole or spatchcocked as long as the meat is fully submerged in the brine.

After the brine, apply your favorite rub. Just make sure to get it under the skin too


2. I cook my brined turkeys whole on my offset at around 325, and it usually takes about 15 min./ lb. Figure another hour on top of that for time lost due to checking/ basting and for allowing time to rest when it comes off the pit. Cook times may differ for a spatchcocked bird, but I'm not sure since I don't usually cook em that way.

Good luck and have fun
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save the neck for me, Clark - Cousin Eddie

[Pete Mazz]

I would spatchcock them while trimming. Use the backbone in your gravy pot.

3-4 hours should be plenty for a medium sized bird.
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A spatchcock bird will cook a lot faster than a whole bird will
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