Page 92 - Turkey Book from Meathead

inside as well as more even and faster cooking. Just make sure the tail sits about 3 inches above the drip pan for proper airflow. The device you want is a thick wire armature that supports the bird like the Spanek Vertical Roaster (shown above).
Don't put a beer can or a turkey “cannon” up your bird's butt because the metal blocks airflow to the cavity and impedes heat and smoke. And no, the liquid in the can will not add moisture to the meat. Beer can chicken and turkey does not work the way people think. Click here to read the science explaining why beer can chicken and turkey are bad ideas.