How long to smoke a brisket per pound?

At 225°F, plan 60-90 minutes per pound. A 12 lb brisket takes roughly 12-18 hours. The wide range accounts for the stall and variations in meat thickness.

What temperature is brisket done?

Pull your brisket at 195-205°F internal temperature. At this range, the collagen has fully broken down and the meat is tender enough to pull apart. Use a probe thermometer for accuracy.

Should you wrap brisket?

Wrapping in butcher paper or foil at around 165°F internal (the stall) speeds up cooking by 2-3 hours and keeps the meat moist. Butcher paper is preferred as it allows some bark formation while still retaining moisture.

Brisket Cook Time Calculator

Calculate brisket cooking time by weight — smoker and oven options with the stall explained.

Whiskers says

At 225°F, plan 60-90 minutes per pound. A 12 lb brisket takes 12-18 hours. Target 195-205°F internal for pullable tenderness.

🔥 Brisket Cook Time

Brisket weight (lbs)

Method

12 lb brisket — smoker

12.0 – 18.0 hrs

At 225°F · 60-90 min/lb · Target 195-205°F internal

Formula: 12 lbs × 60-90 min/lb = 12.0-18.0 hours

Brisket is a patience game. A 12 lb brisket will take 12-18 hours — plan accordingly. The "stall" around 150-170°F internal is normal. You can wrap in butcher paper to push through it. Target 195-205°F internal for pullable tenderness, then rest for at least 30 minutes.

About the stall:Around 150-170°F internal, brisket will stop rising in temperature for hours. This is moisture evaporating from the surface — it's normal. Wrapping in butcher paper (“Texas crutch”) pushes through it faster while preserving the bark.

📋 Brisket Time by Weight