Happy 🦃 Thanksgiving.

Why Resting Your Smoked Turkey Matters More Than You Think

You spent hours selecting, brining & seasoning. All the drinks while babysitting your smoker, pampering that bird with low heat, clean smoke, and the perfect temp. But there’s one final step that makes or breaks a Thanksgiving turkey and most people skip it: THE REST

Resting a smoked turkey is where the real magic happens. When that bird comes off the smoker, the juices are bubbling just beneath the surface. Slice too soon, and all that flavor runs onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat. A proper rest allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, locking in moisture and tenderness. This is exactly why PITBOX™ exists…to keep your meats piping hot while they rest safely.

So how long should you rest a turkey?

• 20-pound turkey: Rest at least 60–90 minutes. Big birds need more time for internal juices to settle.

• 15-pound turkey: Rest 45–60 minutes for ideal texture.

• Under 10 pounds: Rest 25–35 minutes—still crucial, even for smaller turkeys.

The beauty? In a PITBOX™, your turkey stays above safe serving temp for hours, giving you the freedom to time your feast perfectly.

Rest it like you respect it 🦃 because you’ve earned every, juicy, slice. Cheers! 🥃