Estimate cooking time at 15 to 18 minutes per pound. For gas grilling, follow the manufacturer's instructions. A smoker is a cylinder-shaped cooking device. The turkey is placed on the food rack above hot liquid in a drip pan. Beneath the pan is a container that holds the hot coals.
Some smokers have a built-in temperature indicator.
If not, place an appliance thermometer on the food rack to monitor the air temperature inside the smoker. Then put the cover on. When the thermometer reaches 225 degrees F to 300 degrees F, place the prepared turkey on the rack and quickly replace the cover. Do not stuff the turkey. Generally, smoking takes longer than grilling.