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I did my second brisket this past weekend. Turned out great but I think I can do better. First off, it was only 6lbs. It was choice beef and was a packer cut. I put it in at 2:00 am Saturday and cooked at 225 until it reached 192 degrees. That took until 5pm! 15 Hours! What went wrong? Well for one thing, I put it on the top shelf of my Smokette Model 009. Maybe I don�t need to cook it that long. It that normal�I know, it�s done when it�s done. I was thinking I may need to check the internal temp for accuracy before my 30 days is past. I didn�t fork test AT ALL because I have a remote thermometer.

Anyway, the beef was great and I was able to slice it after it sat for 30 min. A bit of it crumbled, but I enjoyed it anyway. I wrapped up the rest and sliced it for sandwiches on Sunday afternoon. Question: Should I have scrapped the fat off when it was hot, leave it on or slice it off before cutting it when cold? Should I serve the meat with a fat layer to it?

On Sunday, I did two chickens. They were good but beef is the real deal. Think I�ll do a prime rib this weekend. I keep thinking I�ll have some brisket leftovers for friends, but it�s just too good.

My wife thinks I�m going to give up fishing for cooking, but it will never happen. The smoke bug has bitten and won�t let go!!
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Welcome Chappy,

First, a 6lb packer is small, very small. Did it have both the flat and the point?

Second, yup, 15 hours for 6 lbs is a little long. Have you got this on an extension cord? Too long or too small a gauge has an effect on the unit.

Best way to know is to use a temp probe to verify that your smoker averages the temp you set -- 225. And check your probe for accuracy also.

Top shelf won't hurt, even the middle. The hot spot is on the bottom one, next to the fire box.

You mentioned that you didn't fork test because you have a thermometer. Don't go by temp alone, I'd suggest a 2nd method for verification. I've learned to tell when it's done by testing it. But that's my opinion. I use the temp as a gauge, but my experience is the final decision maker on whether I take it out or not.

As for the fat, for home,just scrap it off if you're going to serve right away. If you're going to store, keep it on so it helps moisten it on the reheat.

As far a prime rib, do a search and look for comments about Stuarts recipe. There's some good tips and comments about prime rib.

Welcome to the forum!

Smokin'
Thanks for the advice. Yes I do have an extention cord. It's a 25 foot cord but is quite heavy duty and 3-prong. May need to be heavier, shorter or would you suggest no cord at all. That's tough because I live in Florida and my outlet is next to my Kitchen door. The smoker is on my screened in porch to let it breath. Temp test will tell all I suppose. No more 6 lb'ers. 9-11 lbs will be the norm from now on.

Just a word. You guys are just fantastic and as a newbee, you really make it fun!!

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