Mohamed Shili In a smoker preheated to 225 degrees F a 4 lb bone-in pork butt or Boston butt can take approximately 7 – 9 hours to smoke and cook thoroughly depending on the size of it and the type of smoker you are using whether it’s an electric smoker, gas smoker, or pellet smoker, etc.
The type of smoker is one of the factors that will affect the smoking time, so the best practice is to keep an eye on your pork butt while it’s smoking and use a food thermometer to check its doneness.
What’s The Best Temperature To Smoke Pork Butt?
In my opinion, the best temperature to smoke pork butt is around 225 degrees F, as it allows the pork to cook slowly, breaking down the fat and connective tissues, which leads to tender and juicy meat. If you’re looking for pulled pork, this lower temperature is perfect, as it allows the flavors to meld and develop over a longer cooking time.
However, if you’re in a bit of a hurry, you might consider smoking the pork butt at a slightly higher temperature, such as 250 degrees F. While this will cook the meat a bit faster, it can still yield a flavorful and tender result. No matter what, make sure to keep a close eye on the meat’s internal temperature, aiming for at least 145°F for regular cooking or up to 205°F if you want pulled pork.
How Long To Smoke Bone-in Pork Butt Per Pound At 225?
When smoked in a 225 degrees F preheated smoker, a bone-in pork butt typically take 1.75 – 2.25 hours to cook through and reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F, and 205 F if you are aiming to use it for pulled pork.
I want you to keep in mind that these times are not absolute and will vary slightly as they depend on the shape and size of the pork butt alongside the type of smoker you are using to smoke your pork butt.
How Long To Smoke Boneless Pork Butt Per Pound At 225?
In a smoker preheated to 225 degrees F, a boneless pork butt generally requires around 1.5 – 2 hours per pound to smoke to perfection. The total cooking time could be impacted by factors such as the thickness of the meat, the humidity in the smoker, and whether or not you’re wrapping the pork butt during the process.
Wrapping the pork butt in aluminum foil or butcher paper during the latter part of the smoking can speed up the cooking time and help retain moisture. This is often referred to as the “Texas Crutch,” and it may be a useful technique to consider depending on your desired texture and flavor.
How Long To Smoke 2 Lb Pork Butt In The Oven At 225?
A 2 lb bone-in pork butt when smoked in 225 degrees F preheated smoker should take no longer than 3.5 – 4.5 hours to cook to your desired doneness and be safe to consume. To check the doneness of your Boston butt, place a meat thermometer into the middle of the pork and see whether it reaches 145 F for doneness and 205 F for pulled pork.
For 2 pounds of boneless pork butt cooked in a 225 degrees F preheated smoker, expect it to take between 3 – 4 hours to smoke and cook thoroughly, depending on the smoker used you may increase or decrease the smoking time so keep that in mind.
How Long To Smoke 4 Lb Pork Butt At 225?
For a 4 lb bone-in pork butt, smoking it in a preheated 225 degrees F smoker might require around 7 – 9 hours to smoke and cook thoroughly. Factors such as the type of smoker you are using, whether it’s electric, gas, or charcoal, can influence the cooking time.
A 4-pound boneless pork butt when smoked in a 225 F smoker might take slightly less time of 6.5 – 8 hours to smoke. It’s always good to keep an eye on the pork butt’s internal temperature, aiming for 145 F for regular doneness and 205 F for pulled pork.
How Long To Smoke 8 Lb Pork Butt At 225?
Smoking an 8 lb bone-in pork butt at 225 degrees F will likely take around 14 – 18 hours to smoke and cook through, however, bear in mind that the external weather conditions can also influence the cooking time; cold or windy weather might extend the cooking time, while warm and calm conditions might reduce it.
An 8-pound boneless pork butt when smoked in the same 225 F preheated smoker may require about 13 – 16 hours to cook through. You may want to use a water pan in the smoker to help keep the humidity high, which aids in keeping the meat moist and tender throughout the long cooking process.
How Long To Smoke 10 Lb Pork Butt At 225?
When you’re smoking a 10 lb bone-in pork butt at 225 degrees F, you’ll need to plan for approximately 18 – 22 hours, depending on the fat content, marbling, and the specific smoker you’re using.
Smoking a 10-pound boneless pork butt in a 225 F preheated smoker can take approximately 16 – 20 hours to cook through and reach a 145°F internal temperature for doneness and 205°F for pulled pork.
Can I Cover My Pork Butt With Foil When Smoking It
Yes, you can cover your pork butt with foil when smoking it. This technique is often referred to as the “Texas Crutch,” and it can help to accelerate the cooking process by retaining moisture inside the meat. Covering the pork butt with foil can lead to a more tender and juicy end result, especially during the last few hours of smoking.
However, using foil might slightly reduce the smoky flavor that permeates the meat. It’s a balancing act between retaining moisture and maintaining that rich smoky taste. Your preferences and the specific recipe you’re following may guide your decision on whether or not to use foil.
How Long To Smoke Foil-Wrapped Pork Butt Per Pound At 225?
When smoking a foil-wrapped bone-in pork butt at 225 degrees F, you can expect it to take between 1.5 – 2 hours per pound to reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F, and up to 205°F for pulled pork. The foil helps in retaining moisture, which can reduce the cooking time slightly.
For a boneless pork butt, the smoking time in a 225 degrees F preheated smoker, while wrapped in foil, is generally around 1.25 – 1.75 hours per pound. The absence of the bone allows the heat to penetrate more evenly, possibly reducing the cooking time.
Smoked 7 Pound Pork Butt At 225 F Recipe Ingredients
- 7 Pound Bone-in Pork Butt thawed
- 1 Stick Salted Butter equal to ½ cup
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar divided
- 2 Tablespoons of Salt
- ¼ Cup Black Pepper
- 3 Tablespoons Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic
- 2 Tablespoons Minced Onion
- 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
How To Smoke 7-Pound Pork Butt At 225 F
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F.
- Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, paprika, pepper, garlic, chopped onion, and chili powder in a mixing bowl. Combine thoroughly.
- Rub the whole pork butt with oil, then equally sprinkle salt on both sides.
- Rub both sides and crevices of the rubbed-down pork butt with the prepared spice mixture until fully covered.
- Cook the prepared butt for 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- When it reaches 165°F, transfer it to an aluminum roasting pan, sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar, and lay the unmelted stick of butter on top. Cover with tin foil and return to the smoker.
- Continue to smoke for 6 to 9 hours, or until the interior temperature reaches 205°F.
- Remove from the smoker and set aside for 2 hours before unwrapping.
- Unwrap and pull apart after 2 hours, removing the bone if using bone-in pork butt.
How To Tell When My Pork Butt Is Done Smoking?
The best way to tell when your pork butt is done smoking is by using a meat thermometer and aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F, and for pulled pork, look for 205°F. This will ensure that your meat is cooked to a safe temperature and has the desired tenderness.
In addition to using a thermometer, you can also check the appearance and texture. A properly smoked pork butt will have a dark, crusty exterior and should feel tender when probed with a fork or knife. Remember, the resting phase after smoking is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the flavor and texture.
What To Serve with Smoked Pork Butt
- French Fries
- Green Bean Casserole
- Cornbread
- Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Salad
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Potato Chips
- Arugula Salad
- Coleslaw
- Pesto Pasta Salad
- Baked Beans
How To Store and Reheat Pork Butt Leftovers
To store pork butt leftovers, you should place them in an airtight container or tightly wrap them in aluminum foil and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking for 3 to 4 days. If you plan on keeping the leftovers for a longer period, freezing is an option, and it can extend the shelf life up to 2 to 3 months.
For reheating pork butt leftovers, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F, place the pork in an oven-safe dish, and add a little liquid like broth or water to keep the meat moist, then cover with aluminum foil and reheat for 25 – 30 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
More Times and Temperature Guidelines:
- How Long To Cook Pulled Pork In Oven Per Pound
- How Long To Cook Pork Shoulder In The Oven At 350
- How Long To Bake Pork Chops At 375
How Long To Smoke Pork Butt At 225
Description
In a smoker preheated to 225 degrees F a 4 lb bone-in pork butt or Boston butt can take approximately 7 – 9 hours to smoke and cook thoroughly depending on the size of it and the type of smoker you are using whether it’s an electric smoker, gas smoker, or pellet smoker, etc.
Smoked 7 Pound Pork Butt At 225 F Recipe Ingredients
How To Smoke 7-Pound Pork Butt At 225 F
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F.
- Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, paprika, pepper, garlic, chopped onion, and chili powder in a mixing bowl. Combine thoroughly.
- Rub the whole pork butt with oil, then equally sprinkle salt on both sides.
- Rub both sides and crevices of the rubbed-down pork butt with the prepared spice mixture until fully covered.
- Cook the prepared butt for 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- When it reaches 165°F, transfer it to an aluminum roasting pan, sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar, and lay the unmelted stick of butter on top. Cover with tin foil and return to the smoker.
- Continue to smoke for 6 to 9 hours, or until the interior temperature reaches 205°F.
- Remove from the smoker and set aside for 2 hours before unwrapping.
- Unwrap and pull apart after 2 hours, removing the bone if using bone-in pork butt.
