Temperature

• Smoking meat is done at a lower temperature than other types of meat preparation. A smoker should be between 200 and 225 degrees for optimal smoking. A slightly cooler cooking temperature will make the meat more sliceable and a warmer cooking temperature will make the meat have a more of a fall-apart quality.
  
  

Time Guidelines

• A 7.5 pound pork butt can be cooked from 6 to 10 hours, depending on smoker temperature. Professional barbecue cook Danny Gaulden suggests cooking the pork butt for about 70 minutes per pound of meat at 225 degrees.
  
  

Check Meat Temperature

• The internal temperature of the pork butt should be between 140 and 160 degrees when it is fully cooked. The temperature should be checked using a meat thermometer. Check the meat in several places to make sure it is fully cooked.