Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => WSM: Weber Smokey Mountain => Topic started by: Caver42 on September 26, 2019, 04:06:59 PM

Title: Brisket size for an 18 WSM
Post by: Caver42 on September 26, 2019, 04:06:59 PM

I keep reading that the 18 isn't large enough to do a full size brisket, is this correct, and if so what are the general suggestions.

Title: Brisket size for an 18 WSM
Post by: michaelmilitello on September 26, 2019, 05:00:31 PM

You can do decent size packer brisket on the 18.5.  I’ve easily done 12-14 pounders by wedging it between the grate handles and using an empty aluminum can to bow the middle.  It will shrink up and fit fine.  I’ve done a packer brisket and two pork shoulders on my 18.  (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190927/9696d6d73807dae18012761c77bb0e77.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190927/a8ec94e03c6a99e2e9201b65da58ca04.jpg)


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Title: Re: Brisket size for an 18 WSM
Post by: Caver42 on September 29, 2019, 05:43:06 PM

Ok, I'm uninformed. Exactly what is a packet brisket? Are there more than 1 type of brisket?

Title: Brisket size for an 18 WSM
Post by: michaelmilitello on September 29, 2019, 05:49:11 PM

Quote from: Caver42 on September 29, 2019, 05:43:06 PM

Ok, I'm uninformed. Exactly what is a packet brisket? Are there more than 1 type of brisket?

A packer is the whole brisket primal cut.  It includes the “flat”, which is the lean part used for slices in bbq.  It also includes the “point” which is a fattier portion.   The flat and point muscles are separated by a vein of fat called a deckle. 
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190930/e808c5038df25ed087eb865945378684.jpg)



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Title: Re: Brisket size for an 18 WSM
Post by: Trex7 on September 29, 2019, 06:48:02 PM

The biggest brisket I had on my 18 was a 17 pounder. Trimmed of course but 17 pounds at the time of purchasing. I wouldn't hesitate to do one that size again either.

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Title: Re: Brisket size for an 18 WSM
Post by: Brad_VA on October 02, 2019, 08:29:22 AM

I've done a number of 12ish lb briskets on my 18" no problem.  I sometimes do what michael mentioned with wedging it between the handles on the lower grate as it works.  During the cook it's always shrunk for me to lay flat on the grate.

Title: Re: Brisket size for an 18 WSM
Post by: Mike in Roseville on October 07, 2019, 02:27:54 PM

I've done a bunch of 12-15# pre-trim packers on an 18WSM.