test chicken

[lipperj]

Decided to do a test chicken today.


Whole fryer. Cherry wood chips.
I had the temp at the top half at 250 constant for 4 hours. Chicken at 155 when it started to rain. Pulled it off and went to the oven at 375 for one hour.
I had the chicken in foil pan on top of charcoal bins on the bottom grate. Using Performer 22 inch.
I thought maybe 250 was a little cool if I am planning to do a 14lb turkey. May have to bump that a bit.
Started with 33 coals plus the 12 to start. Really happy with the constant temp but I see the need for a digital for both meat and the grill


Any pics of a digital set up would be appreciated

[ncsmoker]

First I assume you are using the Smokenator. Fill it completely full of coals then remove 12 and start them and replace when white. Don't try to save coals the grill will put them out when you shut it down. Try to find wood chunks they provide a more continuous smoke than chips. I also assume you were using the thermometer on the hood of the Performer. This can be 40-60 degrees higher than the grill temp, so you were really cooking if you were cooking below the grill at 180-190. Always use the grill for cooking chicken and turkey. The grill can hold up to about an 18lb turkey.

Your chicken should have taken between 2 and 3 hours at a grill temp of 250-275, your hood temp should have been 335-345. The best thermometer to use with the SN is the Maverick ET732. It is available through Amazon. Also get a good instant read thermometer. It doesn't have to be a $100 3sec one but I like one that reads in the 5-6 second range. Taylor makes a good one that can be recalibrated also from Amazon.

Please review all the good info on cooking turkeys in the next post down "Thanksgiving...Guess What" as WhiskeyCharlie also suggested and please feel free to ask more questions. That is what the forum is for.

Happy T-day

Tom

[lipperj]

Yes. I have had my SN for a few years now but it has been sitting under the grill gathering ash since the boys moved out. I am rejuvenating my love for the smoke but have never done a turkey.
I was using a candy thermometer stuck into the top vents, and checking against the performer hood therm...

I will get the recommended digital. Picked up some cherry chunks today. 
Thanks for the feedback Tom.

Joe.