Smoke Pork Butts Like a Pro: Tips & Timeline with Smokeslinger

Hey BBQ fans! Want to smoke pork butts that are juicy and tender? At Smokeslinger, we build top-notch smoker pits in Kaufman, Texas, and our Full Size Smokeslinger is perfect for cooking 8 pork butts at once. In this guide, we’ll share easy techniques, a clear timeline, and pro tips to make mouthwatering pulled pork. Check out our YouTube video and let’s get smoking!

Set Up Your Smokeslinger

Start strong by setting up your Full Size Smokeslinger for even cooking. Here’s how:

• Pick Your Fuel: Use lump charcoal and cherry wood for a sweet, smoky flavor. Put one wood split in each drawer for balanced heat.
• Control the Temp: Heat your smoker to 200-225°F with dampers fully open. Once stable, tweak dampers to hold the temp.
• Space the Racks: Use tuning plates to spread heat evenly across both upper racks. This stops hot spots and cooks all 8 butts perfectly.

Manage Your Fire

Keeping the fire steady is key to great BBQ. Try these tips:

• Watch the Heat: Check the temp often and adjust dampers to stay between 250-275°F for most of the cook.
• Add Fuel Slowly: Toss in a handful of charcoal every hour and a wood split every 1.5-2 hours. Don’t overdo it to avoid temp spikes.
• Take Your Time: Go low and slow for a crispy bark and deep smoky taste. Patience makes the best pulled pork!

Smoking Timeline

Here’s a simple timeline to smoke 8 pork butts:

• 0-3 Hours: Start at 225°F. Flip the butts at 2 hours to cook evenly. Keep an eye on the smoker temp.
• 3-6 Hours: When the butts hit 167°F inside, wrap them in foil to speed through the “stall” (when cooling slows cooking).
• 6+ Hours: Raise the temp to 275-300°F. Pull the butts when they reach 203°F inside for perfect tenderness.

Get Juicy Pulled Pork

After cooking, unwrap the butts and let them rest for 20-45 minutes. This keeps the juices in for a moist, clean bite—not dry or powdery. Add your favorite BBQ sauce for extra flavor. As one Smokeslinger Pit Owners Group member said, “The Full Size Smokeslinger makes pulled pork so tender, it falls apart!”

Watch the Video

Want to see it in action? Watch “Direct Heat Smoker: How to Smoke 8 Pork Butts” (18:58, published Jan 24, 2025, at 4:54 PM CT) to follow along with our tips!

FAQ

How many pork butts can the Full Size Smokeslinger hold?
It fits 8 pork butts across two racks, perfect for big BBQs or parties.

What’s the best wood for smoking pork butts?
Cherry wood adds a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs great with pork. Use splits for steady smoke.

How long does it take to smoke pork butts?
About 6-8 hours at 225-300°F, depending on size, to reach 203°F inside for tender pulled pork.

Join the Smokeslinger Community

Ready for epic BBQ? Here’s how to level up:

• Get a Quote: Click here for a custom shipping quote, often cheaper than our website. Your smoker arrives in 4 weeks!
• Join Our Group: Connect with BBQ fans in our Facebook group. Share cooks, get tips, and see what others are smoking!

Conclusion

Smoking 8 pork butts on the Full Size Smokeslinger is easy and fun with the right setup and timeline. You’ll get tender, juicy pulled pork that wows your guests. Built in Kaufman, Texas, our direct heat smokers are made for Texas BBQ perfection. Visit smokeslinger.com to get your smoker and make 2025 your best BBQ year yet!