Multiple Eggs For Multiple Briskets?

TexasBelliott

Greetings Eggheads! I'm in a bit of a conundrum in that I will be cooking brisket for the Christmas dinner, feeding 25 people (6 of which are kids 5 or less), most of whom like to eat. I anticipate the guys will eat .75 to 1.0 pounds each of meat and the ladies about half that. I currently have a large BGE and I don't want to do more than one cook.

So, my questions to those with multiples eggs or veterans of big brisket cooks:

• How much raw brisket should I plan for, thinking I will need 18-19 lbs. cooked?
• Will an XL hold more than one brisket comfortably?
• Will a L hold more than one brisket such that I can end up with the amount I need (I'd prefer not to stack)

I have the green light for the finance department (the Mrs.) to get another egg, I'm just a little hesitant. Plus, if I do take the plunge is having an XL and a L better than two larges. Lately I have been cooking more for our church groups and for work. I have already imagined the benefit of having and additional egg.

Thanks y'all!
bE

lousubcap

Well now, you are in quite an enviable position...the green light for another BGE.  You will get many varying responses and in the end it will be your call.  Some will offer to get the largest you can thus the XL, others will address getting a Large so you can share accessories (if that is important for you) or even a smaller second BGE.
The drivers for me are really the quantity of food, the crowds you cook for and the frequency.   In the end get what you are happy with-no wrong answers.
Now, about the brisket cook (and a great way to get the clearance for the BGE).  You can do two on the LBGE with a second cooking grid.  I'm guessing you will need to cook two briskets around 16-17 lb in size assuming about a 50-60% yield.  If you have sides you should have plenty of food.  Hot Dogs for the kids. I'm sure others will be along.  Good luck and welcome aboard.

The Cen-Tex Smoker

Large will only hold one. You can do 2 side by side in an xl 

The Cen-Tex Smoker

If you are looking for 20 lbs cooked then you will need 2 enormous 20 lb briskets or 3 fairly large 12-15lbers. 2 20 lb briskets might be a tall order for side by side on an xl. 

Scottborasjr

Depending on how often you are doing these cooks for large groups it may be an option to look at a cabinet smoker instead of an egg. I love my eggs, I have three, but if I was doing multiple briskets, ribs, turkeys, etc. I'd definitely look into getting a cabinet.  Just a thought. It's very doable by getting an xl, however if you are doing these large cooks often and serving smoked meats something to think about.

DoubleEgger

Get the XL before she changes her mind. 

TexasBelliott

DoubleEgger said:

Get the XL before she changes her mind. 

Ok, that really made me laugh. Wise words indeed.

Thank you also to Lou, Cen-Tex and Scott. Y'all have given me some new angles to consider. Much appreciated.

slovelad

Go with the XL, especially if you are cooking for the church crowd. That way, you can stuff more on the XL at once instead of doing two large cooks