FAQ - Smoking Time for a 5 Pound Pork Butt and Best Rub for Beginner

Q: i am looking to smoke a pork shoulder picnic roast for the first time. It will be smoked in a smoker with an offset firebox. It weighs about 5 lbs and i was wondering how much smoke time do you think it should have and what would be the best rub for a beginner.

A: A 5 pound pork shoulder(picnic) will require 7.5 hours of total cook time.. that is 1.5 hours per pound. If you have a thermometer then you will need to smoke the meat until it reaches 140 degrees internally and after that it just needs heat to take it on to 180 for slicing or 200-205 for pulling.

If you do not have a thermometer then I would apply smoke for the first 3.5 to 4 hours then  just apply heat for the remaining time.

Try to maintain 225-230 degrees during the entire process.

Regarding rubs.. I have an amazing rub recipe that I sell and obviously I feel it is better than anything you will find online or in a book somewhere. If you want more information and some testimonies then click here or I also have a few decent rub recipes on the website for free.

Good luck on the picnic.. if you have any more questions or need something clarified, please let me know.

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