BBQ Meat Temperatures · Beef Ribs Smoking · Beef Smoking Guide · Brisket Smoking Tips · Offset Smoker Cooking · Prime Rib Smoker · Smoker Temperature Guide · Smoking Times & Temperatures · Tri Tip Smoker · Nov 13, 2025

Smoking Times & Temperatures for Every Cut of Beef

Want an easy, quick reference that will help you get every cut of beef right every time you head to your smoker?

Look no further! We've got you covered.

When evaluating the cuts, we're going to look at the time and temperature, but we're also going to look at internal temperatures, because we want to be safe.

So, if you haven't already, make sure you go pick up a meat thermometer. We'll give you approximate times, but smoking should always be done to temperature and not to time.

Note these times assume standard poundage as sold at the supermarket. You should always know how much meat you're actually cooking. The rule of thumb is 1.5 hours per pound. If you're cooking more or less beef than average, then you're going to adjust these temperatures accordingly.

What's the right time and temperature for brisket?

Set the smoker temperature to: 225° to 250°.
Set your timer to: 10–20 hours.
Look for an internal temperature of: 195° to 205°.

The meat should be "probe tender", which means the probe sinks into it with ease.

What's the right time and temperature for beef ribs?

Set your smoker temperature to: 225° to 250°.
Set your timer to: 6 to 9 hours.
Look for an internal temperature of: 195° to 205°.

Again, the meat should be "probe tender." You also want to see it pulling away from the bone by the time you pull it out of the smoker.

What's the right time and temperature for chuck roast?

Set your smoker to: 225° to 250°.
Set your timer to: 8–10 hours.
Look for an internal temperature of: 195° to 205°.

If you want "pulled beef" consistency, go for a higher internal temperature.

What's the right time and temperature for tri-tip?

Set your smoker to: 225° to 250°.
Set your timer to: 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Look for an internal temperature of: 130° to 140°.

Finish with a quick sear to create a gorgeous crust.

What's the right time and temperature for prime rib or ribeye roast?

Set your smoker to: 225° to 250°.
Set your timer to: 3 to 6 hours.
Look for an internal temperature of: 130° to 135°.

You can adjust the internal temperature up and down (as low as 120° or as high as 155°) if you want more or less "doneness."

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