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Butt Stuck at 165!!!!

EggLuver
EggLuver Posts: 64
edited November -0001 in EggHead Forum
I am in the midst of my very first butt and am starting to get a little worried. It is 3.5 lbs and I put it on 6 and a half hours ago. I've kept the temp between 230 and 255, most of the time around 245. The internal temp started at 50 and rose pretty quick, but for about the last hour it has be stuck at about 165. I'm getting close to 7 hours now. Isn't that a little long for just 3.5lbs? I think I understand that I'm not supposed to take it off until it gets to 195. Can anyone let me know if I'm on the right track or if I should do something different. AND when I should expect that temp to start rising again??? Thanks!
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Comments

  • CPT EGG
    CPT EGG Posts: 3
    I think you are still in the plateau phase. You can crank up the temp a little higher to say 275-300 to speed it up. It is best to stay at 250 until it passes the plateau and rises to 195.
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  • Rolling Egg
    Rolling Egg Posts: 1,995
    You're on the right track. It's in its plateau and it can take a while. I've had them sit in that temp range for a few hours. Let it ride and don't tamper with it or fan the lid. The timing does seem a little long assuming your thermometer was calibrated. It will take back off, just give it time.
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  • Little Chef
    Little Chef Posts: 4,725
    Everything is just fine....it is in the plateau. It can sit there for a while, but it will start climbing again. Patience...... ;)
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  • Bluecrab3
    Bluecrab3 Posts: 328
    You are in great shape, and have something to look forward to. If you'll share how long until you want to sit down and eat, I'll be glad to walk you through it. As in the earlier post, it's fine to raise it to 300* if you need to.
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  • Bluecrab3
    Bluecrab3 Posts: 328
    You are in great shape, and have something to look forward to. If you'll share how long until you want to sit down and eat, I'll be glad to walk you through it. As in the earlier post, it's fine to raise it to 300* if you need to.
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  • EggLuver
    EggLuver Posts: 64
    Thanks so much for all the helpful feedback. Blue, I'm at 7 hours right now and it's 4:00. I'd really like to be able to take it off and put it in a warmed cooler for an hour (I think) by 5:30 eastern time, so I can pull it at 6:30 or 7:00. Egg temp is now at 248 and holding steady. Meat is STILL at 165. Any advice?
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  • Grand Oeuf Vert
    Grand Oeuf Vert Posts: 1,631
    You are OK. Small Butts (younger pig) take a lot longer to breakdown the connective tissue and fat. (Mine have been 3-3.5 hours per pound) Be patient. Once she breaks through the 165-170, she'll go racing to 195-205.
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  • Bluecrab3
    Bluecrab3 Posts: 328
    I'd move it to 325*. That should speed it up and have you done in an hour or two. It needs a minimum of 30 mins in the foil/towel/cooler. Do not pull until a minimum of 195*, but go to 200* if you can.

    The more you use your egg, you'll figure out the times needed, and the great news is that in the future, if you get the pork done early, I've left mine in the cooler for 3-4 hours and it's perfect, still.

    Good luck!
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  • EggLuver
    EggLuver Posts: 64
    Thanks Tim, PARTYING is taking place, we're just anxious for the FOOD!!!!
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  • EggLuver
    EggLuver Posts: 64
    Thanks Blue, we're on 270 (egg) and 172 (butt). Just anxiously waiting and trying to be patient. Thanks so much to everyone for your advice! This forum makes my recent Egg purchase 100 times better!!
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  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
    You could always throw some hot dogs on with the butt... you know, for appetizers. :)

    I did my first, and so far only, butt cook a week or so ago. Had a similar issue, but it DID finally go beyond 170. Worth the wait!!!!!

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

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  • Hotwingking
    Hotwingking Posts: 279
    Like everyone says, patience, it will be well worth it!! :woohoo:
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  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
    You could always throw some hot dogs on with the butt... you know, for appetizers. :)

    I did my first, and so far only, butt cook a week or so ago. Had a similar issue, but it DID finally go beyond 170. Worth the wait!!!!!

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

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