Brisket Size

[Smoothsmoke]

What's size packer brisket do you prefer to purchase? Also if you can comment on why you like the packers one size versus another? Time related? Better tenderness? etc.

[Groundhog66]

I have yet to find one, but would like to try one around 15lbs.

[Smoothsmoke]

Originally Posted by Groundhog66

I have yet to find one, but would like to try one around 15lbs.

I saw the recent Smart & Final scores and went earlier today, nothing but 18lb'ers. Too big for me, time wise that is.

[BobBrisket]

Because of time and generally, the smaller ones come from a younger animal. (that's the rumor anyway) Smaller ones bend easier (bend test) most times and from the ones I've bought, very tender end product.

Only stuff I can find now are 15+, LOTS of fat, and way over priced. Upwards of $30+ for a whole packer. One of the reasons why I haven't cooked one in a LONG time.

[Johnny_Crunch]

No point in cooking one that is small, takes same amount of work for a bigger one and leftovers kick arse!

[Smoothsmoke]

Originally Posted by Johnny_Crunch

No point in cooking one that is small, takes same amount of work for a bigger one and leftovers kick arse!

Great point! (no pun intended)

[landarc]

I like to cook in the medium size range, I have not had good luck with flats or packers under 10 lbs. I cannot fit one much more than 12 lbs onto my kettle. So, 12 lbs is the number I look for.

[theflints01]

Only stuff I can find now are 15+, LOTS of fat, and way over priced. Upwards of $30+ for a whole packer. One of the reasons why I haven't cooked one in a LONG time.

Same problem out here-which is why we've been catering with tri-tip more and more. No, it's not the same. But we can get tri-tip for $3.65/lb at Costco (good ones!). With almost no fat to trim or shrinkage and done cooking in less than two hours, it's hard to cook giant fat encrusted briskets that ends up weighing half of what you paid for fourteen hours later. Sorry for hijacking.

[BigDaddyJT]

I like them in the 12-13 range. They fit and cook best in my BGE for me and the fat cap isn't so thick.... most of the time.


JT

[Alan in Ga]

12 to 13lbers not too big not too small and manageable cook time

[Contracted Cookers]

Originally Posted by theflints01

Same problem out here-which is why we've been catering with tri-tip more and more. No, it's not the same. But we can get tri-tip for $3.65/lb at Costco (good ones!). With almost no fat to trim or shrinkage and done cooking in less than two hours, it's hard to cook giant fat encrusted briskets that ends up weighing half of what you paid for fourteen hours later. Sorry for hijacking.

tru that

[Dave Russell]

I don't find that size is a major factor in the final product, so I generally pick out the largest one that has been reduced for quick sell. The last one was pretty good size, 14.75 lbs.

[FatDaddy]

I couldn't choose the answer(s) I liked. but I look for anywhere between 10-13lb. But with the price of cattle being up and gas, beef is getting expensive around here. I just spent 2.99$ a lb for a 13.5 lb choice packer. Was 40 bucks for that damn thing. I probably wont be cooking near as much brisket this year lol.

[R2Egg2Q]

I'd have to say 11-13 pounds (but I selected 12-13) mainly for logistical reasons. The real reason is 12-13 lbs is about all that fits nicely on the sheet pans I use when they sit in the fridge.

This one was just over 13 and at max capacity:



The dog might like it if drip brisket juices here and there but my wife, not so much.

[TomB]

I noramlly find 8# at my local grocery. So that's what I use.