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Resting a brisket is a crucial step in the smoking process, and it’s important to find the right method that works for you.
As a BBQ Pitmaster, I’ve had my fair share of trials and errors when it comes to resting my brisket, and I’m here to answer one of the most common questions: how long can a brisket stay warm inside of a cooler?
The Importance of Resting a Brisket
Before diving into the specifics of resting a brisket in a cooler, let’s talk about why it’s important to rest your brisket in the first place. Resting allows the meat to reabsorb the juices that have been lost during the cooking process, resulting in a more flavorful and tender brisket. Additionally, resting allows the temperature of the meat to even out, preventing the meat from drying out or becoming overcooked.
Resting in a Cooler
When it comes to resting a brisket, there are a variety of methods you can use. Some people prefer to rest their brisket in an oven or on the counter, but personally, I like to use a cooler. A cooler is a great option because it’s portable, can hold large cuts of meat, and has excellent insulation.
So, how long can a brisket stay warm inside of a cooler? Well, it depends on a few factors. Generally, I like to rest my brisket for about 6-12 hours. This might sound excessive, but trust me, it’s worth it. Resting your brisket for this long allows all the connective tissue, collagen, and moisture within the meat to properly settle and come down to an adequate temperature range.
Once you’ve pulled your brisket off the smoker and it has reached an internal temperature of 200°F, it’s time to let it rest. I like to let my brisket rest for about 30 minutes on the counter to let the carryover heat expunge from the meat. Then, I wrap it in butcher paper or foil and place it directly in the cooler. If you’re worried about the brisket getting too cool, you can wrap the cooler in a blanket or towel to provide extra insulation.
The length of time your brisket will stay warm inside of the cooler will depend on a few factors, such as the ambient temperature, the size of your brisket, and the quality of your cooler. However, I’ve found that a well-insulated cooler will keep a brisket warm for at least 4-6 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can rest your brisket for a shorter amount of time, but I wouldn’t recommend resting it for less than 2-3 hours.
Final Thoughts
Resting your brisket is a crucial step in the smoking process, and it’s important to find a method that works best for you. Using a cooler to rest your brisket is a great option, as it’s portable, can hold large cuts of meat, and has excellent insulation.
Resting your brisket for 6-12 hours might sound excessive, but it allows all the connective tissue, collagen, and moisture within the meat to properly settle and come down to an adequate temperature range. With a well-insulated cooler, your brisket will stay warm for at least 4-6 hours, giving you plenty of time to slice it up and enjoy the delicious, tender meat.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.