Benefits of Using a Turkey Hanger for Smoking Juicy, Flavorful Birds

Why Use a Turkey Hanger for Smoking?

Smoking a turkey can lead to incredibly moist, flavorful meat when done right. However, getting an even smoke on a large bird can be tricky. This is where using a turkey hanger can make all the difference for your smoked turkey success.

A turkey hanger lifts your bird up off the grill or smoker rack, allowing smoke and heat to circulate fully around the entire turkey. This helps prevent the back and underside of the turkey from cooking slower than the top and front. It also reduces the chance of burning or overcooking those easily overcooked areas.

Hanging your turkey vertically opens up more Grill and smoker space underneath to add a drip pan too. The juices and rendered fat will fall safely into the pan instead of causing dangerous flare-ups in your smoker.

Benefits of Using a Turkey Hanger

Here are some of the top benefits you’ll enjoy when using a turkey hanger for smoking:

• Even smoking and cooking on all sides
• Reduced risk of burn spots
• Prevents uneven cooking
• Opens up space for a drip pan
• Allows heat and smoke circulation
• Aids moisture retention
• Minimizes flare-ups
• Reduces chance of overcooking

You’ll end up with juicier meat and a better bark all the way around your smoked turkey when you use a hanger. It takes the guesswork out of getting an evenly cooked bird.

Choosing the Best Turkey Hanger

When shopping for the right turkey hanger, you'll want to keep these tips in mind:

Material

Look for a hanger made from durable stainless steel. This maintains strength and makes cleanup easy. Other good options include chrome-plated steel or cast iron.

Adjustability

The best turkey hangers have a center shaft that telescopes up and down to fit various turkey sizes. An adjustable hanging hook height also allows you to raise or lower the turkey's position in your smoker.

Secure Gripping

You want a turkey hanger with strong, secure hooks that will grip the turkey well without letting it spin around. Models with hooks on springs that flex open for loading then hold tight work great.

Ergonomic Handle

If you'll need to access the turkey during smoking, look for a hanger with a long, easy to grip handle. Heat-resistant handles like wood or stainless steel are ideal.

Built-in Drip Pan

Some hangers have a built-in pan that catches drippings below the turkey. While not mandatory, this can be a handy feature for easier cleanup.

Proper Way to Hang and Smoke a Turkey

Follow these simple steps for successfully smoking a turkey on a hanger:

1. Load the turkey onto the hooks, making sure it is centered and balanced.
2. Adjust the telescoping shaft to fit the turkey's size so it hangs securely.
3. Position over a drip pan in the smoker and adjust the hook height as needed.
4. Keep an oven-safe meat thermometer probe in the thickest part of the breast.
5. Maintain proper smoking temperature (225-275°F) throughout the cook time.
6. Rotate the turkey 180 degrees halfway during smoking for even coverage.
7. Smoke to an internal temperature of 165°F in breast and 175°F in thighs.
8. Let rest 15-30 minutes before carving for juicier meat.

Hanging and rotating during the smoke helps get your turkey perfectly cooked from all sides. Be sure to follow best practices for brining, rubs, wood selection, and monitoring temperature.

Troubleshooting Smoked Turkey Hanging Problems

While turkey hangers make smoking birds much easier, you may still run into a few issues. Here are some common problems and fixes:

Turkey Rotates Excessively

This is often caused by the turkey being off-balance on the hooks. Try re-centering it or adjust the hooks to change the center of gravity. Wedging pieces of wood onto the hooks can add friction to prevent spinning.

Turkey Skin Burns

If the breast or thigh skin burn, the turkey may be too close to the heat source. Raise the hanger hooks to move it away from direct heat. Rotating more frequently can also help.

Turkey Cooks Unevenly

An uneven cook is usually from inadequate heat and smoke circulation. Make sure plenty of space surrounds the turkey and keep the smoker’s vents wide open.

Turkey Falls off Hanger

Securely loading the turkey onto spring-loaded hooks and centering its weight should prevent this. But if it falls, quickly return to the hanger, even if already partially cooked.

Get Perfectly Smoked Turkey with a Hanger

Investing in a good turkey hanger can take your smoked birds to the next level this holiday season. Hanging vertically ensures even, thorough cooking and fantastic flavor throughout the entire turkey.

Be sure to choose a sturdy hanger designed to securely grip and hold the turkey's weight. Follow proper smoking and temperature guidelines for your smoker. With minimal effort, you'll enjoy juicy, tender smoked turkey using this simple equipment upgrade.

FAQs

What size turkey can I smoke with a turkey hanger?

Most turkey hangers can accommodate turkeys up to 25 lbs. For larger birds over 18 lbs, look for heavy duty turkey hangers designed for extra weight capacity.

How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a hanger?

Smoking time can vary based on size, but plan for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound at 225-250°F. Use a meat thermometer and allow at least 3-4 hours total smoking time.

Should I brine a turkey before smoking on a hanger?

Yes, brining is highly recommended to keep the turkey moist and seasoned throughout the long smoking time. Brine for 12-24 hours in a salt, sugar and herb mixture.

What temperature do I smoke a turkey at?

Maintain a steady smoker temperature between 225-275°F. Avoid excessive heat above 300°F. Use wood chips like hickory, apple, cherry or maple for flavor.

How do I prevent skin burning on a smoked hanger turkey?

Rotate the turkey halfway through smoking, and tent foil over the breast and thighs if the skin starts getting too dark. Keep the turkey towards the top of the smoker, away from direct heat.