First brisket......I know, I know........

[blnowlin]

Hi people, sorry for the repeat........but I need some info,

Just getting the first brisket ready for the weekend and wondered what is the recommended IT?

Got a 7 lb'r, if I cut it in half, so there are smaller chunks, will that shorten the cook time?

Best OBS cooking temp?  
(mine doesn't seem to go much higher than 225 but it's gotten pretty cool and figure that's making a difference)

This smoker is great!  Whole family is enjoying it!  
Thanks!
B

[FLBentRider]

Your target temp is 180-190F

I cook at 200-225F

[Brisket Lover]

Temp is anywhere from 180-200 depending on how you like it, I go to 185 normally.  You will know when it is done.

[blnowlin]

Thanks guys,
What about cutting it in half???    Speed up cooking time?
B

[FLBentRider]

Thanks guys,
What about cutting it in half???    Speed up cooking time?
B

Not really. You are not really creating that much more surface area, and you need time to break down the connective tissue and make it tender.

You can't rush good BBQ.

[blnowlin]

Looks like i better get up really early.......figure 10-12 hrs?

[FLBentRider]

more like 12-16 - I start mine the night before, depending on what time I want to serve (lunch or supper)

You can keep it warm for several hours by double wrapping in foil, then an old towel, then into a cooler, (no ice)

[blnowlin]

Well, that seems like a good option but I'm a little worried about an overnighter....

any concerns with that?   Be really po'd to burn the house down!

Do the smoke in the afternoon/evening and let it go all night?  

What happens if all the water cooks away?

How long can ya FTC???   That works like a champ, we've tried it.

B

[beefmann]

12 to 16 hours sounds about  right for brisket

[FLBentRider]

I empty / refill the water bowl at the four hour mark, when then smoke is done.

I don't fill it quite as full for the second time, I also rotate racks front to back and top to bottom at that time.

The water bowl also catches the drips from the V-tray.

[Brisket Lover]

You can always move it into the oven after the smoke. I did my first bradley brisket that way and it turned out well. Somewhere around here is the post with pictures. I think I even over slept but it turned out good.