Two Briskets on a WSM 18


 
Well, everyone at the party seemed to enjoy the brisket (other than the 4-year-old who refused to try it), so I guess that's a win.

I wrapped them a little after midnight, put them back on the smoker until the coals started running out, moved them to the oven around 5am, and then into the cooler at 203º around 7am. About 18 hours total. At the party, I started slicing the packer at 2:30pm.
2021-08-07 Brisket 1.jpg

The first several slices from the end opposite the point were pretty dry, but it was nice and moist about a third of the way in. I think 7 hours in the cooler maybe left it cooking a bit too long as it was starting to fall apart.
2021-08-07 Brisket 2.jpg

As it turned out the guest head count was way overestimated, and someone else brought a large portion of Southern Maryland stuffed ham, so the second brisket ended up getting cut into chunks as parting gifts.
 
Lessons:
  • Use less hot coals to start a low and slow cook
  • Don't be afraid to complete shut all lower vents
  • Don't try to micro manage the temps (25º swings are okay)
  • Don't run temperature probes through the rubber grommet if you're going to be moving meat around. Too much time w/ lid off while messing with probes. (Looking into making the slot mod....)
  • Wrap with probes in meat. Hard to place probe in already wrapped meat.
  • Get supplies and work spaces all set up well in advance.
  • Need better outdoor lighting for nighttime work.
  • ....
 
That super dry Flat you’re talking about, you can cut it off pre-cook so you have a very even thickness Flat. Save that cutoff for grinding into burgers (along with Chuck a beef rib, 25/50/25 ratios as listed). Or you can always cube it, sauce it, pan fry it for bbq burnt ends.

You did well. Congrats! Next up if your HAF 🔥. Hopefully you enjoyed cooking it.
 
Save the dry stuff for “Texas Twinkies”
Agree on the slot mod!
Also right with you on useable lighting! Working on a hot smoker in the dark is “challenging” to say the least.8A037D4D-A32A-456B-8EEB-924F3DB075DD.jpeg
I picked up these solar lights at Costco earlier this spring, they have proven very serviceable!
The plywood is freestanding, I found I needed it that night as the wind was coming from almost all points!
I’m very glad I made the screen up, it’s helped a lot with overnight smokes.
 
I bought an LED Head Lamp and it makes a world of difference.
I drape my probe wires between the lid and middle section and have never had one fail.
 
GF might yell but I could not resist.
Yep Costco Prime for less than before times.
Now to hide this until I can cook it.

Actually they had two. I picked up a slightly heavier one. About .1 but it was floppier...
 

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