How Long to Smoke a Brisket at 225

Everybody agrees that brisket is one of the ideal meats to smoke. But everybody disagrees with what temperature to smoke brisket at. 

One of the ideal temperatures to smoke brisket is 225°F. At this rate, the brisket will be done in 6 hours, depending on its size. 

What’s the Best Temperature to Smoke Brisket?

The best temperature for smoking brisket has been debated since the inception of BBQ. But the temperature should always be low. However, not too low, or the brisket will take forever to cook.

Additionally, if the temperature is too low, it could cause a food safety issue. The brisket must get out of the danger zone (40°F-140°F) within 4 hours.

Too many bacteria will develop if it does not get out of the danger zone, leaving the brisket unsafe to eat. 

 It’s best to smoke the brisket between 225°F and 275°F. The brisket will smoke low and slow, but it won’t take days to get tender, juicy meat.

Is It Better to Smoke Brisket at 225 or 250?

In general, smoking briskets at low temperatures yields better results. Therefore, 225°F will create a more tender brisket.

In contrast, smoking it at 250°F gives you a more evenly cooked brisket. The brisket will also be easier to slice. It will cook faster.

Can You Overcook Brisket at 225?

Like any food, you can overcook brisket. Even if it is smoked at 225°F, you can still overcook the brisket. 

Yes, brisket is a tough, sinewy cut of beef. So it needs time to break down. But that does not mean you should put the brisket into your propane smoker and forget about it. 

Once the connective tissues have broken down, the meat will be tender. As time goes on, the moisture will start evaporating, leaving you with a dry hunk of meat. 

How Long to Smoke a Brisket at 225

Generally speaking, it takes about 6 hours to smoke brisket at 225 °F. However, other factors, such as the size of the brisket, can impact the cooking time.

A 5-pound brisket will take less time to cook than a 10-pound brisket. Whether you wrap the brisket during the stall will also affect the cooking time. 

How Long Does Brisket Take to Smoke per Pound at 225

The general equation for smoking brisket is 1-1 1/2 hours per pound to smoke a brisket. So, if you were smoking a 3-pound brisket, it would take 3-5 hours to cook. However, check the brisket after 3 hours to ensure it does not overcook. 

How Long to Smoke a 4 Pound Brisket at 225

A 4-pound brisket takes about 6-8 hours to cook at 225°F. However, pay attention to the brisket’s temperature. The temperature will ensure you end up with the perfect brisket. 

How Long To Smoke A 5 Pound Brisket At 225 

Brisket takes 1-1/2 hours to cook per pound. A 5-pound brisket will take about 7-10 hours to smoke. 

How Long to Smoke a 7 Pound Brisket at 225

Brisket takes about 60-90 minutes to cook. So, it would take 7-10 1/2 hours to cook a 7-pound brisket. 

How Long to Smoke a 10 Pound Brisket at 225

Since a 10-pound brisket is much larger than a 4-pound brisket, it will take longer to cook. A 10-pound brisket can take 15-20 minutes to smoke at 225°F. 

How Long to Smoke a 13-Pound Brisket at 225

The average brisket weighs between 12 and 14 pounds. So, it takes about 18-26 hours to cook a 13-pound brisket. However, check the brisket’s internal temperature after 18 hours to ensure it does not overcook.  

How Long to Smoke a 14 Pound Brisket at 225

A 14-pound brisket takes 21-28 hours to smoke at 225°F. But check the brisket after 21 hours to ensure it does not overcook. If it is not cooked, check the brisket’s internal temperature every 1-1 1/2 hours. 

How Long to Smoke a 16 Pound Brisket at 225

Beware, 16 pounds is a lot of meat. It can take up to 24-32 hours to smoke at 225°F. 

How Long to Smoke a 18 Pound Brisket at 225

An 18-pound brisket will take 28-36 hours. Check the brisket’s temperature after 28 hours. It may be cooked sooner than later. 

How Long to Smoke a 19 Pound Brisket at 225

A 19-pound brisket will take about 33-38 hours to cook. However, check the temperature of the brisket after 30 hours. If it’s not cooked, check the brisket’s temperature every hour. 

How Long to Smoke a 20 Pound Brisket at 225

A 20-pound brisket can take 37-40 hours to smoke. Since it takes more than 24 hours to cook, I recommend cooking 2-3 12–14-pound briskets. The smaller briskets will cook much faster. 

How To Tell When Brisket Is Done

There are two ways to test your brisket for doneness. You can use the temperature. A fully cooked brisket’s temperature is between 195°F and 205°F. 

You can also test brisket for doneness using consistency. Although it still requires a thermometer, the texture of the meat is the main focus, not the temperature. 

When you insert your thermometer’s probe into the thickest part of the brisket, it will feel like softened butter. Remove the foil or butcher paper before testing the meat for doneness. 

You can also use a bamboo skewer if you do not have a thermometer. Do not use a toothpick to test the brisket for doneness. Toothpicks are thinner than bamboo skewers, so they will not work. 

You can also use your fingers to test the brisket for doneness. Use the three fingers between your thumb and pinky to lift the brisket. If it feels like jelly, the brisket is finished cooking. 

Final Thoughts

Brisket is definitely one of the best meats to smoke, and smoking it at 225°F is a great option. The brisket will be tender and juicy if you smoke it at 225°F for 1-1 1/2 hours per pound.

William Thomas

I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.