First time for a big smoke.

[alwaysryu]

I'm still new to the game. I have smoked brisket three times before the largest was about 10lbs for a friends B-day. A guest there said "This is the best brisket I have ever had"  and has asked me to smoke some brisket for his party. There will be 40 guest or so at this one compared to the 15 or so at the last. I have never done that much before.

If I have done my math right I'll need 30 lbs of raw meat. They are looking to eat around 3p. Would it be best to do multiple small cuts (4 briskets @ 8lb) or the biggest briskets I can get for a longer smoke. I have had a lot of luck with the Franklin style of cooking (temp 250 and wrap in butcher paper after the stall) so I would like to stick with what I know there if possible. How different is it cooking multiple pieces at once as compared to one? I am using a WSM 22.5 will that be big enough? Did I sign up for more than I can chew?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kam59]

 I would do two 16 to 18 lb. briskets one on each grate and rotate as needed.

 

[hardcookin]

I would do whatever size will fit on your grate. Multiple briskets is no big deal, it just takes a little longer to get your smoker up to temp after adding all that meat.