Brisket Smoking Time Calculator
This brisket smoking time calculator helps you estimate how long it will take to smoke a beef brisket using low-and-slow BBQ methods. By adjusting for brisket weight and smoker type, you can plan your cook with more confidence and avoid common timing mistakes.
Brisket cooking time can vary widely due to factors such as meat thickness, fat content, smoker efficiency, and outdoor temperature. For this reason, smoking time should always be used as a planning guide rather than a strict schedule.
Always cook brisket to internal temperature rather than time alone, and allow plenty of time for resting once the cook is complete.
For best results, select your smoker type and enter the raw brisket weight before trimming.
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Estimated times are for guidance only. Always use a food probe and cook brisket to safe internal temperatures.
Brisket Smoking Tips
Smoking brisket is a true low-and-slow cook and requires patience. Most briskets are cooked between 105–120°C (220–250°F) and can take anywhere from 8 to 16+ hours depending on size and conditions.
One of the most common challenges when smoking brisket is the stall, where the internal temperature appears to stop rising for several hours. This is completely normal and occurs as moisture evaporates from the meat. Many cooks choose to wrap the brisket in foil or butcher paper during this stage to help push through the stall.
Once the brisket reaches its target internal temperature, resting is just as important as the cook itself. Allowing the meat to rest helps redistribute juices and improves tenderness.
Cook to Temperature, Not Time
While a brisket smoking time calculator is useful for planning, internal temperature is the only reliable way to know when brisket is ready. Probe tenderness is equally important — the thermometer should slide into the meat with little resistance, similar to softened butter.
Rushing a brisket cook or cooking at higher temperatures can result in tough, dry meat. Building in extra time and allowing a long rest is the safest approach, especially for beginners.