Cooking Without Grill Grate

Mjharris13

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Amateur smoker here... bought a fresh turkey form a local farm. Turns out what were initially thought to turn out to be 15lb birds were all closure to 20lbs. Trying to follow the Traeger YouTube recipe online and put it in a roasting pan on the smoker. Problem is it’s just a little too large to make the vertical clearance. I was thinking of removing the grill grate and putting the roasting pan right on the tray. Is this a good idea? In this instance I can’t think of a specific reason why it would t work or be good. Yes it’s closure to the fire box but with the roasting pan this should offset that. Of course the easiest thing is to buy a bigger smoker Any advice is welcome.
 
Could always spatchcock the bird, also helps it cook more evenly. But some people choose not to spatchcock a turkey on thanksgiving since you do not get to take that great turkey center piece picture
 
Thanks for the reply. I’ve thought about that and am not opposed but like you said... the photo... and of you don’t get a good photo, did it really happen?
 
I second the idea of spatchcocking. I always butterfly my turkeys. It makes for such a superior taste, much easier (and faster) to cook, and much easier to carve that I don't miss the look of the full roasted bird at all. Just take a picture of the beautiful serving plate of carved turkey. Give it a try.
 
I second the idea of spatchcocking. I always butterfly my turkeys. It makes for such a superior taste, much easier (and faster) to cook, and much easier to carve that I don't miss the look of the full roasted bird at all. Just take a picture of the beautiful serving plate of carved turkey. Give it a try.
Thanks. What temp do you use?
 
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