Brisket Cook Time Help

The Goose

I am having a party for my husband's birthday next weekend and thinking about cooking a whole brisket (14 lb'er) for the group. It will be my first brisket ever. Yes, it is risky but I've got some forgiving friends coming.

If I am cooking at 225, how do I calculate cooking time for a 14lb brisket? I read somewhere that you should estimate about 2.5 hours per pound...this would put a whole brisket at 36 hours, which doesn't seem right. Any other advice?

Also, if you live on San Francisco peninsula and cook brisket, where do you buy yours?

Thanks!

Crimsongator

I would cook the brisket at 250 degrees and expect it to take about 1 to 1 1/2 hrs per lb. Cook it to a temp of 195-200 internal

Eggsakley

As Crimsongator suggests, 60-90 min per pound seems to work for me as well. Actually I am cooking one now and the time factor is still valid although I seem to end up going more like 90 min per pound rather than 60. If you can find a local butcher to sell you a choice or prime grade brisket, go for it. Otherwise might as well go to Walmart and save so money. Brisket is an interesting cook and will be a life-long quest for perfection. go here http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/ and read about brisket for some excellent advice. Best of luck and enjoy the cook.

Egg Juju

I would start it 24 hours in advance of dinner time. Then when it reaches 195 or so and the probe move easily I would double wrap in heavy duty foil. Place that package in a Styrofoam cooler with some bath towels for extra insulation and it will be ready to go when you are ready to serve.