Brisket Resting Box - Cambro


 
John K BBQ

John K BBQ

TVWBB Wizard
Many forum members (including me) have "bought in" to the idea of smoking our briskets until we hit around 200F, followed by wrapping, and resting in a cooler. Unfortunately, I have found that a standard issue 48 quart coleman or igloo cooler isn't ideal for this. Don't get me wrong, "it works" but, the inside width is a bit too narrow so my brisket doesn't sit flat, and there is a lot of dead air space over the brisket because the cooler is a little deeper than it should be. Finally, the cooler ends up smelling like smokey goodness for several days after I use it this way, which is OK, but not ideal. Finally, if I want to smoke a brisket and take over to a friends house, the 48 quart unit is kinda big for that, doesn't fit easily into my 2018 Ford Fusion.

So, I'm thinking about buying one of these. Has anyone else used one? I think this one seems like a good size for a whole packer brisket rest.

Amazon.com: Cambro EPP180SW110 Black Cam Go Box Top Loading Catering Box Case of 1 : Home & Kitchen

Amazon.com: Cambro EPP180SW110 Black Cam Go Box Top Loading Catering Box Case of 1 : Home & Kitchen
www.amazon.com
 
Wish I could help on this particular Cambro. We have the UPC300 and have been totally satisfied with it over the years. Haven't heard of anyone having an issue with the GoBox system.
 
I understand that a large cooler is hard to fit in a car. Especially with others. This seems too expensive for me. But I guess the lock together aspect helps.
 
$53 is too expensive?? People routinely drop $4-500 on a cooler without blinking.

I mean, a closed cooler with “dead air” above the packer really isn’t an issue. I think you’re trying to talk yourself into it, which whatever. I’ve not once had an issue with insulating meat when the cooler isn’t full. I use styrofoam coolers that I get for free.

I’ve always heard good things about Cambros. Most are a good bit more expensive than this one, but professionals use Cambros often. One is on my list of things to get
 
I’d have a hard time spending $400+ for a cooler, never have seen the need. I’m not going so far afield that I can’t find ice after a day or two camping. I’d prefer spending that money on better beverages or victuals.
IF I was a prprofessional outfitter, that might be a different story. There are a couple of guys I know that have them both are really more about being chest thumpers than the reality of being away from civilization. Tailgate show pieces. As for brisket resting? I use an Omaha steak cooler with towels, works perfectly for pieces up to 16 pounds for me. They are the Right price (when it’s a gift)! so, if they get funky, they can be disposed of.
 
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Here's a totally different way to go. I bought a 22 quart turkey roaster. Lynn Dollar showed me this. You can calibrate it to hold around 140 and you can hold indefinitely. You can use a cooler for shorter hold.
 
John, I saw the Cambro 180 being used by a caterer in Alaska and I thought to myself, where have you been all my life? He loved it. We used it for a different purpose but I LOVED it at first sight and thought it was a great igloo. I meant to buy one to use. Often, it seems too bothersome to lug around my Cambro 400s. In most matters, this is all you would need for cooling brisket down.

It does seem a little bit pricey but it is very light and seemed sturdy enough to last a couple of years at least. I like the recommendation Chris had too as it seems a bit more sturdy. Maybe I just like the black color better.
 
That’s what I use, Omaha Steaks styrofoam coolers. Free every year at work (minus this past year, forgot to order) as our yearly holiday gift.

Hold up well, work great.
 
I’ve always just used my cooler. Not a great fit, but it works and I’m cheap.

+1 On reusing the styrofoam coolers.

Frankly, I can’t imagine it matters most of the time. I’ve never tried this, but I bet you could get a couple hours, maybe more, from a well wrapped brisket placed in a cardboard box with a few layers of towels. Or, in the case of a couple pork butts, I bet they’d still be to warm to pull by hand after a couple hours. Maybe I’ll try it next time.

As for the funky smell left behind in a cooler. I air mine out by leaving the top open for awhile until everything drys out and such. But, I store it with a bag of charcoal that are used in closets for oder control. Like these:

 
I have that Cambro. I bought mine at a restaurant supply store. It does a great job keeping the food hot. I kept the Thankgiving turkey in there until everything else was done. It will hold 2 large steam table trays but can get kind of heavy. I use a towel around the tray to use as a lift out assist and helps when lowering the tray in. When you open the cover you will see steam come out.
 
I let brisket and other meats rest on the kitchen counter but when I need to hold meat I've been using the Coleman linked by Chris and Mark since 2019 and its size has worked well for me. A real quick check on what you linked looks like the Coleman and Cambro share very similar dimensions. But, admittedly, it is not so very often that I need to hold meat and I've never transported meat. Dustin has shared a very interesting idea if you aren't transporting.
 
I tested my 50 yo Westinghouse turkey roaster ( that belonged to my Grandmother ) and here's my first go. The temp swings were large, 25 * Then I filled a half pan with hot water and put it in the roaster to act as a heat sink, serving the same function that a brisket would serve . And the temp swings evened out greatly , it ran between 140 and 150* .

I need to edit, this turkey roaster is closer to 70 yo, than 50 yo.

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I realized I have this softsided cooler from Costco, that may be large enough for a brisket. I think it was about $50-60 at Costco. But I don't see it currently listed.
cohooutdoors.com

COHO 30 CAN LARGE LEAK-PROOF SOFT COOLER

Coho Wide Mouth opening Insulated Soft Cooler Waterproof for Outdoor Activities like Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Floating, or Picnics. THICK CLOSED-CELL PE FOAM INSULATION: COHO leak-proof soft cooler is designed with a thick insulation layer to keep contents cold for up to 8 hours. 100% LEAK...
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