How Long to Smoke Pork Butt at 275

Pork butt is often overlooked when it comes to smoking meats. However, one bite of smoked pork butt and you will become addicted. 

To create the most delicious pork butt, you need to know what temperature to smoke the meat. You also need to know how long to smoke the pork butt. 

Smoke pork butt at 275°F for 8 hours, and you will have juicy, delicious meat. 

What Is Pork Butt?

Even though the name of the cut is pork butt, it does not come from the rear of the pig. 

The butt of the pig is where the ham comes from. Pork butt originates from the shoulder of the pig. 

Pork butt consists of the animal’s shoulder blade, neck, and upper arm. Pork butt is a tough cut of pork with a fair amount of connective tissues, so it’s perfect for smoking. Typically, pork butt is used to make pulled pork. 

Is 275 Too Hot for Smoking Pork Butt?

What temperature to smoke pork butt is a widely debated topic in the BBQ world. Some experts believe the perfect temperature falls between 225°F and 250°F.

They believe that 275°F is too high to smoke pork butt because it will dry out the meat. At temperatures between 225°F and 250°F, the pork butt’s connective tissues and fat has time to break down. 

However, smoking pork butt at 275°F is acceptable. Cooking the pork butt at 275°F will speed up the cooking process. The meat will not dry out as long as you monitor its internal temperature.

How To Trim Pork Butt 

Pork butts do not need much trimming. To trim pork butt, remove the silver skin and hard pieces of fat. 

The silver skin and hard bits of fat will not melt as the pork butt cooks in the smoker. Therefore, removing these pieces is best before you smoke the meat. 

You should also remove soft fat that has a creamy texture. It’s okay to leave 1/4-inch of fat on the pork butt. It will render down as the pork butt smokes. 

Trim off any loose pieces of meat hanging off of the pork butt. These bits of meat will dry out as they cook, so it’s best to remove them before you smoke the meat.

How Long to Smoke Pork Butt at 275

The cooking time of pork butt depends on a few factors. For example, the density of the meat can affect the cooking time. An 8-pound pork butt will take longer to cook than a 6-pound pork butt. 

The type of smoker you use to cook the pork butt can also affect the smoking time. For example, pellet grills can take a little longer to cook pork butt than an offset or electric smoker. 

The maturity of the meat and even the time you have to smoke the meat can also affect the smoking time. 

The recipe could also affect the smoking time. Some pork butt recipes are used to make pulled pork. Other recipes are used to create chopped pork. 

If the recipe is for pulled pork, the pork butt will be cooked longer. In contrast, if the goal is chopped pork, the pork will be cooked for less time. 

Whether or not the pork is trimmed can also affect cooking time. Each pork butt is different. Therefore, you cannot go by the weight stated on the package when you buy it if you trim the meat.

Most pork butts come with a bone. When you remove the bone and trim off the fat, it will weigh less.

If you purchase a ten-pound pork butt, it could weigh 8-9-pounds once it is trimmed and deboned. Therefore, you should weigh your pork butt after you’ve trimmed it and adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Generally, it takes about an hour per pound to smoke pork butt at 275°F. So, a 3-pound pork butt will take about 3 hours to cook. 

How Long to Smoke a 4 Pound Pork Butt at 275

A 4-pound pound pork butt will take about 4 hours to cook. However, check its temperature after 2 hours. 

How Long to Smoke a 5 Pound Pork Butt at 275

It takes 60 minutes per pound to cook pork butt at 275°F. A 5-pound pork butt takes 5 hours to cook at 275°F. 

How Long to Smoke a 6 Pound Pork Butt at 275

A 6-pound pound pork butt takes 6 hours to cook at 275°F. Keep an eye on the pork butt’s temperature. Remove the pork butt from the smoker when it has a temperature between 195°F and 203°F. 

How Long to Smoke a 7 Pound Pork Butt at 275

A 7-pound pork butt takes 7 hours to cook at 275°F. Check the temperature about halfway through the cooking process to ensure it does not overcook. 

How Long to Smoke a 8 Pound Pork Butt at 275

An 8-pound pork butt takes about 8 hours to cook at 275°F. Check the pork butt’s internal temperature after 4-6 hours. Depending on its temperature, you can adjust the cooking time if necessary. 

How Long to Smoke a 9 Pound Pork Butt at 275

A 9-pound pork butt takes 9 hours to smoke at 275°F. Nine pounds is a lot of meat. It may be best to smoke the pork butt in the morning so it can be ready when your guests arrive.

How Long to Smoke a 10 Pound Pork Butt at 275

A 10-pound pork butt takes 10 hours to cook at 275°F. If you do not have 10 hours to smoke pork butt, it may be better to cook smaller pieces of meat. 

Depending on your smoker’s size, you may be able to smoke up to 3 or 4 smaller pork butts simultaneously. This way, you will be able to smoke the meat faster.

Just ensure there is adequate space between each pork butt so they cook evenly.

Final Thoughts 

Smoked pork butt is a delicious treat. However, if it is not cooked perfectly, smoked pork butt could be the worst thing you’ve ever tasted. 

Cook your pork butt at 275°F for an hour per pound, and you will have the best smoked pork butt. 

William Thomas

I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.