How Long to Smoke a Brisket on a Pit Boss: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to barbecuing, smoking a brisket is one of the most iconic and challenging tasks any pitmaster can undertake. It requires patience, attention to detail, and a whole lot of love for that juicy, tender, and flavorful end result. And what better way to achieve it than using a Pit Boss, the ultimate tool for low and slow cooking?

 In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you everything you need to know to smoke a brisket on a Pit Boss, from selecting the right meat and seasoning to setting up your smoker and monitoring the temperature. So, grab your apron, fire up your smoker, and let's get started!

Choosing the Right Brisket

If you want to smoke the perfect brisket, you need to start with the right cut of meat. The selection process may seem overwhelming at first, but fear not! We've got you covered with some expert tips on how to choose the best brisket for smoking. 

Here are some key things to keep in mind when selecting your meat:

• Look for a whole packer brisket, which includes both the flat and point muscle. This will give you more options for cooking and serving, as well as a better chance to get that mouth-watering bark.

• Choose a brisket that has a consistent thickness and size throughout, with a thickness of around 1-2 inches. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and avoids overcooking or undercooking.

• Check for the quality of the meat by looking for bright red color, firm texture, and good marbling. Marbling refers to the thin veins of fat that run throughout the meat and will help keep it moist and tender during the smoking process.

• Look for a brisket that has a thick, even layer of fat on one side, known as the fat cap. This layer will help protect the meat from drying out during the long smoking process and also add flavor to the final product.

• Consider the grade of the meat. The highest quality brisket is USDA Prime, followed by USDA Choice, and USDA Select. Prime will have the most marbling and tenderness, but it can also be the most expensive.

• When in doubt, ask your local butcher for recommendations or advice on selecting the best brisket for smoking. They may have insider tips on what's currently available and what's in season.

Preparing the Brisket

Before you can smoke your brisket, you need to prepare it properly. Here are the steps to follow:

• Trim the fat- Trimming the fat is an essential step in preparing your brisket for smoking. Too much fat can result in a greasy, unappetizing final product, while too little fat can lead to a dry and tough brisket.
  
  Start by trimming any large, thick pieces of fat, and then use a sharp brisket knife to carefully remove any excess fat, leaving a thin layer on the top of the brisket to help keep it moist during the smoking process.

• Apply the rub -  The rub is the seasoning that will give your brisket its signature flavor and crust, so don't skimp on it! There are many different types of rubs you can use, from simple salt and pepper to more complex blends of herbs and spices.
  
  Apply the rub generously to all sides of the brisket, making sure to press it into the meat so it adheres well.

• Let it sit- After applying the rub, it's important to let the brisket sit for at least an hour at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rub to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
  
  If you have time, you can let the brisket sit for several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

• Get your smoker ready- While your brisket is resting, it's time to get your smoker ready. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting up your Pit Boss smoker and getting it to the right temperature. It's important to get the temperature right before adding the brisket to ensure even cooking and a moist final product.

Remember, the key to a great smoked brisket is proper preparation. 

Preparing the Pit Boss Grill

While the brisket is resting, you can prepare your Pit Boss grill for smoking. Here's how:

1. Soak wood chips- Before you start smoking, soak your wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps to prevent them from burning too quickly and allows them to produce smoke over a longer period.
   You can use any type of wood chips you like, but some popular options for brisket include hickory, oak, mesquite, and apple.
   
   
2. Add wood chips to the smoker box- Once your wood chips are soaked, add them to the smoker box of your Pit Boss grill. The smoker box is typically located on the side of the grill and is designed to hold wood chips or pellets.
   
   
3. Preheat grill - Before adding your brisket to the grill, preheat it to a temperature of 225°F. This is the ideal temperature for smoking brisket as it allows the meat to cook low and slow, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
   
   
4. Place brisket on grates- Once the grill is preheated, place your brisket on the grates, fat side up. The fat will melt during cooking and help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
   
   
5. Elevate brisket with wire rack (optional)- If you want to ensure that your brisket cooks evenly, you can elevate it with a wire rack. This will allow air to circulate around the meat, helping it to cook more evenly.
   
   
6. Add water pan - To help maintain moisture in the smoker and prevent the meat from drying out, place a water pan in the smoker. This can be any type of pan that can hold water, such as a disposable aluminum pan or a cast iron skillet. Fill the pan with water and place it on the grates next to the brisket.

By following these steps, you'll be able to prepare your Pit Boss grill for smoking and achieve delicious, tender brisket that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Smoking the Brisket

Now that your brisket is on the grill, it's time to start smoking. Here's how long to smoke a brisket on a Pit Boss:

1. Smoke for 6-8 hours - Smoke the brisket for 6-8 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature of 225°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brisket. It should be around 160°F at this point.
   
   
2. Wrap the brisket- After the brisket has been smoking for several hours, it's time to wrap it in foil. This will help prevent it from drying out and speed up the cooking process. You can also add some beef broth or apple juice to the foil to add moisture.
   
   
3. Smoke for another 4-6 hours - Place the wrapped brisket back on the grill and continue smoking for another 4-6 hours. The internal temperature should reach 195-205°F.
   
   
4. Rest the brisket- Once the brisket has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least an hour before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

The Takeaway

Smoking a brisket on a Pit Boss grill can be a time-consuming process, but the results are well worth it. Remember to choose the right cut of brisket, prepare it properly, and smoke it at a consistent temperature for the recommended amount of time. With a little practice and patience, you'll be able to achieve a perfectly smoked brisket every time.