How To Smoke A Brisket On A Pellet Grill

There's no denying that smoking brisket on a pellet grill is one of the most delicious ways to cook this tough cut of meat. If you've never used a pellet grill before, don't worry. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to make the perfect brisket every time.

In this blog you will learn:

• The benefits of smoking brisket on a pellet grill
• Choosing the right cut of brisket for smoking
• Preparing the brisket for smoking
• Seasoning the brisket with a dry rub
• Setting up the pellet grill for smoking
• Maintaining a consistent temperature during the smoking process
• Wrapping the brisket in foil to finish cooking
• Checking the internal temperature of the brisket
• Resting and slicing the brisket before serving
• Tips for experimenting with different wood pellets and seasonings to find your perfect flavour.

A. Explanation of Pellet Grills

Pellet grills are outdoor cookers that use wood pellets as fuel. They are designed to be easy to use, and the pellets provide a consistent heat source for smoking and grilling.

A pellet grill is a type of outdoor cooking appliance that uses wood pellets as fuel to heat and smoke food. It typically consists of a hopper that holds the wood pellets, a heating element or burner, and a digital controller that regulates the temperature and airflow. The wood pellets are fed into the heating element or burner, where they are ignited and burned to generate heat and smoke. Pellet grills are known for their convenience, as they can be set up quickly and easily and are designed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. They are also popular among home cooks and BBQ enthusiasts for their ability to infuse food with a smoky flavour and produce a juicy, tender result.

B. Advantages of Using a Pellet Grill to Smoke Brisket

Pellet grills have many advantages when it comes to smoking brisket. They provide consistent heat, which is important for smoking meat for a long time. They also have a hopper that automatically feeds the pellets, so you don't have to worry about constantly adding fuel. Additionally, pellet grills are versatile and can be used for grilling, smoking, and roasting.

 II. Choosing the Right Brisket

There are two muscles that make up the brisket: the flat and the point. The flat is leaner and easier to slice, while the point has more marbling and is more flavorful.

B. How to Select the Best Brisket

Look for a brisket with good marbling and a consistent thickness. You should also pay attention to the colour of the meat, which should be a deep red colour. Finally, make sure the brisket has a good amount of fat on it, which will keep it moist during smoking.

C. Preparing the Brisket for Smoking

Before smoking the brisket, trim any excess fat and remove the silver skin from the meat. Then, season the brisket with a dry rub of your choice. We highly recommend Flaming Coals Bovine Espresso.

III. Preparing the Pellet Grill

A. Setting Up the Pellet Grill

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set up your pellet grill. Make sure to place a drip pan under the cooking grates to catch any drippings. We love using our Traeger Pellet Grills as they are so easy to use and the app control allows you to monitor your cook from anywhere in the world effortlessly. 

 B. Choosing the Right Wood Pellets

Choose wood pellets that compliment the flavour of your brisket. Hickory, cherry mesquite, and oak are popular choices for smoking brisket.

C. Preheating the Pellet Grill

Preheat the pellet grill to 225-250°F (107-121°C).

IV. Smoking the Brisket

A. Seasoning the Brisket

Before placing the brisket on the pellet grill, sprinkle a little more of your dry rub on the meat. Here at BBQ Spit Rotisserie we only use Flaming Coals Bovine Espresso, it’s one of our best selling rubs and is highly regarded in the BBQ community. 

B. Placing the Brisket on the Pellet Grill

Place the brisket on the cooking grates and close the lid. Let the brisket smoke for several hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 160-170°F (71-77°C).

C. Maintaining the Temperature

Check the temperature of the pellet grill every 30 minutes to ensure it stays between 225-250°F (107-121°C). If you have a Traeger Pellet Grill you can do this remotely using the Traeger app. 

D. Adding Wood Pellets

Add more wood pellets to the hopper as needed to keep the smoker going. If you have a Traeger you can be alerted to this automatically with the Traeger Pellet Sensor. This device alerts you when you are running low so you never run out again! The notification will come through the app. So handy!

E. Checking the Brisket

After several hours of smoking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the brisket. The brisket is ready to be wrapped when it reaches an internal temperature of 160-170°F (71-77°C).

V. Wrapping the Brisket

A. When to Wrap the Brisket

Wrap the brisket in aluminium foil when it reaches an internal temperature of 160-170°F (71-77°C). This will help the brisket retain its moisture and continue to cook.

B. How to Wrap the Brisket

To wrap the brisket, place it in the centre of a large piece of aluminium foil. Fold the sides of the foil up and over the brisket, then fold the ends of the foil in to create a sealed packet.

C. Continuing to Smoke the Brisket

Place the wrapped brisket back on the pellet grill and continue to smoke until it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F (90-96°C). Or until the brisket is probing like butter. Texture is a way more important measure of doneness than temp. 

VI. Finishing the Brisket

A. Checking the Internal Temperature

Check the internal temperature of the brisket with a meat thermometer. When it reaches 195-205°F (90-96°C), it's ready.

B. Resting the Brisket

Remove the brisket from the pellet grill and let it rest for 30-60 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. But the longer the better when resting. We wrap our briskets in a towel and place them into an esky. This allows the muscle to relax before slicing. 

C. Slicing and Serving the Brisket

Slice the brisket against the grain into thin slices. Serve with your favourite BBQ sauce and sides. We generally don’t sauce, but this is up to your individual preferences. 

VII. Conclusion

A. Benefits of Smoking Brisket on a Pellet Grill

Smoking brisket on a pellet grill is a great way to achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful piece of meat. The consistent heat source and ease of use make it a great option for home cooks and BBQ enthusiasts alike.

B. Final Tips for Smoking Brisket on a Pellet Grill

Remember to choose a good quality brisket, season it well, and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process. Don't be afraid to experiment with different wood pellets and seasonings to find your perfect flavour.

Smoking brisket on a pellet grill is a fun and rewarding experience that's sure to impress your friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!

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by: Michael Wilkie