when should i start my fire????

[smokinwelder]

I have 2 briskets, one 11 lbs, one 14 lbs. when should i start my fire if i want to eat at 3pm on fathers day. I would like to let the brisket rest for 2-3 hours. Now, when you take your brisket out of the smoker, foil, and place in cooler does that count as rest time? When should I start? Im anxiouse.....Thanks.

 

[kc5tpy]

Hello.  The answer to the main question is start 20:00 nite before as a rough guess.  That allows room for the stall.  If it's done early it will keep in the cooler for quite  a while.  You asked the Golden question.  "How long does it take to smoke a brisket".  If we knew that we would all be rejoicing.  The truth is that each brisket has a mind of it's own.  It is done when it is done and not before.  Oh you can rush it but you WILL be sorry.  Takes an ax to cut it.  Start with 2 hr per lb rule then add a little if you are doing 2 or more on a small smoker ( I mean not a trailer size smoker ).  Yes, cooler time IS rest time.  I wish you luck and hope you and your family have a wonderful day together and have some good eats too.  Keep Smokin!

Danny

 

[smokinwelder]

well i have been going now......the larger briskit is at 160 degrees and wrapped in foil. the smaller one went on 4 hours after the large one. I have been running low at 200 degrees. is that ok?

 

[smokinwelder]

7 hours in at 200 ish in chamber and meats at 178. Shes in foil. should i wait till 195 then pull to rest? or should i remove foil then put back on to finish. i know its late but i need help!    also if this thing is done how long can it saftly rest?, and can i put it in the fridge then reheat? please hellllp, lol!  I need to serve at 3pm.

 

[kc5tpy]

You're doing great.  I might bump the temp to 250.  195 may be a little high for sliced brisket but it will be tender.  You could pull it off at 175-180 if you are going to rest it for several hours.  If you wrap in foil with some liquid ( apple juice, cooking drippings ) and a couple towels and put in cooler it will hold 3-4 hours and still be warm.  You can put in fridge and reheat in oven to IT of 180-190ish.  Be sure to show the Qview.  Good luck.  Keep Smokin!

Danny