Thermodynamics of evaporative cooling, and humidity.

[WallyP]

This is all excellent information and advice. I thank you all. I am concluding that I will NOT use a water pan (avoid evap cooling), continue to spritz every hour (I use diluted apple cider vinegar and liquid tallow), continue to BP wrap at the stall (165 degrees), and open the firebox door slightly.

But what temp readings are you using to decide to wrap @ 165 and pull @ 203? I use two temp probes - one in the flat, and other in point. I always trim the deckle and mohawk to attempt an even thickness, but you can only even to a certain extent. Since flat is thinner and leaner than point, I can get temp deltas from 5 to 15 degrees. I usually take the average of the two readings to decide when to wrap or pull.

But should I just always take the first reading at 160 and 203?

Maybe by using the average temp readings I am overcooking, and thus drying it out?

 

[Smokin Okie]

This is all excellent information and advice. I thank you all. I am concluding that I will NOT use a water pan (avoid evap cooling), continue to spritz every hour (I use diluted apple cider vinegar and liquid tallow), continue to BP wrap at the stall (165 degrees), and open the firebox door slightly.

But what temp readings are you using to decide to wrap @ 165 and pull @ 203? I use two temp probes - one in the flat, and other in point. I always trim the deckle and mohawk to attempt an even thickness, but you can only even to a certain extent. Since flat is thinner and leaner than point, I can get temp deltas from 5 to 15 degrees. I usually take the average of the two readings to decide when to wrap or pull.

But should I just always take the first reading at 160 and 203?

Maybe by using the average temp readings I am overcooking, and thus drying it out?

If you have the time. Don't wrap. What I have found is the only reason to wrap is to speed the cook along. The brisket I've enjoyed the most has gone unwrapped start to finish.

That said, if time is a problem, wrap when the brisket is coming out of the stall. Wrapping before or during the stall will delay it.