Helpful Hints Smoking time depends on the size of the turkey, the distance from the heat, temperature of the coals, as well as the outside air temperature. You can roughly estimate about 20 to 30 minutes per pound of turkey, but it's important to use a meat thermometer to be sure your turkey is thoroughly cooked. Unless you have a sheltered outdoor spot, avoid smoking on windy days as this can effect the temperature, or even put out the fire. Luckily, our Los Angeles apartment balcony is completly sheltered from the wind, so I rarely have this problem, but it is probably the biggest obstacle facing would-be smokers. Also, avoid opening the cover or door as much as possible.
Smoking takes place at low temperatures and opening the lid or door causes quick heat loss.
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