Independent buying guides for grilling and smoking

Smoking Time Calculator

Plan your cook backwards from dinner time. Times are estimates, so always cook to internal temperature, not the clock.

Result

Estimated cook time
15 hours
Plus rest
1-2 hours
Target finish
195-205°F probe tender
USDA safe minimum
145°F + 3 min rest

Large cuts can stall for hours around 150-170°F. Leave a buffer, and rest brisket and shoulder wrapped for at least an hour.

How this calculator works

Typical rates at 225°F: brisket about 1.25 h/lb, pork shoulder about 1.5 h/lb, turkey about 30 min/lb, chicken about 50 min/lb. Higher smoker temperatures shorten this by roughly 15% at 250°F and 25% at 275°F. Finish temperatures for tenderness sit well above USDA minimums for safety.