Brisket Bob
New member
Hello all. I bought my #1 back in April and have smoked a total of 8 briskets. It has been a really great experience and my family has enjoyed all the briskets. Although I have had varying success with each brisket, overall I think they have all been good (some better than others). What I don't understand is how my cook times seem to be so much different compared to everything I've read on this forum (which has been a great resource). I have consistently read that a brisket should take about 1.5 hours per pound, however, my cook times have been dramatically less (more like 40-45 minutes per pound). My cook times have ranged from as little at 7.5 hours to about 10.5 hours. All the briskets have been "packer" cuts ranging in weight from 11.5 to 14lbs (pre-cooked and pre-trimmed weights). They all have been "choice" cuts. I've set the temperature gauge at 220° and pull the brisket at an internal temperature of 190° (per the recommendation of Divotmaker - which I completely agree with). I know that elevation can impact cook times, but we live in Chicago, so I don't think that is the issue. And I've used between 4 and 5 ounces of wood....mostly hickory and apple woods (although I don't think it really matters for cook time....just trying to include all the variables).
I realize that every cut of meat is different, however, I think after 8 briskets, the sample size is large enough to notice this trend. I'm not complaining that my briskets have tasted great, but in half the time. Just like the rest of the posts of the forum, I just wanted to learn more and improve on our craft. Any suggestions/thoughts are always appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.
I realize that every cut of meat is different, however, I think after 8 briskets, the sample size is large enough to notice this trend. I'm not complaining that my briskets have tasted great, but in half the time. Just like the rest of the posts of the forum, I just wanted to learn more and improve on our craft. Any suggestions/thoughts are always appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.