Pellet Cooker Brisket | Chuds BBQ

In this week's video I try out a pellet smoker to cook a brisket. I'll give you my honest opinion on the flavor and ease of use. Let me know what you think!
The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/chudsbb...
Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE
Patreon.com/chudsbbq
Insta: ChudsBBQ
www.chudsbbq.com
►Full list of things I use and recommend:
www.chudsbbq.c...
_________________________________________
►Fogo Charcoal
www.fogocharco...
►Thermometer
www.thermoworks...?tw=4724
►Injector
amzn.to/34wtJIr
►Meat Slicer
amzn.to/3fAj0mQ
►High Temp Cheese
amzn.to/37W8MsR
►Fryer
amzn.to/3aOYISS
►Vegi Grill Pan
amzn.to/3cSRVub
►Vitamix Blender
amzn.to/2JAnRY7
►Black Pepper
amzn.to/37MZhuJ
►Beef Tallow
amzn.to/3jKjyq9
►Pink Salt
amzn.to/2MYdPxY
►Mixer
amzn.to/2IrAFir
►Chef Knife
amzn.to/2H5azRt
►Sausage Stuffer
amzn.to/3g7sJOK
►Hog Casings
amzn.to/2Ccn4Ze
►Meat Grinder
Cabelas 1/2hp
►Food Processor
amzn.to/389w3Go
►Fire Blower
amzn.to/2YFG4Z4
►Knife
amzn.to/3ljFW9M
►Slicing knife
amzn.to/2ycXzoW
►Boning Knife
amzn.to/2zRXeZu
►Thermometer
amzn.to/3eWYMRP
►Sodium Citrate
amzn.to/3f3Zqw1
►Sheep casings
amzn.to/323XOgX
►Cimeter Knife
amzn.to/2N7ZSgJ
►Scale
amzn.to/3fw3Uf0
►Rub Tub
amzn.to/37KVMom
►Burger Press
amzn.to/2Y8B2m0
►Knife roll
amzn.to/2ZfcJ8n
►Butcher paper
amzn.to/2X7D6KK
►Paper stand
amzn.to/2WKxl6S
►Cutting Board
amzn.to/3cJTdEW
►Blowtorch
amzn.to/2W25lLk
►Chef Knife
amzn.to/2xfq9pc
►Bone Saw
amzn.to/2YbOqYf
►Welder
amzn.to/2Rwbyg9
►Angle grinder
amzn.to/2V3pq3L
►Grinder Blades
amzn.to/2JWEx8x
►Chop Saw
amzn.to/3nMxF0Q
►Pipe Level
amzn.to/3cdNqGL
►Camera
amzn.to/2yKrNzs
►Lens
amzn.to/3c8wj9p
►Light
amzn.to/2RtAGnH

[@thomasmathieu4463]

I am a working dad that owns a traeger. For years I used an offset smoker, once my kids entered my world I don’t have the time to babysit an offset. The traeger I can set it and almost forget it. I get like you said about 90% of a Texas brisket, moist and great bark just doesn’t have the heavy smoke flavor that I use to get. But with my busy schedule it is on ok trade off. I do want to give you a shout out! I did your version of beef cheeks barbacoa on the traeger and they turned out freaking amazing. I modified a couple elements but it turned out great. Made them 3 times now and look forward to many more. A million thanks. At the end of the day it’s like you at the end of all your video, “go cook something outside. Peace!”

[@ask_jeebs]

Try starting your brisket cook at 180 for the first 4-5 hours. Allegedly that vastly improves the smoke flavor. Also I'm assuming you know but if you don't avoid traeger pellets.

[@thomasmathieu4463]

@@ask_jeebs why is that? I don’t have any really options. Everywhere around me has traeger pellets. Which one would you recommend?

[@ask_jeebs]

@@thomasmathieu4463 traeger uses a "blend" of sawdust from cheap wood that they add some types of wood oil to. So it smells like you're burning said wood but the flavor is non-existent. Lumberjack pellets are considered to be some of the best out there and should be easy to buy online. If you have an ace hardware nearby they usually have them in stock.

[@thomasmathieu4463]

@@ask_jeebs awesome. Thanks for the advice

[@ask_jeebs]

@@thomasmathieu4463 of course! I don't own a pellet grill myself but a close friend does. The taste was definitely noticeable when he switched pellets.

[@mrbibble5072]

This channel has 100% changed my bbq game. Simple instructions, great visual aids, pretty dam entertaining and funny. Now if I could only get my family to accept bbq as a daily food group.

[@angelslayer169]

The struggle is real😂

[@Gary-ib8dz]

Are there any other food groups?

[@MrJoshcc600]

Follow the BBB food groups. Bourbon Bacon Barbeque You'll live to be 90 and be happier then your jealous grass fed neighbors 🤣

[@darlaoliver468]

W 5

[@markb7067]

Amen!

[@DF-de8ib]

"Sounds like every other BBQ youtube channel right now.." Hahaha. Love that line. At this point Chud, your yt channel is the only bbq cooking show that I heavily watch. A pro through and through. This channel is just honest and with simple instructions. No bs, not pretentious and with a dash of entertainment. Thank you!

[@GrumpyWebGuy]

I had to switch to pellets after becoming unable to physically deal with an offset smoker, so I really appreciate you being open-minded to the concept. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@edmaurin3682]

There are better pellets to add more flavor.

[@rxw5520]

You can also get a “smoke tube” for like 15 bux and a torch lighter to add more smoke. I find that with pellet you have to cook at 220ish “high smoke” mode or you get minimal smoke flavor.

[@karlpeterson7299]

A few things I've learned from my PitBoss: 1. Get yourself a reliable probe thermometer. I use a ThermPro that has 2 channels - one for ambient and one for meat. Put the ambient probe in the cook chamber and monitor it. The probe used by the PID gives some odd readings. I've seen the grill report a steady 250 degrees, and watched the ThermPro swing all over the place. I've seen the grill report a 50 degree difference between the cook chamber and the set point, but the ThermPro reports that the temperature is within 5 degrees of what I set the grill at. This information is especially valuable if you have a rainstorm roll through during your cook. 2. When doing a LONG cook like a brisket or pork butt, roll your pellet grill at the LOWEST temperature it'll go for a good 6 hours. The fat doesn't want to render at 180 degrees, but you'll get some nice smoke on the meat. After 6 hours, bump it to 225 until you hit mid stall and get the bark you like, then wrap and finish it off at 250. You'll never get the smoke flavor like you get from an offset, but it will be better than just cooking at the higher temperature. 3. Temperature setting matters! A pellet grill doesn't get the same type of convection current that you get from an offset, and the air draw on an offset helps keep the meat from overcooking. You can cook at 275 on an offset and have perfectly cooked brisket. The same temperature on a pellet grill will overcook your meat. Run the pellet grill at a lower temperature than you would an offset for better results.

[@schlammie446]

This is also my experience with my little GMG Davy Crockett. Starting at a lower temperature really gives a decent smoke ring. I think what happens with a pellet smoker is that the heat shield that goes over the fire box becomes much hotter than the air and turns into a radiative heat source. This cooks the bottom of whatever I put on there faster than the top. A traditional offset smoker doesn't have that problem because the firebox is so far away from the heat.

[@CloudfeatherRusticWorks]

Depends on the grill itself, too. I have a Pit Boss with a couple simple mods done to it and it works flawlessly. Plan on getting into offset smokers down the road, but damn if I don't love my pellet grill. Lol

[@weldchip]

this guy has it down! your at pretty much where im at! if you haven't already id recommend you try the lumberjack 100% oak pellets they are the best i have found for smoke flavor so far. you end up cooking longer and slower on the pellet grill but it doesn't matter as its so little effort.

[@jeffsmith8066]

I use the same thermpro. It's crazy how bad the temps swing in the pit boss while the little temp readout on the grill shows the temp just as steady as can be.

[@Yabetcha84]

Even with rigorous cleaning, you have to monitor for flame outs. My Pit Boss can be very finicky. Your suggestion about ambient temp monitoring is a very good tip.

[@ElectricLuvz]

The pellets used can make a pretty big difference but one thing I found to help with smoke flavor on a pellet grill is to plan ahead and allocate at least 2-4 initial hours of really low smoking temps of just around 180. That gives the most smoke ring and flavor in my experience. Then afterward, only go to about 225-250 for cooking. I don't go near 275 since the smoke becomes very intermittent by that temp, at least on my pellet grill. After the wrap though, I will then finally turn up to the temp to about 275 or more to finish it off until it's tender. This obviously takes longer, sometimes up to 16 hours depending on how long you do the initial slow smoke. But it's just my way to account for the differences with a pellet grill.

[@joelewis9377]

Not sure what grill you have ! I started with a pit boss Lexington and had done some great briskets on it. I now have switched to a traeger and I also invested in a UDS as well to get some real cooking going as my kids have gotten older and I have more time to cook.

[@vepristhorn8278]

As someone who is very interested in breaking into BBQ this was great. Your comments about being beginner friendly so we can focus on some of the skills instead of all of them and failing and burning out is exactly what I needed to hear

[@64samsky]

I did two awesome pork shoulders on my Weber kettle grills using the snake method with apple wood chunks. The party I took them to was full of people who raved about the pulled pork. One fellow asked me to do a party for 200 people! I don't have the means to do that large of a cook, but it was nice to hear that everyone liked it. You can do good food, as long as you put your heart into it!

[@JoseLopez-it1op]

Been using mine for over a year. Went from a total novice to being completely comfortable cooking any and all bbq style meats. Absolutely love my Z grill!

[@laterg8or]

Oh man, “Sounds like every other BBQ KZbin channel right now” had me rolling! FAJITAS Chud! Show me some summertime FAJITAS!

[@joshfoss7407]

In my limited experience with my pellet grill, I find a standalone pellet tube drastically enhances the smoke flavor you get. It's the best $10 upgrade you can get.

[@Kyle_Schroeder]

Truth!

[@tomfodor1662]

put woodchips in the tube, instead of pellets! it's a game changer 👌

[@bobsf40]

Can you share a link to a tube you use, and where would you place it on a pellet smoker?

[@hollisinman6989]

Just the smoke tube and Munster cheese is amazing. You can smoke anything with the tube. I keep it at least 12 inches from the cheese or what ever.

[@thooper4380]

@@tomfodor1662 I've only used my pellet tube for cold smoking cheese, but I've mixed pellets and wood chips. Do pure wood chips burn all the way through without issue? And do they continue smoking anywhere as long as pellets? I might try pure wood chips in the future.

[@davehoward2791]

I made a 17.5 lb prime brisket this weekend on my Traeger using Malcolm Reed’s overnight method and it came out amazing. The key to pellet smokers is time- you gotta go low and slow to build that smoke flavor and bark. Mine took 18 hrs to cook and I rested it in a cooler wrapped in towels for about 8 hrs (bad timing on my part, got done too soon) and I served about 15 people, many of which said it was the best brisket they have ever had. I’m no pit master, but I felt like one after this cook and I was proud of this brisket. Excellent video, thanks for being open minded and being honest about your pellet grill experience. If it’s smoke and bark you want, cook low & slow and you won’t be disappointed. 👍

[@Morrir12]

The overnight smoke at low has been my go to as well! it really makes a difference for the barking forming and getting that smokey flavor!

[@DenaInWyo]

I'm far more interested in the end product than the process. I'm also a smoking noob. The pellet grill was the best choice for me. Being a grumpy old lady, I don't care much what others might think of that decision :) Thanks for your channel, learning a ton!

[@DavidRostker]

Love the channel, love to smoke, and love my pellet grill in my small suburban backyard. My Camp Chef goes down to 160ºF, so it’s a star for smoking bacon. I usually do my briskets overnight at 190º, then boosting the heat to 250º in the morning, so I know it will be ready for dinner.

[@shawngillogly6873]

Yeah, in an ideal world, I'd have a big backyard to put an offset in. I don't. If I can add a UDS or vertical smoker in the future, great. But for me, the choice was a pellet smoker or none. I'd rather have the smoker I can use now.

[@julzcdg4880]

Best BBQ channel here in youtube hands down. I've seen probably 90% of the bbq/cooking channels already they're cool respect to them but Chud is just too natural for this stuff. Simple instructions from a pro.

[@Krbasshead]

Back in the year 2000 I started out barbecuing with my weber kettle grill. I soon upgraded to the weber smoky mountain series. I then moved on to a stick burner. Fast forward a full decade, and I now have two children a very busy job, and do not have the time to babysit my offset. I decided to splurge and picked up a recteq 700. This thing produces fabulous barbecue and I don’t have to babysit anything set it and forget it.

[@ericcarr7557]

I’ve been cooking on a Traeger from Costco for about 8 years. It delivers bbq that’s more than good enough for me, and I’m in the category you mentioned in the beginning… small back yard. And I’m also busy and a bit too lazy to deal with fire management. I love that I can just throw a brisket in the Traeger and let it smoke over night while I’m sleeping. And my Traeger maintains a temp within +/- 5 degrees.

[@commonsenseandreason2492]

SUPERSMOKE MODE!

[@dalenesbitt]

@@commonsenseandreason2492 I just got myself a smoke tube. The Pro series don't have supersmoke.

[@markwoodside2650]

I have only been smoking the last couple of years so yup full on geriatric novice. Using a Traeger now. My last brisket turned out really well and plenty smoky. I was previously doing them at 275 but the last time I started it at 225 for 2 hours first using the Traeger “super smoke” function before turning it up to 275 for the rest of the cook. Made a difference. Definitely smokier. Love your channel. Thank you from Vancouver, BC

[@diogenes505]

Bradley I made a brisket on my off brand pellet grill following your instructions for trimming, rub, smoke, boat and rest. The meat got rave reviews. The next day I seasoned and smoked the meat scraps that I called meat candy when it was done. I very much appreciated your trimming tips because that was the most daunting part of the process. I shave a little at a time until I reached the desire aero shape. I can see that with experience I can be more aggressive and do that step quicker. Thank you for your great instruction and good humor in what you do.

[@concernedcitizen2031]

Not going to lie, I moved from an offset smoker to a pellet grill. What I have learned is that while I love working a fire all night/day I just do not have the time between family and work and having my pellet smoker makes it so much more convenient as I can set it, put my meat on and just watch my internal temps.

[@PitmasterTyler]

I am here 5% for the BBQ, 5% to see his unique smokers/grills, and 90% for the snake in his boot.

[@matthewalexander9716]

Yes. The snake in his boot is truly a value add:)

[@dhines1138]

Because I learned brisket on a really small smoker I always separate the flat from the point. I still do even though I now have a huge offset stick burner. I also didn't have a lot of money when I first started so each brisket was kind of an investment. You trim your brisket beautifully but it still makes me really nervous when I see that huge line of fat between the muscles, but this weekend you've inspired me to try it your way. Wish me luck!

[@rustymuckybottoms]

Training wheels here. I just got a pit boss about a year ago and appreciate the ease of operation.

[@stevereese6488]

What I've done on a pellet grill is start off on its lowest setting ( 180 degrees ) for the extra smoke for about 4 hours then start raising temp to 250 to 275, i also sop or spritz it every hour. Fat side down, no flip. Wrap or boat it at about 180 ish internal, pull it at 200, rest either overnight in oven or old ice chest for a few hours if you are gonna eat that day. Great smoke ring, juicy, hard to beat. I have a rec tech.

[@smitty7592]

Pellet grills: Jack of all trades. Master of none. They get the job done and are convenient and approachable. There are tricks to better smoke flavor like lower temps and smoke tubes. Might try that.

[@joshpandh]

Smoke tube Def adds smoke flavor. I use one and it makes a substantial difference in smoke flavor. You can also just use the smoke tube for cold smoking. I would say it's a must have for pellet grills

[@niklaslombardi6785]

"jack of all trades master of none is often better than a master of one"

[@Proto6789]

I own a ReqTeq and there’s almost no temperature swings. I plan on learning to use an offset but for now, the reqteq fits my needs.

[@tubehound69]

I bet you aren't opening yours unnecessarily and that is why you can maintain an even temp. My theory from using my pellet smoker is when you open the lid the temp drops a lot triggering it to feed pellets. The drastic cooling this causes creates a "pellet dump" (as I call it) causing it to then get too hot. By the time the temp is back where it should be, those pellets have burned down so much that they are too far spent to maintain the desired temp with just a small feed of pellets, so it creates another pellet dump, but this dump is smaller. After a few cycles of this it eventually settles back in to maintaining the desired temp. I suspect those who have problems with temp swings in their pellet smokers are needlessly opening the lid creating this cycle of pellet dumps and temp swings. What do you think?

[@mikealberts1743]

@@tubehound69 I can't open the lid much on my old RecTec 680 during a brisket or pork shoulder cook because I'm asleep through the first 8 hours.

[@johnsmith-em2wp]

I have a reqtec and it is simply awesome. Holds temperature like no other and it PUMPS tons of smoke. I do not have the time to babysit an offset unfortunately so this fills all of my needs.

[@jimeagle5483]

@@tubehound69 If you're looking, you ain't cooking.

[@hulkhuggett]

@@johnsmith-em2wp none of us have time to babysit an offset. We have to make time and sacrifice. BBQ is definitely a life style and takes lots of dedication. And there are those with electric smokers. 🤭

[@andybobsadventures]

Thank you for not completely trashing pellet smokers. I started smoking about 6 months ago with a pellet smoker and so far I love it. As you said though, for me this was the best entry into smoking. I live in a cookie cutter residential neighborhood and I just don't have the room right now. That being said, I am originally from Owensboro, KY, the "BBQ Capital of the World," and my heritage has been calling and I really want an offset smoker.

[@Jassman3536]

I smoke weekly on my Memphis pellet grill. It is a higher end really sealed well grill. Love it, works perfectly, and the food taste's just as good with a lil less smoke as you put it. How I do it is put the temp to 190 and cook approx.12hours and get the internal temp into the low 170's..bark is set and there are no wet spots or pooling. I then pull it off and moisten the butcher paper heavily with my tallow and wrap super tight and then I repeat with Aluminum. She then goes back in until she gets to about 196-198 and I also do a feel test. I then pull it off, remove foil in about an hour and let her sit in the butcher paper for about 3-4 more hours in my oven ready for supper that night with family and friends. My first one sucked and this last one with the aluminum trick worked. Great channel subscribed!!

[@matthewalexander9716]

I enjoy all your content, period. We love to cook and while our heat source may differ, our goal is the same. You're NOT a sellout for cooking on a pellet grill and your honesty and insight are of tremendous value. Great job, keep up the great work!

[@drock3825]

I cook briskets on a pellet all the time. Set it to 180-200 and throw it on at midnight and then get up and wrap or boat it between 6-8 hours. They turn out pretty great. We use an offset too but I get pretty tired of it after about 6 hours. The more I watch and learn about offsets I think having one that's bigger and can use full splits would make it a lot more enjoyable.

[@chriswysoglad3411]

Yep, I put our briskets on the pellet at 10pm at 190º. In the morning I watch the probe for 175º and then wrap in paper, with a boost to 250º. Once I hit ~200º it comes off, wrap it in a blanket which is now exclusively our "Brisket Blanket", and into the cooler to rest until it's time to eat, typically 2~3 hours of rest.

[@adamelliott8424]

Do you put it in the oven overnight like he does in the video? Somewhat new to this, looking for pointers

[@drock3825]

@@adamelliott8424 the last one I did I tried the oven trick for like 6 hours or so. I personally didnt notice much difference from that to a normal rest. I also live in baltimore and the quality of beef here is trash so as Chud likes to say "polishing a turd" is pretty commen lol

[@adamelliott8424]

Okay thanks for the tip, pretty new to this. Doing a 3.5lb Brisket tomorrow, how long do you think it would take ?

[@drock3825]

@@adamelliott8424 Im guessing its just the flat? It should take more then a few hours. id wrap it around 160 degrees and take it to 204ish

[@johnsaunders8395]

Very Glad you did an episode on pellet smokers. I’ve transitioned from pellet to offset because I plan on entering “Backyard” competition where electricity is not allowed. That was how I found your channel. This has upped my game in smoky taste, and will say that stick burners demand lots more time actually controlling the temp, whereas pellets allow you to set and forget for a good amount of time. Love your vids (I had a short term addiction to them). Love the humor, and the way you deliver your craft. Taught me a lot, perhaps more so than entire series of tv bbq shows. Keep it up!!

[@brandongalvan1254]

I own a pellet grill and I love it! Being a law school student means i don’t have much time on my hands. So being able to have good bbq on a pellet grill is a very good investment for someone who doesn’t have much time but loves bbq!

[@johnaratliff988]

Try starting at a lower temp (200°) several hours. This will give it more smoke and then increase temp after BP wrap

[@projectdaaltaran]

Just finished a brisket today. Turned out great. My method is exactly what you described. Gotta do it low. Not sure why ppl say pellet grills dont give a good smoke flavor. I've never had any issues getting my bbq to taste like any of the best smokehouse I've eaten at.

[@ericsee3067]

Using an Amazing Smoke Tube really helps to increase the smoke the factor. I have the exact same Z-Grill. I use the Amazing Smoke Tube to cold smoke cheese and salmon in winter. Just light the tube, and not the smoker when cold smoking.

[@helocoastie8274]

I've been BBQing since I was 14 with my dad in Texas, I own a Yoder YS630s pellet smoker "not a tin can for sure" and it is my go to for smoking. I would like to add that if you have a family with little ones running around your time availability is going to make BBQing frustrating having to manage a fire. AWESOME VIDEOS Chud keep'em coming

[@AspyreFGC]

Smoking my very first brisket as I watch this... I cannot wait until it's done and rested. These videos always make me so hungry. Lol

[@willt1209]

I’ve used a Yoder Pellet smoker for two years among other styles. I have found that to get a heavier smoke on my meat I have to start off at a lower temp. On pork shoulders and brisket I usually start at 175-225 then I finish the cook off at 275 when I wrap. Just some thoughts on my experience. Nothing compares to an offset though.

[@Smokin_chambersbbq]

Same

[@spencerhicks5697]

Same I do a brisket at 180 for three hours just to get the smoke in it and then start the cook. I get a really nice thick smoke ring.

[@i12C.]

Which Yoder do you have? I'm thinking a future purchase is in need. YS640S maybe. Are you completely satisfied with yours?

[@willt1209]

@@i12C. I have a YS640. I love it. Im moving to an offset soon but will always keep my Yoder for smoking sides and other quick things.

[@dcgregorya5434]

This exactly. Wish I saw this before I posted my comment.

[@williamblair6984]

I've been using a pellet smoker for about 3 years, now. It was the best thing I've bought in many years. I'm thinking about buying another for my large gatherings.

[@777Revolutionary]

Buy a real pit 😂

[@gregpenismith1248]

@@777Revolutionary if you can smoke with it, it's a real pit.

[@slice169]

If you're accustomed to running around 275 on an offset, the best way to mimic that on a pellet smoker is to run it a little slower. Because they burn so efficiently, meat really needs more time in smoke to taste closer to a stick burner. Generally speaking, a proficiently run offset will usually beat a pellet cooker in smoke flavor, but there's some tricks to getting better smoke flavor than what you got on this brisket

[@oso8595]

What would some of those tricks be. I can't seem to get good smoke flavor on my brisket and I'm using a smoke tube also

[@ironKurgan]

Good honest opinion by a pitmaster. I will say I own a pellet grill and when I cook brisket I always use hickory/oak blend, which always gives me the smoke flavour I want and the best brisket I have ever tasted came off a pellet grill. These pellet grills allow you to experience true Texas barbeque brisket, along with the best smoky ribs you will ever taste. and the best part is, you simply put the food on and forget about it for several hours, because its fully automatic. my normal brisket cook is 15-18 hours with a 4-6 hr rest. perfect every time. Pork ribs- 5 hrs

[@jimpalmer4061]

I have done many many briskets in pellets and once u get it dialed, they are incredible. Definitely not as much smoke flavor, but using tallow in a paper wrap comes out amazing. Also, you use the fat side down to protect the meat from the heat, BUT you can do fat up if you just put a shallow pan of water underneath it to deflect the heat better...

[@matthewalexander9716]

"Smells like a freshly cut table." LMAO

[@johnsmith-em2wp]

That was funny as hell, but wood is wood...all they do is compress the sawdust to make the pellets, nothing added. Recycling is good stuff. My jeep runs on recycled dinosaurs. (do a quick image search on that for a laugh)

[@danielwalsh7373]

I have green mountain pellet grill; so a good step up from the z grill and I love it. My green mountain holds temp very well usually within a few degrees of set point and I've never felt that lacks smoke flavor, ive cooked many of things on it from brisket to Mac and cheese to your wing recipe and it has yet to dissapoint. Last brisket I smoked I started at 180 for about 8 hours until it hit an internal temp of 160, then I wrapped in butcher paper cranked it up to 275 until it probed nice and soft, let it rest a couple hours and it was no lie the best brisket I've ever had. I started my smoking journey on a webber smokey mountain and once I got the green mountain grill I haven't touched the smokey mountain.

[@emilysmart4477]

Did my first brisket ever on my treager it turned out amazing .. I used pink butcher paper for the wrap it was super tender and very smoky .. It was a wonderful experience for smoking my first ever brisket.

[@bradenschramm8956]

I’ve learned it helps to mix wood pellets with charcoal pellets. I have a pit boss that I’ve been happy with but it seemed to really be a game changer when i mixed the charcoal pellets on there.

[@mikebarnea4789]

Love the channel, brisket looks great for your first cook on a pellet smoker. GMG will go down to 150, also pellet grills are better at smoking at lower temps. 275-300 is starting to get into baking territory and they constantly have to blow on the embers, which doesn't leave much time for smoldering. If you want good smoke in a pellet grill but want to cook at 275-300 you'll need a smoke tube of one variety or another.

[@chucksidlecki2006]

Being from NY , BBQ to me was chicken, burgers and dogs. Now here 17 years I have learned! From my wife getting me a Traeger Jr, to me getting the Traeger 3500, and now graduated to a full blown Matt’s BBQ Pitts 20x40 Reverse flow Offset. The pellet smokers have many purposes blended with Convience. However, you just can’t beat the challenge and product of a quality Smoker.

[@ldarr1986]

I had a traeger and it was very useful for smoking 3 briskets for the mother I -laws wedding. Pre cooked. Cooled down in the fridge then vacuum sealed. Re-heated on the day at the facility. Took it back up to 150 and it was an absolute hit. Saying that. I recently sold it. I love using charcoal. My Weber kettle is my baby with the Cajun bandit attachment. Just so much more flavour from a smoke perspective.

[@thisgoestoeleven]

I've got an apartment with a small front yard and a little porch, so for me the pellet grill is a really solid option. I got a Green Mountain Grill Daniel Boone this past spring, and I love it so far. I find that using a metal smoke tube with some pellets in the cook chamber provides a good amount of additional smoke. So far I've done ribs, chicken, and pulled pork. Haven't tacked a brisket yet what with beef prices, but it's on the list.

[@jeremystevenson6611]

Love that you tried a pellet grill. With my Traeger lower temps (225 degrees) and cold weather give me better results, assuming due to the increased pellet consumption. You should do another brisket but set at 225 degrees and fat cap down. It will be a longer cook but I think you will find it gives you a better bark (similar to your traditional) and smoke flavor.

[@AlzheinerTV]

How long would the cook be?

[@SOLDOZER]

225 is a total waste of time.

[@davejones7122]

I agree completely! I cook mine fat cap down at 225, and paper wrap at an internal temperature of 165. Never had a bad brisket.

[@SOLDOZER]

@@davejones7122 Never? Even top Texas joints screw it up. You're better than them?

[@davejones7122]

@@SOLDOZER I never claimed to be better than anyone, just that I’ve never had a bad brisket with my pellet smoker.

[@erikhornby8557]

Great video Chudd Man!! I use a pellet smoker all the time. I keep my temp at 250° f the whole time for brisket. I wrap when the color looks right, about 4 hours give or take. I throw in some butter and wrap the whole thing. Usually it is done at 8 hours, internal temp 198° f. I unwrap it set it carefully back on the smoker for 30 minutes to tighten up the bark. Works good for me and is always tender and juicy! Play around with it and have fun!!

[@JJ-Legacy]

After tons of research and trying to understand how to make the most painless smoked brisket that would wow a crowd. I have a Traeger 885 ironwood so it can get real easy. I began with typical trim and seasoning for Central BBQ Brisket. Then threw it on the treager at 225 until it got the color I liked. It was sitting at 178 and looked nice and barky this took about 8-10 hours. I then took it inside and used about 1/2 cup of rendered beef fat (Pro move, I put a roasting tray under the brisket with all the trim to render and to catch all the fat dripping from the brisket, more fat, and less clean up), and wrapped with butcher paper. Then I threw it back on the traeger and set it to 185 for 8 hours. It never walked over 182, and it hovered there for 8 hours. This was the best brisket I've ever had on a Traeger. And before you say blah blah blah 185 it needs to be 205. Beef fat breaks down at a little under 170 degrees, it just takes a long time to do so, and 16-20 hours will get you there. No shred on the bottom, just beautiful tender bites of lean or fatty brisket. Try it out.

[@raadkins16]

Awesome man. This just further proves it’s all about the cook, not the cooker! Please add an A-maze-N smoker tube for added smoke nest time and let us know if you get a better result! I’ll be glad to send you one, got a spare new one in the garage !

[@jeffdickey1966]

Every pellet grill has hot and cold zones. To figure this out to better tune your cook, grab 2 cans of biscuits and evenly cover the grate edge to edge and front to back after your grill is up to temp. Check at 10 mins and 15 minutes. The bottom of the biscuits will tell you where your hot zones are and you can cook around those hot zones on the lean end of the brisket. If you want a deeper smoke flavor, grab a stainless steel smoke tube and fill with pellets and light the closed end of the tube. Run 2-3, tubes of pellets on your next brisket cook for a much nicer bark and more smoky flavor.

[@d-averion5011]

Bradley, I get your resistance to pellet smokers, but with 5 kids and a job that takes up 80+ hours a week, the only way I can cook great smoked meals is with a pellet grill. I use a wide assortment of cookers and I don't see anything wrong with trying different cooks on different equipment. I think we all agree that cooking outside makes everything better. Just my two cents. Thanks for all you do!!! Cheers .....

[@susanpiotrowski1132]

I love the ease of my GMG pellet grill. I can come home from work, press a button and 15 minutes later I’m smoking. I do love a really smoky flavor so I’ll often use a smoke tube which is also super easy.

[@thehungryhussey]

Great video. I have the same cooker and went with a smoke tube and that helped with getting more smoke.

[@Cellothafello]

I was thinking a smoke tube would help increase the smoke flavor

[@SOLDOZER]

The fact you need a smoke tube should tell you they're crap.

[@WestyMain]

Same here. I have a Louisiana Grill 1200 and use 2 smoke tubes. It smokes up a large ring in a brisket.

[@thenicknicol]

I bet its a nice outdoor oven

[@MakerMeraki]

@@SOLDOZER in an ideal world, we'd all have huge offsets (I do), and can dedicate 12+ hours to fire management. But it's an imperfect world. A lot of us have jobs that don't involve staying at home. A pellet grill makes a lot of sense in those circumstances. The idea of brisket in the middle of the week without taking off work makes me happy.

[@SanJoseDale]

Love to see you use a pellet. I’m getting old and lazy, my pellet is just too damn easy to use. I am also not a fan of big smoke flavor, so find the kiss of smoke just right. Think of a grill like this as an outdoor convection oven. Look forward to more. 👍

[@jonwalstedt1907]

Same here. I prefer a lighter smoke flavour as well. I find it doesn’t overpower the meat and the rub.

[@SanJoseDale]

So I’m not the only one…lol. This suits me just fine, I’m too old and lazy to tend an offset anymore 🤷‍♂️

[@mikeg6069]

@@SanJoseDale not even remotely close to the only one. I don't like an overpowering smoky flavor either. For me pellet grills produce exactly what I want in the flavor department.

[@natem1861]

Same here! Love my Traeger Timberline…not too much smoke.

[@SanJoseDale]

I’m sure Bradley strongly disagrees, that’s OK. I love all his recipes, they work great on the pellet.

[@fagundes1212]

His comment once he hears the infamous pellet grill "pur" @ 5:05 mark ... "sounds like every other bbq KZbin channel right now" ... Instant classic !!!

[@Dreadiii]

I usually smoke brisket on my pellet smoker at 200-225 F and I feel like it helps get more of the smokey flavor in the meat.

[@matt3957]

I have the same pellet grill from zgrills. Pretty happy with it.

[@dogsofgore7708]

the fortune teller lady was rather positive

[@franciscoalmanza1211]

I started off with a traeger, but it gave me too many problems. Not much smoke, uncontrollable temps, computer kept crashing, etc. Then I upgraded to a rec tec pellet smoker. It's night and day when you compare the traeger with the rec tec. Great smoke, steady temps, and really well built. I had family from Texas come visit me in Chicago and I made a Texas brisket for them. They said hands down the best brisket they have had, including from Texas! Long story short, it's the pellet smoker you use and the quality of brisket that matters most at the end.

[@erikclaire5056]

As a pellet smoker guy( small kids make traditional smoking almost impossible) I know because I have a 1000 gallon smoker and smaller offset that I gave away to my sous chef. The pellet is great for home use. I do use a pellet tube for extra smoke and positioning is key. I do have a larger smoker so my brisket isn’t right above the fire box. A few tweaks and you might fall in love with your pellet smoker. For work because labor is stupid right now, I use a lonestar grillz insulated vertical smoker which I swear by. This allows me to get the other parts off an event done while the meat smokes. Just food for thought.

[@paula.2422]

Awesome video...as usual. I mostly use a pellet smoker and I've found that when you increase the temp above 250° F you lose smoke. They may be a little too efficient because the fan stays on and burns the pellets faster based on your temp.. Great looking brisket though. Btw, you can buy a smoke tube to add more smoke.

[@tdallenkk]

This is so true. That is why I use a smoke tube. Its also good to remember that your meat will stop absorbing smoke after after a while so in the large scheme of things smoke during the first couple of hours of any cook is all you need

[@MrBBQ-si9qo]

start at 190 for the first 8 to 5 hours depending what you are cooking and if the bark is how you like it then wrap it and finish it at your desired target temp

[@This_is_Sparta83]

I have a Yoder smoker and it turns out killer bbq. Z grills is gonna be your lower end pellet smokers.

[@mwrslr7845]

"Z grills is gonna be your lowEST end pellet smokers." FTFY

[@BenMonet]

I'm happy you went into this test with an open mind, great video. I've seen other pitmasters doing some pellet tests but putting it down all the time and giving a negative review. Of course, it doesn't have the smokey flavor of a real reverse flow, but for some folks, it does the job. Thank you...and I love your channel by the way!

[@cujimmykay53]

Hi Brad, I’m now retired & live in a Lifestyle Village & as I’m almost 70 my pellet grill suits me to the ground as it’s not as smokey as an offset which is better for the neighbours, it means we can still have bbq & smoked goods…👍🏼. A big thanks from Down-Under…

[@internetshaquille]

12:39 good lord that smack sounded SOLID

[@whywouldigivemyrealname5162]

Seems almost as if someone competent built it, eh? What is it about slapping metal that makes a man feel good?

[@derghost8713]

I damn hope it sound solid, that's metal...

[@ethanhenley4376]

I went back to hear it again...sheesh

[@nategibbons172]

I really do appreciate you bringing the point of of, sometimes we really don’t have another option. I have never owned a pellet grill and most likely never will. I started using a charcoal grill to offset cook and barbecue ribs and other chunks of meat. That was in my opinion, the best way to start. PS - ultimately, as long as people understand that this is an easy bake oven, then barbecue away

[@mikeg6069]

Why do people "need" to understand what it is? It's a grill/smoker. It cooks food. The food tastes good. That's all I need to understand.

[@patrickhenry236]

Nate, dont worry about M Dog. He hit my comment as well, and seems to be trying to pick a fight. I'm with you, I dont like gas, and I dont ever plan to own a pellet grill. I like charcoal and wood chunks, and I buy for what I like. Everyone else is welcome to do the same for their own likes and needs. For those who need the convenience, well I'm glad they have the option. Heck, I have family that own Pellet smokers. Best of luck to you, and safe grilling.

[@collindeen9716]

I love that huge cutting block you’re using

[@ReverendPONT]

Great video. I agree with pellet grills being a good introduction to bbq. I have a Rec Teq and I love using it but ready to add a stick burner to the arsenal. I don't think I'll ever stop smiling when I turn my 340 on leaving the grocery store so its ready when I get home though lol. Pellet grill baking is amazing and it's the only way I bake now. Pellet grills are handy when you're a Parent so you can smoke and play with your kids.

[@BPFnSC]

My first smoker was a Traeger. I think it’s a really good grill to get you into the bbq game. It’s super easy, and hard to screw up. I am a busy dad so it works for me. That being said, now that I’ve got a bunch of brisket cooks under my belt, I’ve been wanting to try an off set or a Kamado style grill because I think mastering the fire process is more authentic than turning a dial.

[@matteoadesso5375]

I would definitely appreciate seeing you do some side dishes!

[@RobertDeCaire]

A barbecue side dish series would be great.

[@sebastienh78]

If you want more smoke flavor on a pellet grill, I suggest not to cook past 225 before wrapping. The pellet will produce more smoked at low temperatures. Nice work with that brisket. I own a Treager pellet and a Oklahoma Joe’s Drum smoker. Different tastes, both great smokers

[@TexasHighDef]

Thanks for the video. Would love to see some more pellet smoker vids from you. I got Pit Boss a couple of months ago and I am loving it. Hello from Austin!

[@davidkilpatrick8280]

I run my pellet at low as it goes for few hours just for smoke flavor then turn it up

[@bbqwithmonchis-smokinmonch9108]

Great video! I use my Zgrill pellet smoker all the time, it’s a great way to get in the bbq game and also affordable.

[@fretless05]

Thanks for the video- I feel a little less guilty now... I am a busy dad and got into smoking mostly for making cold-smoked foods like bacon, lox, jerky, and smoked cheese. I built a cabinet from wood paneling and 2x2 pine with some slots so I could slide metal racks in to really load it up. I've tried a number of ways to supply smoke and for this set up, a small pellet grill with some dryer vent directing the smoke from the smoker into the cabinet has really done the trick! I do have concrete tiles in the bottom of my cabinet and an electric burner that can be controlled with a PID so I have options on temperature control, either the PID or adjusting the pellet grill, but as you noticed, the controllers on the grills don't do a great job maintaining a temp. I have done some foods in the pellet grill itself, though it's small, and would love a bigger smoker of some sort, but don't have the time or energy to tend a fire for long smokes, so I suspect I'll go with another (larger) pellet smoker, gravity smoker, or Kamado.

[@artcruz7442]

Just gave away my pellet grill to live the journey on my stick burner . Great video ,thx for the reassurance on stick burner life .

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Good honest review. Cheers.

[@rxw5520]

Offset before kids. Pellet after kids.

[@eightbll1017]

I've been grilling for over 30 years. Have catered a couple events. Very seasoned griller....lol. I have several different smokers and grilling devices, from wood to charcoal and yes. Three pellet smokers. No gas! But I do love the convenience of a pellet smoker.

[@scottshill1927]

I learned to BBQ on a Traeger on an apartment balcony. It was absolutely perfect. I learned to play with the heat to really get it right. Start lower than you think to really get some good smoke. Then kick it up to really finish it. Plus, I loved using a mix of wood depending on what I'm cooking. I also figured out you can block some of the heat from below by setting your meat on a cookie sheet with a cooling rack or grill on it. I recommend that until you figure out the temps that works best for you. Any mopping on stuff like ribs is great, too. Especially if you want to finish it with a good glaze. Last of all, I was able to cold smoke on it in the winter. Just put some foil balls under the lid to keep it propped open. Cheese was perfect. That being said, one can buy an offset section specifically for cold smoking.

[@stemmerman]

A quality pellet grill will prevent those temp swings. Also, try adding a pellet tube to add smoke. Great video!

[@Markyadrian]

Man, a 30 degree temp swing seems like a lot. I’ve owned a RecTeq 340 for 2 years now and mine stays within +/- 5 degrees. I think the PID controller has a lot to do with it though. Awesome video, Chud!

[@LigglesHoneycut]

Same, my 340 will occasionally swing up to 11° over, but it’s short-lived. Usually drops back down within a handful of minutes.

[@JasonZoeller]

Right?! I was caught off guard with that temp swing. That’s pretty bad.

[@LigglesHoneycut]

@@JasonZoeller it’s definitely a quality issue. Friend of mine owns a pit boss that’s 3x the size of my Recteq but cost $200 less. And his temp swings are closer to 50° most times.

[@hinds90]

I wouldn't trust any of the controllers that come on pellet/gravity smokers. I always test the ones I've had out with my fireboard and they're off. I personally don't mind the swings I just wish they would show what the smoker is actually doing instead of using a algorithm

[@dcgregorya5434]

You using their thermometer or yours? I have a 700 and to be honest I don't trust their thermo because I get very little temp change opening the door. Sorry but holding open the door long enough to wrap 3 racks of ribs does not drop the temp by only a couple degrees I don't buy it. Gonna test it with a third party thermo.

[@res18baj]

I use my GMG DB for a lot of stuff. Steak, salmon, brisket, ribs.....Comes out pretty well. You gotta get different pellets. Bear mountain or Lumber Jack.

[@waydegardner7373]

Agreed. Lumberjack is my “go to.” Best results on my GMG JB with a smoke tube and tallow.

[@drulz297]

My Brother in law sent me this video because he loves to tease me over my pellet grill ownership, this was a great video. Lotta laughs!

[@JDLaughs]

That looks delicious! I am a newbie just starting with a new pellet grill and this was really helpful. I have a full time job and am a sing foster mom of a 4 and 5 year old, so the pellet is for me! I was a little worried when you first started that I made the wrong purchase but that looks pretty good. If you learn a trick to step up the smoke flavor with the pellet grill, please let me know! :)

[@MrDdm343]

Lower temperatures allow for a longer smoke session. Dial it down to 225F for example. Some smokers have a smoke setting too. I hope that helps.

[@JayWhite0703]

I love my Yoder YS640. And I competed and catered on a pull behind stick burner for 17 years. Call me a sell out lol. I get to sleep at night now haha

[@SmokinJoesPitBBQ]

Yoder🤘🇺🇲

[@TMAquatics]

Appreciate how you kept it real, simple and spoke to the working weekend pit master. A couple other channels that run offsets come across a bit pretentious. They seem convinced everyone should want a $5K Franklin offset and have the time to use it.

[@yattech1youngblood646]

That snake in my boot joke just won you a subscriber 😂😂😂 I will always smoke on an offset but I like to see how pellet stuff comes out sometimes

[@blink555]

from everything I have seen, a gravity-fed smoker is better than a pellet smoker.

[@philipsmith6424]

Ansolutely agree !! Pellet grills are old news and old tech ! The problem is all the good manufacturers just spent billions on them !!!! I can’t wait till a great company makes a really well built one !!!!! There seems to be only two companies making them Master built and Chargriller and neither are well built IMO .

[@johnsaunders8395]

@@philipsmith6424 Is this the HMC from the Iowa? - Jack

[@k9cop1614]

Did that brisket grow? Looks nothing like the one you seasoned up

[@SemperBarton]

It swelled up. Completely normal

[@lovemytide45]

I have ALS and had to move from a Kamado to a TRAEGER ironwood 650 for obvious reasons. I have played around with different pellet flavors in the hopper and I really can’t tell the difference. I started using a pellet tube to add additional flavor but sometimes got a bitter taste . Now I have figured out what works best for me…. I use whatever oak or hickory pellets that are on sale and place a 6” X 6” piece of stainless steel on the bottom rack of my TRAEGER. I place a few chunks of hickory or oak on it and light it like charcoal and let it burn for about 5 minutes with the lid open and blow it out. It results in a really nice, blue smoke that is just the flavor I’m looking for. Pellets for heat, chunks for flavor.

[@eddielopez6796]

You so got me with that snake in my boot bit. I wasn't expecting it, I laughed way too hard lol.

[@thebigv8644]

I have only used Weber kettles. I am 44 and live in MN. I have 2 boys that play I hockey, and I coach both of their teams. So needles to say we are very busy during the bitter MN winters. I have my webers dialed in during all weather, including -35°. But when we are gone all day on weekend I can't smoke as the kettles need some solid babysitting in January in Mn. So I have finally come to the realization a pellet cooker may be the way to go during the winter when I cant be home for 6 hours straight. I will never stop using my kettles though!!!!

[@Raycer84]

I went from an offset to a traeger, 4 years ago. I love my traeger. That old saying “work smarter, not harder” when doings 12 hour brisket, I don’t have to stay awake all night to watch a fire. Also on a treager there a drip pan. Cover that with foil and it will redirect the heat.

[@elevator9592]

Brad I have had a Tragaer for about a year now and I find that for the brisket you need a strong smoke wood like hickory or mesquite to get the smoky flavor. The lit smoke flavor of pecan or oak and apple are better suited for fowl. Thanks for the videos I have learned a lot from them .

[@TheTrombonism]

I think the lower the temperature on a pellet cooker, the more smoke flavor you can get. I don’t own one personally, but I have cooked on a couple of different models owned by family. I start the cook at about 200 or 225 to get a more intense smoke flavor then bump up the temp after that. Just a little trick I have gathered along the way.

[@Shitty796]

Yeah you cant run it like a fire. You need to set it low like 200 for long time