This was my first time cooking a Boston butt on my Pit Boss grill. So how did it come out? My pulled pork sandwich was so good I’m ready to make it again to see if I can do it again. If you’ve been thinking about smoking a Boston Butt on your smoker, then look no further. I’ll share how long it takes to cook a Boston butt on a pellet grill
How Long Does It Take To Cook A Boston Butt On A Pellet Grill?
It takes 5.5 hours to cook a 5 lb Boston Butt at 275°F. If you have a bigger one, cook it at a higher temperature and the outside weather. The cooking time can vary.
However, you don’t want to cook pork butt at a high temperature because it will become dry.
The cooking times can also vary depending on the type of electric smoker you’re cooking on.
Here’s a chart pulled pork temperature chart that I’ve put together for you based on the information I found online. Here’s my step-by-step guide to cooking a Boston butt on a Pit Boss.
| Size | Temperature | Cook Time |
| 5 lb | 225℉ | 5 – 5.5 hours |
| 7 lb | 225℉ | 12 – 14 hours |
| 8 lb | 225℉ | 12 – 16 hours |
| 12 lb | 225℉ | 20+ hours |
Basically, you want to allow 2 hours of cook time for each pound.
Best Temperatures to Cook A Boston Butt
Remember, the cooking temperatures will vary from smoker to smoker, so it’s best to buy an internal temperature for the best success.
Size Temperature Cook Time
5 lb 225℉ 5 – 5.5 hours
7 lb 225℉ 12 – 14 hours
8 lb 225℉ 12 – 16 hours
12 lb 225℉ 20+ hours
Maybe I cooked my Boston Butt at too high of a temperature?
You want to allow 40 minutes of cook time for each pound. If you’re in a hurry, there are some tricks you can use to speed up the cooking process. I’ll share that below. But first, let’s look at why it takes so long to cook a Boston Butt.
Why Does It Take So Long to Cook a Boston Butt?
Boston butt, aka pork shoulder, gets its name because it comes from the pig’s shoulder. It consists of parts of the shoulder blade, neck, and upper arm of the pig. Below, you’ll see a diagram of where the cut of the meat comes from.
Type of Cut
It is a tough cut of the meat because of the connective tissues. During the cooking process, you are breaking down the connective tissues. According to the Science of Cooking, the low and slow process converts the tough connective tissue to gelatin with minimum loss of moisture.
If you cook it too fast, it will be too tough. However, when cooked at the right speed, you’ll end up with a flavorful Boston butt that your family and guests will rave about.
Your Pellet Grill
The cooking time will vary from pellet grill to pellet grill. The cooking process is similar no matter which grill you own. However, someone with a 10-year-old grill may notice it takes longer to cook than someone who has a brand new grill.
You know your grill and how it cooks. If it burns really hot, then you’ll want to set the temperature lower, so the Boston butt doesn’t cook too fast.
The Weather
The outside weather will play a huge role in how long it takes for your Boston butt to sit on the grill. If you’re cooking in cold, windy weather or winter, expect it to take an extra 30 minutes or longer.
How much longer the extreme weather adds to your cooking time will determine how much exposure your pellet grill has to the cold weather. Someone who is cooking under a shelter will be less affected by the weather, than someone who is grilling on their driveway without any shelter.
If your cooking on a hot summer day, the hot sun can speed up the cooking time.
No matter what type of weather you’re grilling in, a meat thermometer will be your best friend.
How Long to Smoke Boston Butt at 275?
Preheat the pellet grill to 275℉. While the grill is preheating, season Boston butt and place it directly on the rack. Add a small container of apple juice or water, as this will help keep the meat moist during the process. Close the lid and bake for 8-10 hours (depending on the size) or until the internal temperature reaches at least 190 degrees.
How Long Does It Take to Grill 2 Small 3 Pound Boston Butts?
Two 3 pound Boston butts can take anywhere from 8-9 hours, at 225 degrees. Cooking times will vary depending on where the meat is placed in the grill, the outside temperature, and other factors.
How Long to Smoke 10lb Boston Butt?
It will likely take anywhere from 6-8 hours to cook a 10 pound Boston butt. An excellent tip to remember is to allow 40 minutes of cook time per pound of meat. It makes it easier for you to know how long it will take to cook a Boston butt, regardless of size.
Every griller knows that sometimes meat cooks faster than they expected, so use a thermometer to monitor the meat. It will prevent you from overcooking or undercooking the meat.
Can You Speed Up The Cooking Process
Have you heard of the 3-2-1 ribs cooking process? It’s huge in the online cooking world. Well, the process can be copied to speed up the cooking process for your next Boston Butt.
Basically, you smoke the Boston butt for 3 hours fat cap side up, wrap it in foil, and then unwrap and cook again for one hour. There’s a huge debate about whether you should smoke pork fat side up or down.
Cooking times will vary, and you’ll want to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 195 degrees.
If you’ve ever cooked pork butt, then you know that it can easily take 8-10 hours or longer if you’re cooking a 12-pound butt. This method will speed up the cooking process, but it’s still not as quick as grilling other meats.
Conclusion
When cooking a Boston butt, it will take several hours, depending on the size of the butt. While not set in stone, experts everywhere recommend allowing 40 minutes per pound of meat.
Cooking times will vary depending on the size, grill, and outside elements. The next time you fire up your pellet grill, throw on a Boston butt, and in about 5-8 hours, you and your family can enjoy the flavorful taste!