How much brisket?

[Gil Matar]

Last year I smoked a 14 pound brisket on the 18.5, and fed almost 25 people, but we ran out of brisket. Luckily I also had chicken.

I just bought the 22.5. How much brisket should I smoke for 45 people?

And while I'm at it, how much can I do on the 22.5 at once?

 

[J Reyes]

Depends on side dishes and type of people being fed. An all male crowd will consume more than a mix of men, women, and children.

Could be 30lbs to 40lbs of raw meat depending on the above.

You can do three packers by adding a middle grill. You can use 4 3/8 inch soup cans for the supports. So no problem with the 22 for feeding 45 people.

Using the math:
6 oz x 45 = 270 oz. = 16.8 lbs
16.8 / 60% (shrinkage) = 28.1 lbs

8 oz. p/person using same math would be 37.5 lbs

 

[Gil Matar]

Thanks J,
Great idea to use soup cans to hold up the third grate. Your math makes sense. I appreciate the comments.

 

[Frank Eriksen]

First you need to figure how many ounces per person. Let's say 8oz each. If your hoping to feed 40 people you go 40x8=320oz.320/16=20.So you need 20lbs of cooked brisket. If you figure 50% shrinkage, you need to start with 40lbs raw meat.There's a catering calculator out there somewhere. I forget the link. Have fun!

 

[Gil Matar]

Yep. I think I will need about 40 pounds. I called the butcher today to plan ahead.

Thanks,