Brisket and butts next weekend-timing questions


 
PeterD

PeterD

TVWBB Super Fan
Hi all,
Next weekend we're having a party for about 35 to 40 folks (mostly adults but maybe 1 or 2 younger teenagers). In addition to early-afternoon burgers and hotdogs on the grill we're doing our usual MeatGasm, consisting of a deep-fried turkey, pulled pork and brisket.

This is my first time doing pork and brisket on the smoker together. For previous years I did 10 racks of baby-backs instead.

We're planning for dinner to be served between 5 and 6pm. What do you suggest I should do for timing of these? Ideally I'd like everything to be done 1-2 hours beforehand. The whole "taking everything out of the smoker" ooohing and aaahing is part of the party fun, so I don't want to do it all beforehand.

I'm using an 18" WSM with a Stoker and Comp-K for fuel. When should I put each item on so both will be done around the same time? I'm planning to do a 12-13# packer and a couple of 8 to 9# butts. Could three butts fit on the lower-grate of the 18" WSM? In fact, should I put the butts on the lower or upper grate? I want the brisket to be the star of the show.

Thanks in advance.
 
When you put them on is determined by size and cooktemp. Me, I'd suggest around 6-7 pm the day before, if cooking at typical temps, with the sizes you note. Brisket on the bottom grate at around 10 pm. Adjust temps in the morning, if necessary, to speed or slow the cook.
 
Wow, that's a lot earlier than I'd first thought. Very doable (and, in fact, easier). I prefer to cook at 230 (no reason, just the habitual temperature I usually shot for before getting the Stoker) and I'd have thought about 14-16 hours for the butts and 12-14 for the brisket. I'm shooting for "done" around 3-4 and "stuff-yourself-silly" from 5-6.

Obviously, I won't know what sizes I'll be dealing with until I buy the meat on Thursday afternoon.
 
Butts on about midnight with brisket following at 2AM, always liked butt over brisket. I always like my bbq to come off at least 2 hours before serving and spending a couple of hours in the cooler to cool down a bit and relax.

Three butts will fit on a grate. Had 4 to a grate (8 total, 65lbs) a couple of weeks ago to feed 80 boys scouts and they came out great.

Enjoy!
 
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