Grilling/Smoking How To

Cooking Times to Smoke Meat

March 11, 2018

Suggested Cooking Times for Smoking Meat

Smoking times vary based on the type of meat, weight, outside temperature and type of smoker (e.g. gas, charcoal, electric). Our suggested cooking times are for general reference only. You should always use a meat thermometer to determine when your meat is safely cooked. For safe to eat internal temperatures and details for using a smoker refer to How to Use a Smoker.

The times below are all approximate using a charcoal smoker.

Pork/Beef Ribs

Full rack = 4 to 6 hours ( sometimes you can get by with 4 hours, but leaving the ribs smoke longer gives more flavor)

Beef Roasts, Beef Brisket, Venison

3 to 4 lb roast = 4 - 5 hours cooking time
Over 4 lbs = 1 hour per pound

Pork Roasts

3 to 4 lb roast = 5.5 to 6 hours cooking time
5 to 7 lb roast = 7.5 - 8.5 hours

Chicken

6 to 8 breasts = 3.5 to 5 hours

Turkey Leg

1 leg = 4 hours

Fish

Filets = 1.5 to 2.5 hours (approx 6 oz each up to 6 filets)
Whole Fish (4 to 5 lbs) = 3 to 4.5 hours

Smoking Times and Temperature by MyBestSmoker

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