Pitmaker's tips for the perfect Thanksgiving turkey

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Bake? Fry? Or Smoke? There's more than one way to cook a turkey this Thanksgiving! The guys from Pitmaker dropped by the ABC-13 studios to talk turkey and share a few secrets for cooking the perfect bird.

If you bake your turkey:

1. Brine your turkey to keep it moist and flavorful.
2. If you use a rub, make sure it doesn't contain too much sugar. Excess sugar will cause the skin to burn.
3. Use an injection add more flavor.

If you smoke a turkey:

1. It's best to smoke a smaller bird - 13 pounds or less is ideal. This will keep the bird from drying out.
2. Cook "low and slow" - low heat, for a longer amount of time.
3. Use "fruity" woods, like pear or apple, to add holiday flavor.

If you deep fry your turkey:

1. Safety first! Make sure your turkey is completely thawed, you don't overfill your oil, and you keep the fryer away from your home or garage.
2. Use an injector to add flavor and spice.
3. Make sure the turkey is cooked to the proper internal temperature.

Deep fryer safety

Pitmaker has several great recipes to help make your Thanksgiving turkey a crowd favorite. You'll find them on Pitmaker's official website.