Overcook question

[Kp33]

how do you stop briskets and boston butt from getting the side on grate from getting overdone. I have done 2 briskets and 1 boston butt amd every time so far the side that is on the grate gates overdone, I put the meat in the middle so its over the fire pot so I assuming this is why....any suggestions?

 

[MikeInFla]

You could rotate the meat every couple of hours. Rotate 180 degrees.

 

[Kp33]

You could rotate the meat every couple of hours. Rotate 180 degrees.

It would still be directly over fire pot though.

 

[HuntJ08]

Wrap it in foil for part of the cook cycle.
Also, keep it moist with spray.

 

[Kp33]

I do that already but because its right over fire pot it burns up.

 

[nvhunter]

Can you move it away from the firebox?

The other thing to try is leave more fat cap on it and cook fat side down

 

[Kp33]

I cook fat cap down and I can put it on the left side to get it from directly over the fire pot.

 

[nvhunter]

Id keep as far from the fire as possible.

 

[MikeInFla]

Yes, move away from fire pot for indirect cooking.

 

[ralxnder]

Do you have the grates closed or open?

 

[Abyron1028]

Can you move it away from the firebox?

The other thing to try is leave more fat cap on it and cook fat side down

Why fat side down. I was always told dat side up.

 

[nvhunter]

The way most pellet smokers are built the fat cap protects it from the heat being so close to the meat, when cooking fat side down. In a vertical smoker you can cook fat cap up just move it higher from the heat source.

 

[Johnney1971]

I do fat cap up for 3 hours, then down for 3 hours. Wrap it in foil or use foil pan covered. Cook in its own juices and is super tender.

 

[eagle43055]

Do you use a water pan?..have found that one will help maintain a more consistent temp.

 

[nvhunter]

I have the pitt boss copperhead 7 vertical and have to run a water pan I moved it up from the fire box and use a temp gauge on my cooking racks to see what my temps are. I end up running the dial at 250 or 275 to hold my 220-230 preferred temp