How long to smoke tri-tip at 225°F
Planning guide + when to start checking temperature.
At 225°F, tri-tip commonly takes 45–60 minutes per pound to reach medium-rare, depending on thickness and airflow. Use time to plan, then finish by internal temperature.
| Weight | Smoker temp | Estimated time | Pull temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 lb | 225°F | 1 hr 30 min – 2 hrs | 125–130°F |
| 2.5 lb | 225°F | 1 hr 50 min – 2 hrs 30 min | 125–130°F |
| 4 lb | 225°F | 3 hrs – 4 hrs | 125–130°F |
Best way to finish
- Reverse-sear: smoke to ~120°F, rest while you heat direct flames, then sear 1–2 min/side to 130–135°F.
- Or no-sear: smoke to 130°F and rest 10 min (less crust, still great).
Common mistakes
- Starting the sear too early and overshooting your target.
- Not resting before slicing.
- Slicing with the grain (tri-tip has two grains).
Related
Last reviewed: 2026-07-21.