How long to smoke a pork butt

After a long week of work, you finally have a chance to fire up the smoker and indulge in some quality time with family and friends. Enthusiasm is high as you plan a backyard barbecue and decide to feature a succulent pork butt as the centerpiece of the feast. However, as you prepare to get everything set, a pressing question crosses your mind: How long will it take to smoke this delicious cut of meat to perfection? Understanding the cooking time is crucial for timing your gathering and ensuring that your guests are served a mouthwatering meal that will leave them wanting more.

It typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours per pound to smoke a pork butt at 225-250°F.

Smoking a pork butt requires patience and attention to detail to ensure optimal results. Generally, smoking at a temperature of 225°F to 250°F will result in a cooking time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per pound. For example, if you have a 10-pound pork butt, you can expect it to take somewhere between 15 to 20 hours to cook fully. It’s also important to monitor the internal temperature of the meat, aiming for around 195°F to 205°F for the best tenderness and flavor. Remember that factors like your particular smoker’s efficiency, the starting temperature of the meat, and how consistently you maintain the cooking temperature can all influence the overall cooking time. Be sure to allow for some resting time–typically 30 minutes to an hour–after it’s finished cooking to let the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful pork butt that’s perfect for pulling apart.