Here are some tips from Butterball Turkey that will make your grilling simpler and safer:

Grilling whole turkey

Preparation: Unwrap thawed turkey, remove giblets, pat dry. Prepare your grill for indirect heat method. Make sure heat source (coals or gas burner) is not directly under turkey.

Grill: Follow charcoal and gas grill directions (directions follow).

Check: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Carve: Let turkey rest for 15 minutes, then carve and enjoy it.

Charcoal grilling directions

Prepare charcoal grill for indirect heat method. Position drip pan in the middle of grate and place 25 to 30 briquettes along each side; burn briquettes until covered with gray ash.

Pat turkey dry, spray completely with cooking spray and place on cook grate over drip pan. Cover grill, leave vents open.

Add 6 to 8 briquettes to each side of the pan every 45 to 60 minutes.

Cook turkey to an internal thigh temperature of 180 degrees, and breast temperature to 170 degrees.

Remove turkey from grill and let stand 15 minutes before carving.

Gas grilling directions

Allow 1 inch between turkey and grill lid. Prepare gas grill for indirect heat method. Place drip pan directly on flavorizer bars, ceramic briquettes or lava rocks.

Preheat burners on high for 10 to 15 minutes with lid closed.

Pat turkey dry, spray completely with cooking spray and place on cook grate over drip pan. Close lid.

Adjust burners to maintain medium heat.

Cook turkey to an internal thigh temperature of 180 degrees, and breast temperature to 170 degrees.

Remove turkey from grill and let stand 15 minutes before carving.

Indirect heat method

Refer to your grill owner’s guide for more information this method.

Handling and grilling safety guidelines

Keep fresh turkey in refrigerator and grill as soon as possible, no later than “use by” date.

Prevent uncooked juices from dripping onto other foods in refrigerator by placing turkey on a tray.

Do not stuff turkey.

Wash hands with hot soapy water after handling raw turkey.

Spray unheated cook grate with cooking spray to reduce sticking.

Do not use packaged-turkey lifter when grilling turkey. Use thick, washable oven mitts to lift cooked turkey from grill to platter.

Never pierce turkey with a fork while grilling or juices will escape.

Grill faster-cooking turkey products like burgers over direct heat.

Cook safely

Place grill away from flammable material, and at least 10 feet away from the house.

Always have grill lid open when lighting.

Keep a fire extinguisher accessible.

Always place drip pan under cook grate; between coals for charcoal method, on top of coils for gas grill method.

Never apply charcoal lighter fluid after grill has been lit.

Grill tips

Convenience: Put bastes and sauces in squeeze bottles to make applying them easier no messy brushes to clean.

Flavor: Turn your charcoal grill into a smoker. After the coals are heated, simply add 1/2 cup drained wood chips apple, cherry or hickory on each mound of charcoal for a rich flavor.

Variety: Experiment with new recipes and different cuts.