How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill? Good Tips in 2023
A brisket is a large cut of beef that comes from the breast or lower chest. It is one of the most popular cuts of meat in Texas cuisine. For many, it’s their favorite dish to cook on Sundays because it requires no special skills to prepare and yields amazing results.
But you don’t know How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill? Don’t worry, we will help you. This blog post will show you How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill as well as some Tips and guides on cooking brisket on pellet grill. Let’s read it!
1. What is Brisket?
A brisket is a relatively tough, fatty cut of beef. The meat comes from the chest of the cow and it contains lots of connective tissue. Therefore, when you cook brisket on a pellet grill, it can be very challenging since this cut needs to be cooked low and slow to break down the collagen in the meat into gelatin over several hours.
If you are not familiar with cooking this type of cut, you might end up with too much fat rendering resulting in dry meat!
2. How does Brisket Cut Differ?
Two types of briskets are found in markets:
First cut brisket flat cut
Second cut aka point or deckle-off
For both cuts, they need to trimmed properly before cooking it. You don’t want excess fat around the meat, so you need to remove any large pieces of hard fat and silver skin.
3. What is a Pellet Grill?
A pellet grill is a powerful outdoor cooker that can be used to cook your favorite food. It is similar to the traditional barbecue smokers, but instead of using coal or wood as the fuel source it uses pellets (dried briquettes).
4. What Is The Best Pellet Grill for Brisket?
Wood pellet grills are very popular since they allow you to cook low and slow without having to tend to them regularly like traditional smoker. However, not all brands are good enough for making beef briskets. You need to choose one that has precise temperature control, plenty of cooking space, large hopper capacity and easy-to-use controls!
Our Recommended Pellet Grill Reviews will help you find the best option. But if you are looking for Pellet Grill Reviews, you can check it here.
5. How many types of Pellet Grill in the market?
There are three types of pellet grills in the market. They are propane, electric, and charcoal-fed pellet grills. But you need to know that the best one is the wood pellet grill since it has precise temperature control. The other ones offers no chance to set your desired cooking temperature without any difficulty in using them.
Propane pellet grills:
You need to keep refilling propane tanks throughout your cooking.
Electric pellet grills:
It is the simplest at its operation! Basically, you just turn it on and grill without having to check the pellets or messy ash afterwards. However, this unit does not produce enough heat for true BBQ results.
Charcoal-fed pellet grills:
This type of pellet grill is designed more like a traditional barbecue with an offset firebox attached to one side that holds the charcoal. After lighting the charcoals, you need to wait 20 to 30 minutes before adjusting them into different level by lifting or lowering the lid thermometer cap. Then you can change temperature settings through vents located on both sides of the unit.
6. What are benefits of Pellet Grill?
Pellet grill has several benefits which make it the best smoker among all. They are:
- Convenience of cooking:
With pellet grills, you just need to push a button and they will do rest of the work automatically with precise temperature control! You won’t have to check on your food regularly since it has an advanced technology that adjusts temperature automatically when needed! No matter what type of meat you want to cook, whether is beef, pork or poultry- these smoker can handle everything.
- Flavorful Cooking:
Are you wondering how to cook brisket on pellet grill? With pellets, it doesn’t burn easily due to its slow combustion rate thus emits more smoke while cooking compared to normal charcoal. Wood pellets are made from compressed hardwood sawdust which holds the smoky flavor you love so much! This type of smoker can give you a taste of traditional BBQ with wood-fired flavor!
- Versatility:
Pellet grills are very versatile in cooking various meats and foods. It also lets you choose your desired smoking level by using different types of fuel like hickory, mesquite, apple, etc. The best part is that it uses wood pellets for producing smoke, thus resulting in overall healthy cooking experience!
You won’t have to worry about your food getting contaminated with any harmful chemicals since it offers 100% natural way of cooking! What more could ask for?
- Easy Cleaning:
A more significant benefit of using pellet grills is that they are easy to clean after you finish cooking. All you need is to dispose of pellets and pour some hot water on the inside before wiping down with a paper towel or dishcloth! No mess, no stress! You can even use soap if needed since it won’t damage any part of your smoker.
- Cost-effective:
Pellets are cheaper than traditional briquettes which make them an economical choice for cooking barbecue meats like briskets. You can also save money on fuel costs since it cooks by using small amount of wood pellets compared to charcoal. It will be beneficial if you use less expensive types of meat with this type of grill especially during winter time.
- Safety:
There are many safety features in pellet grills that put your mind at ease when using them. They have sensors which turn grill off automatically if something is wrong with your unit or it stays on for more than 8 hours which makes perfect choice for overnight cooking! Moreover, the outer part remains cooler compared to other types of smokers allowing you to move them around even when they’re hot!
- Efficient Cooking:
Pellet grills give you an opportunity to cook faster since the food absorbs less grease and fat which make it healthier than traditional barbecues. Another benefit is that wood pellets can last longer without having to add new ones during cooking thus saving your time and energy! You will get evenly cooked food every time without any hassle!
- Trick to Using Pellet Grill:
Some people aren’t familiar with pellet grills and have a hard time using them. To avoid these problems, you can do some research online for best pellet grill reviews before purchasing one. This will help you know what features are available in different models so that you can choose the type that fits your cooking needs or preferences.
Another must-do is reading owner’s manual as it contains important information about how to use your unit properly, maintain it regularly and much more.
You should also consider taking pellet grilling classes from experienced smokers since they offer valuable tips on how to make tasty smoked meats from the comfort of your home! Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned griller, pellet smokers are definitely worth trying!
7. Step on How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill.
Fire up your pellet grill until the LED screen display says it has reached the desired temperature level.
Trim excess fat from your brisket to ensure even cooking throughout. Coat both sides with dry rub and press firmly into the meat so that it sticks thoroughly.
Put your sliced brisket on pellet grill and set timer for 4 hours depending on its weight, but use a probe thermometer to check if it’s done by inserting right in the center of the meat while avoiding touching any bones! Your finished product should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit or more since it continues cooking while you are resting the cut! That’s how simple it is to cook brisket on a pellet grill!
Step on How to Cook a Brisket in an Oven.
Prepare your oven and preheat it for about 20 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature is right.
Coat both sides of your brisket with dry rub and place into roasting pan then set it in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound or until the meat gets brown and crispy on top surface. Flip over and repeat process on other side if necessary depending on its thickness.
Take out from oven and cover with foil tightly, leave it for 5-10 minutes before slicing so that all juices get absorbed back inside! You can serve immediately or slice meat against the grain and freeze for later use which will taste like it was just barbecued! That’s how easy and tasty it is to cook brisket in an oven !
Step on How to Cook Brisket in a Smoker.
Prepare your wood chips for smoking by soaking them first in water overnight or if you don’t have enough time, at least 30 minutes before placing on top of charcoal as shown below . Then fill up your charcoal pan with fine-grained hardwood lump charcoal and place disposable aluminum vessel containing soaked wood chips on top of its grate as seen here .
Create two balls of aluminum foil and press into the bottom and side walls about 3 inches high then arrange some kraft paper over that and fold five times until it gets folded tight enough to hold its shape. Take out hot coals from the charcoal pan and place them on top of the foil container as shown below then place water pan back into smoker grate .
Place your beef brisket fat side up at the center of smoker grate then lock all fire box vents to adjust temperature inside which needs to be about 225-240 degrees Fahrenheit so that it starts producing smoke!
Your unit will take 1-1/2 hours per pound or until meat reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit with a probe thermometer inserted at right angles to the flat section without touching bone or fat! Once done, cover with aluminum foil for an hour before slicing it against the grain and serve immediately That’s how tough it is to cook brisket in a smoker!
Step on How to Cook Brisket in an Electric Smoker.
Prepare your wood chips for smoking by soaking them first in water overnight or if you don’t have enough time, at least 30 minutes before placing on top of the metal racks as shown below . Then fill up the reservoir with cold fresh tap water and place it back into the unit as seen here .
Place your beef brisket fat side up at the center of smoker grate then set temperature to 225-240 degrees Fahrenheit depending on desired level of smokiness which usually takes 1-1/2 hours per pound or until meat reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature with probe thermometer inserted right angles to the flat section without touching bones!
Then cover with aluminum foil for an hour before slicing against the grain and serve immediately. That’s how simple it is to cook brisket in an electric smoker!
Above are How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill. Now, let’s see Tips and Guides on How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill as below:
Tips and Guides on How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill.
1. How to prepare Brisket to cook on Pellet Grill?
When preparing your brisket for cooking, you want to make sure that there is no fat cap between the flat and point section of the meat. If there is, remove it entirely before smoking because during process of barbecuing, it will melt down and ultimately drip all over coals which can cause flare-ups . It can also result in poor flavor penetration throughout the meat which affects overall flavor of your meal!
2. How to set up Brisket on Pellet Grill?
You will need an aluminum pan to begin with. Put this disposable container at the bottom of smoker grate so that juices won’t touch heat directly and spoil its taste. Fill water reservoir tank with fresh tap water then put it back into unit right above aluminum pan .
3. How to choose the Right Wood Chips for Brisket on a Pellet Grill?
There is a wide variety of wood chips you can use depending on how smoky, sweet and spicy flavor you want your brisket to be! For this recipe, we used Hickory wood chip because it’s widely available which gives off strong campfire-like aroma during cooking process.
If you don’t have access to this type of wood chip, you can opt for Mesquite or Pecan instead. Just make sure not to add too much because it has strong overpowering taste!
4. How long does it take to smoke a brisket on a pellet grill?
It usually takes 1-1/2 hours per pound for brisket to get smoked! This may vary depending on the size of your brisket so best is to check with a probe thermometer after 3-4 hours then proceed accordingly. The color of the meat should change from pinkish brown into reddish brown when it’s about half way done .
5. How long does it take to cook a Brisket in an Electric Smoker?
Cooking time varies by weight but normally, it should take 1-1/2 hours per pound or until meat reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature with probe thermometer inserted right angles to the flat section without touching bones! Once done, cover with aluminum foil for an hour before slicing.
6. How to slice a Brisket in an Electric Smoker?
There are a number of ways to cut a brisket against the grain and each method produces different results. First is the traditional slicing technique that cuts across the grain which should be done just before serving because it toughens up while sitting on hot platter for too long.
Second is cross-cutting method where you will need longer blade knife with 20-degree angle to get desired results! Just make sure not to serve brisket cold since it’s best eaten when still slightly warm from being smoked during cooking process!
7. What temperature do you cook brisket on a pellet grill?
Brisket is best cooked on a smoker at a temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit with plenty of smoke! If you can maintain this temperature for 5-6 hours, don’t open the lid too often as it will spoil its flavor. In fact, some professional barbecuers suggest that you shouldn’t open the lid more than once every half hour as brisket tends to lose valuable moisture and fat which causes meat to toughen up!
8. Is it better to smoke brisket at 225 or 250 degrees? Fahrenheit?
Different pit masters have different opinions when it comes to the best temperature for smoking brisket. Some say that low heat is ideal but who wants to wait 5 hours when you can finish cooking in less than 3! In fact, an old saying goes that “it’s done when it’s ready and not a minute before” so you should choose according to your own preference, time and patience level!
9. What do I serve with Brisket?
Brisket is a favorite for many so it’s usually served with other delicious barbecue dishes such as slow cooked baked beans, coleslaw and creamed corn! You can also serve it with dinner rolls or grilled garlic bread which goes well with smoked meat. Other essential items you need to complete your meal are iced tea, ice-cold beer and watermelon slices to balance the heat from smoky flavor of brisket!
10. How long can you store a Brisket?
Once brisket has been cooked and sliced, it’s best to eat right away while still warm because it tends to get dry when cold! You can keep leftover in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in a fridge but note that the meat will release liquid so make sure to drain before storing. Note: this step is not advisable since cooking process should be done outdoors using natural smoke from hardwood pellets.
11. How do you thaw out a Brisket?
If you have completely frozen whole or half of a pack then allow 24 hours for every 8 pounds ! So, if your pack weighs 16 pounds, use 48 hours instead! Once done, transfer to a fridge in a pan and cover with aluminum foil then let it defrost for a few hours!
This should be enough time to thaw out brisket from frozen but don’t forget to check every hour by poking the center with a fork or knife. If it feels warm throughout, you can proceed with cooking!
12. How to Clean a Pellet Grill?
You should clean your smoker every time you finish cooking to keep it in top condition and prevent corrosion. Just remove all grease and debris then wipe down with a wet cloth before applying vegetable oil like coconut or grape seed!
Never use soap as this can strip away the wood flavor but use it only if absolutely necessary. Remember to remove any ashes from burn pot and burner tubes before replacing meat on grates since these items can be cleaned easily without removing them first!
How often should I clean a Pellet grill?
Cleaning should be done at least once every other week to keep the pellet grill in top condition! You can do it by hand or use a pressure washer but make sure not to damage any parts since you might need them for future repairs. If you are looking to buy one then choose high quality products because cheaper models are often made of substandard materials which will give problems after short time period.
13. How to maintain a Pellet Grill?
All pellet grills need regular maintenance to keep in top condition! This means checking all connectors, mounting plates, heating elements and burn pots for leaks. You should also clean the grease pan, side shelves and drip trays before cooking since they can catch fire if left uncleaned.
You should also check electricity connection by turning off at circuit breaker then using a multi-meter to see if there are any visible cracks or sparks when running it back on! Once done, turn off stove at main switch and you’re good to go!
14. What is the best type of wood pellets?
There are many types of woods you can use for smoking brisket but some are better than others depending the smoker type! Pellet grills are usually designed for cooking with wood pellets which make them ideal for smoking meat but sometimes it’s better to use hardwood since they bring out natural flavors without burning too hot!
Mesquite is the most popular type of wood used in pellet smokers because it burns hot and fast while adding a smoky flavor to any smoked meat. It comes from desert scrub varieties which usually grow in arid climates where rainfall is minimal throughout spring, summer or fall seasons!
Pecan is another type that has sweet nutty aroma that goes well with beef! This also grows in regions with low rainfall so you can choose based on your geographical location when buying bulk quantities! Other types include anise, apple, cherry, hickory, maple, oak and pecan!
15. Some Tips on How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill.
Choose a good quality brisket that’s not too lean and cook it in an aluminum pan with onion on the bottom. This way, you can easily pick up the meat for slicing on cutting board!
To prevent the boneless brisket from drying out on your pellet grill, use beer or beef broth as liquid base to steam/braise it before adding rub then smoke it at 225 degrees Fahrenheit without cover until done (probe thermometer should read 160 degrees F).
If you need to slice brisket after cooking, make sure to place under broiler or over charcoal bed briefly first before serving! Otherwise, you will end up having tough meat which is best eaten with fork together with creamy horseradish!
Use only sweet BBQ rubs on your cooking to preserve its natural flavors! Too much salt will cause meat to be tough, dry and salty while sugar burns too easily during grilling process!
For better results, cook slow then fast by increasing temperature or stopping smoke infusion for 5-10 minutes before covering again.
Some say that letting it sit overnight in fridge is the best way to enjoy this fatty beef cut but you can eat it immediately without having to wait too long if you use pellet grill at proper heat of 225 degrees Fahrenheit inside with good amount of smoke.
Don’t let brisket cool down completely before cutting because it will lose all of the juices which makes the meat tough! Make sure to slice just before serving with 20-degree angle on your blade knife then serve it up on fresh bread or buns for some finger-licking good eats!
16. Common Mistakes on How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill.
Using charcoal or propane gas when cooking brisket on a pellet grill is just wrong because the heat source should come from hardwood pellets to add smoky flavor in it!
Taking too long to smoke and infuse flavors with pellet smoker, especially if you only plan to use only one type of temperature setting so you can lose its natural juices and fats!
The ideal temperature for slow cooking whole pack of brisket without cover should be at 225 degrees Fahrenheit while inserting digital probe into center until reaches 160 degrees F then increasing the temp by 50-degrees for 15 minutes before turning down again.
For better results, set your desired temp then wait until fire dies out before adding meat onto grates because pellet burn hotter for a little bit longer time as well as maintaining set temperature! However, note that temperature varies depending on the amount of pellets used and the type or brand you’re using so it can be challenging to determine if it is ready!
Burning wood pellets when smoking brisket is not advisable because this will lead to bitter bark or outer crust with excess charcoaled flavor which might ruin your meat! It’s best to ensure by reading reviews first before buying them in order to prevent ruining your meat with too much smoke due to cheap brands of wood pellet smoker!
When cooking on pellet grill, it would be better if you wrap up your brisket in aluminum foil then put it directly onto grates for faster results but this process will also let the meat lose its natural juices! Meanwhile, direct heat method of cooking is not recommended because it will result to burned out kraft paper with same disappointing outcome so be careful when you process your grill.
17. How to Smoke Brisket on a Pellet Grill without Foil Wrapping.
Before placing brisket onto grates, make sure that they are clean and free from grease then set the temp at 225 degrees Fahrenheit before adding meat into smoking box or chamber until reaches 160 degrees F inside then increase temperature by 50-degree increments until desired tenderness (probe thermometer should read 195 degrees F).
To prevent excess charcoaled taste, wrap them with brown paper or kraft before placing onto grates as well as improving its juiciness! It’s best to apply your favorite BBQ sauce then wrap it up into aluminum foil that is cut in same size as brisket then let it sit overnight or at least eight hours inside the fridge before inserting probe thermometer for perfect results every time!
For slow cooking, use standard type of pellets which produce heat by smoldering instead of flaming so it will give more delicate and softer smokey flavor to meat ! Meanwhile, using Traeger pellets don’t burn fast but they provide low temperature setting which makes it possible to cook at lower temperature than other types so you can expect better taste for longer period of time!
You can also use pellets made with hardwood instead of standard type to add more fragrant flavor and cooking is faster than gas! Just make sure to set your desired temp, check for doneness and wrap it up tightly in aluminum foil before putting it back into smoker or grill then cook until reaches 195 degrees Fahrenheit with probe thermometer inside!
Cleaning up the grates just right after cooking will allow easier way for you to set temp next time because grease can cause viscous materials that prevent heat from transferring effectively so take note of this tip if you want perfect results every time!
FAQs about How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill.
1. Question: What is the best pellet flavor to cook a brisket?
Answer: Apple and wood pellets!
2. Question: How long can you smoke a 9-lb brisket on pellet grill smoker?
Answer: It takes four hours at 250 degrees Fahrenheit while using Applewood pellets!
3. Question: Where can I buy Traeger pellets ?
Answer: You can either choose online or local store but make sure that it comes from reputable supplier of smoking accessories!
4 Question : Where can I check more tips on cooking brisket on pellet grill?
Answers: Visit our website now ! We have summarized all of the most important information for your convenience. Check out our website today and enjoy great savings! How are you going to cook a smoked beef brisket without foil wrapping? Do you already know how to smoke meat on a pellet grill? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
5. Question: How do I maintain pellet smoker?
Answer: We recommend you to regularly check for grease and dust build-up on grates! Make sure they are cleaned regularly and pellets should be supplied into smoking box or chamber in limited amount since it can produce unpleasant fumes that can damage machine parts.
Keep an eye with propane tank too because it might run out of gas at most inconvenient time which is why we suggest using full tank with gauge attached!
6. Question : Is there any extra tip or trick for cooking brisket on pellet grill?
Answer: Once your meat is ready, use paper towel to soak up excess grease before slicing it across grain which will ensure tasty results! Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family member because sharing is caring!
Your pal Karen shared these tips with us when she visited us last time! We are glad that she trusted us to help her cook awesome brisket on pellet grill! We wish you all the best for your next barbecues !
7. Question: How do you use a wood pellet smoker?
Answer: Read manual first and consult with online videos before using it! Make sure to have your meat prepped and ready before turning on the machine. If you want to learn more about cooking brisket on a pellet grill , please visit our website for more tips and tricks !
It’s time to enjoy perfect smoked beef brisket by following our own tested recipes! We can’t wait to read your feedbacks in the comment section below! Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family!
Conclusion
In this blog post, you’ve learned about the best way How to Cook a Brisket on a Pellet Grill. These tips have been gathered from professional BBQ chefs and barbecue enthusiasts who want to share their knowledge with others. If you follow these instruction then it is likely that your next brisket will turn out perfectly every time!
If you are looking for more information or advice before trying these recipes, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of experts would love nothing more than helping everyone enjoy themselves while cooking up some delicious food in 2022! We hope this has been helpful and good luck making those perfect foods.