Cook Time for an 8 lb Pork Shoulder
Cooking time only; add 1–2 hours of resting.
| Smoker temp | Per pound | 8 lb shoulder |
|---|---|---|
| 225°F / 107°C | about 2 h | about 14–18 h |
| 250°F / 121°C | about 1½ h | about 10.5–13.5 h |
| 275°F / 135°C | about 1¼ h | about 9–11 h |
Wrapping through the stall (around 160°F / 71°C) shortens these. It's done at about 95°C / 205°F, when a probe slides in with no resistance and the bone wiggles free.
Schedule for Dinner at 6 pm
At 225–250°F:
| Step | Start at |
|---|---|
| Light the smoker | 2:15 am |
| Shoulder on | 3:00 am |
| Wrap at the stall | 10:00 am |
| Off to rest | 5:00 pm |
| Pull and serve | 6:00 pm |
A wrapped shoulder holds hot in a dry cooler for 4+ hours, so err on the early side.
How Many People It Feeds
Pork shoulder loses 40–50% of its weight. A 8 lb shoulder gives about 4 lb of pulled pork: 16 sandwiches at ½ lb raw per person, or about 11 plated servings at ¾ lb raw each.
Plan Your Pulled Pork
Answer a few quick questions and get a full step-by-step plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an 8 lb pork butt take at 225°F?
About about 14–18 h, roughly 2 hours per pound, plus 1–2 hours of resting.
How long does an 8 lb pork shoulder take at 250°F?
About about 10.5 –13.5 h, roughly 1½ hours per pound, plus resting.
How many people does an 8 lb pork shoulder feed?
About 16 people for sandwiches, or 11 as a plated main.
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