Brisket Help

Bluedot

I cooked a 6.5 pound brisket Saturday and have a question. I planned for the cook to take approximately 1 hour and fifteen minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook to an internal temp of 190 degrees. Much to my surprise, it only took a little over 4 hours. I cooked at a dome temp between 230 and 245 degrees. The meat was probed to monitor the meat temp throughout the cook. Once I reached 190 degrees, I checked in several places with a Thermopen to verify. Also, the meat remained in the plateau for less than 30 minutes. Finished product was really good but I am confused as to the previously described. Anyone have an idea why this happened?
Thanks in advance for the help.

Ham and Egg

That's boggling - not sure if you meant to say 11 hours and 15 minutes....I usually go low and slow and it takes the whole day. 

My only thought...was this another cut of meat and mis-labeled?  I'm not a butcher, or a brisket expert....but something obviously doesn't add up...as you are obviously wondering what's going on here....it's got me stumped.

Bluedot

I meant to say that I was planning on 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes per pound. It was definitely a brisket. I'll check the thermometer calibration and if it is on, I have no clue. The only other thing I could think of was the lack of fat within the meat. I'm really stumped.

Bluedot

I'll check it tomorrow and post the result. But here is my next question. Even if the calibration is off, wouldn't the plateau have lasted longer than 30 minutes?

Bluedot

I couldn't wait. I just checked the calibration and it was at 150 degrees. I have re-calibrated at 210 degrees or so. The plateau question still has me cunfrused!

Bluedot

Thanks

Cactus Doug

At 6.5 lbs it seems that you were probably only cooking a brisket flat. Was there a thick fat cap on one side? Usually when I see flats at the store the fat cap has been completely removed. If you really want an all day (or all night) low n slow cook seek out a packer brisket. The packer cut will have the flat and point together and a thick fat cap on one side. 

wolfsburg18

At 6.5 lbs it seems that you were probably only cooking a brisket flat. Was there a thick fat cap on one side? Usually when I see flats at the store the fat cap has been completely removed. If you really want an all day (or all night) low n slow cook seek out a packer brisket. The packer cut will have the flat and point together and a thick fat cap on one side. 

What is always more disappointing is when you ask for a packer or full brisket and there is just some kid working behind the counter and brings out a flat.  It is just sad in how few families actually cook a regular meal and the kids only know of processed food.

LoneStarEgg

I usually figure 45 minutes/pound at a temp of 225 - 250 as a good guess at cook time for brisket.  I usually do 9 - 10 pounders and they are generally done in a around 7 hours.

http://www.eggheadforum.com/discussion/846208/brisket-for-the-girls........#Item_6