By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026

BBQ smoker producing aromatic smoke

Photo by Rachel Claire on Pexels

Quick Answer

BBQ Brisket (Smoked) at 107-121°C (225-250°F) for 1-1.5 hrs per 500g at 110°C (225°F). Internal temp: N/A. Rest for 1-2 hours minimum (wrapped).

Brisket (Smoked) BBQ Cooking Times

Here is everything you need to know about cooking brisket (smoked) on the BBQ. We cover direct grilling, indirect heat, and smoking times with temperatures in Celsius (and Fahrenheit) so you get perfect results every time.

MethodTemperatureTime
Smoking107-121°C (225-250°F)1-1.5 hrs per 500g at 110°C (225°F)

Thickness: Whole packer (5-8kg) | Rest time: 1-2 hours minimum (wrapped)

Internal Temperature Guide

Use a calibrated digital meat thermometer for accuracy. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, away from bone or fat pockets, which can give false readings.

Well Done
93-96°C
DonenessInternal Temperature
Well Done93-96°C (200-205°F) — probe tender
Food Safety

Whole muscle cuts of beef are safe at 63°C (145°F) with a 3-minute rest, according to food safety authorities. Use a calibrated meat thermometer in the thickest part, away from bone.

Tips for Perfect Brisket (Smoked)

Pro Tip

The king of low-and-slow BBQ. Expect 10-14 hours for a full packer. Push through the stall at 68°C (155°F) or wrap in butcher paper.

Temperature accuracy matters more than timing. Factors like wind, ambient temperature, grill type, and meat thickness all affect cook times. Always verify doneness with a thermometer rather than relying solely on the clock. — AmazingRibs.com

Common Mistakes to Avoid

How to BBQ Brisket (Smoked) — Step by Step

  1. Prep: Bring the brisket (smoked) to room temperature 20-30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towel and season generously.
  2. Preheat: Get your BBQ to 107-121°C (225-250°F). Set up for indirect cooking with a drip pan.
  3. Cook: Place over indirect heat and cook for N/A.
  4. Check temp: Use a digital thermometer. Target N/A in the thickest part.
  5. Rest: Remove from heat and rest for 1-2 hours minimum (wrapped) before cutting or serving. The internal temperature will rise 2-3°C during rest.

Compare: Other Beef Cuts

See how brisket (smoked) compares to other popular beef cuts on the BBQ:

Scotch Fillet
4-5 min/side
230-260°C (450-500°F)
Porterhouse (AU)
4-5 min/side
230-260°C (450-500°F)
T-Bone Steak
5-6 min/side
230-260°C (450-500°F)

View all cooking times →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you BBQ brisket (smoked)?

Cook brisket (smoked) for 1-1.5 hrs per 500g at 110°C (225°F) at 107-121°C (225-250°F). Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches N/A.

These times assume Whole packer (5-8kg) thickness at room temperature. Colder meat straight from the fridge can add 25-50% more time. Wind, lid position, and fuel type also affect total cook time significantly.
Source: AmazingRibs.com — The Science of BBQ

What temperature should brisket (smoked) be when cooked?

The safe internal temperature for brisket (smoked) is N/A. Use a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, away from any bone.

Whole muscle cuts are safe at lower temperatures than minced products because bacteria only exists on the exterior surface, which is killed by searing.
Source: Food Standards Australia New Zealand

How long should brisket (smoked) rest after BBQ?

Rest brisket (smoked) for 1-2 hours minimum (wrapped) after removing from the BBQ. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavourful result. The internal temperature will continue to rise 2-3°C during this time.

Resting works because heat drives moisture towards the centre of the meat during cooking. As the meat cools slightly during rest, the muscle fibres relax and reabsorb that moisture evenly. Cutting too early means those juices pour onto your board instead of staying in the meat.
Source: Serious Eats — The Food Lab

Should I cook brisket (smoked) on high or low heat?

Cook brisket (smoked) low and slow at 107-121°C (225-250°F) for tender, pull-apart results.

Low and slow cooking (below 135°C/275°F) allows collagen in tough connective tissue to gradually convert to gelatin, which is what makes the meat tender and pull-apart soft. Rushing this process produces tough, chewy results.
Source: Meat & Livestock Australia

Related BBQ Guides

Sources & References

1
Mad Scientist BBQ (YouTube)
Jeremy Yoder's detailed BBQ experiments and science-based cooking methods.
Video
2
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Official Australian food safety guidelines and safe cooking temperatures.
Government
3
America's Test Kitchen (YouTube)
Rigorously tested steak cooking methods with scientific precision.
Video
4
Guga Foods (YouTube)
Premium beef experiments — dry ageing, wagyu, and creative steak techniques.
Video