First time smoking a brisket

[locoline]

• Bought my first 4lb brisket. How long can I expect to cook? Would like to do it overnight but if it's not going to take that long I'll need to change my plans. Thanks in advance.

 

[oddegan]

How long it takes depends on how hot you cook at. 225 it could take 2 hours a pound. 275 it will be more like 1 and 1/2 hours. SmokinAl has a great thread on hot and fast brisket.

 

[locoline]

Thanks for the info. I usually prefer the low and slow method so I'll go with the 225. I'll check out SmokinAl's thread.

 

[oddegan]

I've used both methods and I feel the results are almost identical. Hot and fast gets a better bark which I like. At 4 pounds your brisket probably can be started in the morning depending on when you plan on eating. I like to start probing mine with a tooth pick at an internal temp of 200ish. When the tooth pick goes in like butter you are good. Hope this helps.

 

[Rings Я Us]

Should go 5 hours low..
You have a lean piece of trimmed flat section? Or is the whole piece covered in a layer of fat?.

You might want to stick it in a couple layers of foil nice and tight after it gets in the 160° range. Add a 1/4 cup of beef broth or couple tablespoons. Finish it till it's soft to the probe inserted.

 

[SmokinAl]

Sounds like the guys have you covered!
I might add that for a small flat, I smoke them in a pan with French onion soup.
I put the brisket right in the soup.
Never had one dry out that way & you end up with a great Au Jus.
Still have plenty of smoke flavor.
Al