How Much Does a Smoked Turkey Cost? A Detailed Price Breakdown

A mouthwatering smoked turkey can really make your holiday feast or dinner party pop But smoking a whole turkey yourself requires specialized equipment and plenty of time, so buying a pre-smoked turkey is an appealing option for many However, be prepared to pay more for the smokey flavor. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the average cost of smoked turkeys and tips for getting the best deal.

Why Do Smoked Turkeys Cost More Than Oven Roasted?

There are several key reasons why a smoked turkey costs significantly more per pound compared to a traditional oven roasted bird:

• Specialized smoking equipment and fuel Deliciously smoky flavor requires hours of slow cooking in a smoker fueled by wood chips or charcoal This gear and fuel costs more than a standard oven

• Labor: It’s much more hands-on and time consuming to monitor a smoker for 6-12+ hours compared to roasting a turkey in the oven for a few hours. This labor adds to the cost.

• Lower yield Some moisture is lost during the long smoking time, reducing the amount of usable meat per pound compared to oven roasting

• Uniqueness: Genuine wood smoked flavor is hard to perfectly replicate at home without a smoker. This makes pre-smoked birds a specialty product.

• Natural approach: Most smoked turkeys rely just on real hardwood smoke, not artificial flavors. This all-natural process costs more.

Average Cost per Pound of Smoked Turkey

On average, expect to pay between $3-5 per pound for a whole pre-smoked turkey. Prices typically range:

• 10-12 lb turkey: $30 to $60
• 12-14 lb turkey: $45 to $75
• 16-18 lb turkey: $60 to $100
• 20-22 lb turkey: $75 to $125

Frozen smoked turkeys sometimes cost slightly less than fresh. Exact pricing varies based on brand, source, quality, and precise size.

I’ve found the best deals on smoked turkeys at restaurant supply stores and warehouse clubs like Costco. Their large volume lets them offer lower per-pound pricing.

Tips for Getting the Best Smoked Turkey Price

Here are some tips to help you lock in the best price on a smoked turkey:

• Shop early – Prices tend to rise closer to the holidays as demand spikes. Shop a month or more in advance for the lowest cost.

• Check ads – Stores will often discount smoked turkeys leading up to holidays. Watch for and stock up on sale prices.

• Buy in bulk – Check restaurant and warehouse supply stores for large smoked turkeys at a lower per-pound cost. Slice and freeze the extra meat.

• Consider boneless – Boneless smoked turkey breasts can be cheaper and easier to find on sale than whole smoked birds. Plan for 1/3 pound per person.

• DIY smoking – Buy an untreated turkey and smoker box to smoke it yourself for a fraction of the pre-smoked cost.

Average Cost to Have a Turkey Professionally Smoked

Rather than buying a pre-smoked turkey, another option is hiring a professional smoking service to smoke a turkey just for you. Prices for custom smoking vary widely, but expect to pay:

• $3-4 per pound for just the smoking service and any wood/fuel costs if you supply the raw turkey.

• $6-8 per pound for them to supply the turkey in addition to smoking it for you.

Many professional meat smokers charge minimums of $100 to $200 for small birds. Always get a custom quote for exact pricing.

Is Smoked Turkey Worth the Higher Price?

At the end of the day, only you can decide if paying extra for smoked turkey fits your budget and tastes. There’s no denying the wonderfully unique flavor and beautiful presentation a smoked turkey provides. Yet for the cost-conscious, an oven roasted turkey can be delicious at a much lower price per pound. Focus more on creating memories and traditions around the meal rather than just the main course’s price tag.

Smoked Turkey Cost Considerations

Here are a few more factors to keep in mind when budgeting for a smoked turkey:

• Per person estimate: Plan on around 1 pound of turkey per person to ensure enough for seconds and leftovers.

• Yield: Expect a 15 lb turkey to yield about 9-10 pounds of edible cooked meat after accounting for bones, drippings, etc.

• Sales tax: Don’t forget to budget for any sales tax on top of the base price per pound.

• Sides: Smoked turkey tastes amazing but the sides really make the meal. Budget for delicious soul food sides too.

• Time: Remember to account for the 12+ hours of smoker time needed for a whole turkey. Start early!

The Bottom Line

A smoked turkey costs $3-5 per pound on average – quite a premium over the $1 per pound an oven roasted turkey can run. Specialized equipment, extensive labor, lower yield, and unique flavor impact the price. With some shopping savvy and custom smoking options, you can land a smoked turkey to crown your holiday feast without breaking the bank. Most importantly, focus on the meaningful experience, not just the cost.