Smoking help for a newbie

[nelliejim]

I have just bought a proQ smoker and I'm jumping in at the deep end and going to start with smoking a 5kg Brisket but I'm unsure how much fuel I'm likely to need for the cook can anyone help please


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[robgunby]

How much is needed depends on a lot of variables, so the first thing I would say is get lots in, better to have more than you need than run out. It will vary depending on the type of fuel, quality and condition of fuel, ambient temp, wind conditions, how you manage your cook etc.

As a rule of thumb, large cuts like brisket, pork shoulder etc take about 1.5 hours per lb, so you'd likely be looking at 16-17 hours for that chunk (remember this is just a guideline and you should always work to internal temperature of the meat). I use restaurant grade charcoal and usually get through, at a rough guess, 4 kg on a really big cook, in my UDS.

Personally I try not to let myself have less than one full 12kg bag of charcoal on hand. I've just opened my last bag recently to use a small amount of coal - next time I do a big cook I will go and buy some more before I cook, even though what I have will see me through a cook, I just hate running out!

[nelliejim]

Thank you i have 2 15kg bags so that should be plenty

[ConorD]

Thank you i have 2 15kg bags so that should be plenty

Good quality fuel is the next most important thing to the actual smoker. I prefer Heat Beads but know a lot on here like charcoal not brickets.

4KG will do me for a lump of meat that size with some left over to chuck the burnt ends back on.

[Tiny]

Well Sir,
I have specifically put on an hat so I may take it off to you. The dreaded pinnacle that is the brisket and you go straight for it, and a big un too.

I admire your testicular fortitude or reckless sense of abandon, your 30kg will be plenty but I reckon you are a min of 16 hours to get that done........

Go well soldier, our thoughts are with you.......
Cheers
Tiny

[BRUN]

let us know how it goes