7 Must-Have Tools To Instantly Improve Your Brisket

Tool #1: Wireless Meat Thermometer

Mastering temperature is the most critical skill you can achieve to smoke the best bbq. The options are to spend years trying to master it by ‘feel’, or deal with the temperature fluctuation of an instant thermometer, or master temperature instantly with a wireless thermometer. More specifically, a wireless thermometer that measures ambient (smoker) temperature and meat. That is why we put this tool first; it's essential! Here are two of our favorites.

Tool #2: Butcher Paper

Picture this… after hours of smoking brisket the old-fashioned way(no foil or butcher paper), you pull it out, and the bark is tough and burnt, and the brisket is dry.

Or scenario two, you smoke a brisket, and the bark comes out soggy. Why? You wrapped it in tinfoil, and it wasn't able to breathe. At least it's not dry this time…

Well, butcher paper is the best of both worlds. It traps in moisture, so the bark has room to breathe and traps in moisture, so the brisket stays juicy. Any butcher paper will do, but here's one of our favorites.  

Tool #3: Quality Knife Set

Trimming and slicing your brisket is one of the most important parts of the process. And the last thing you want is to either mess up before you start smoking it or right before you serve. The money shot is the best part (slicing the point in half lengthwise). Here are some of our favorite knives that will have you lookin' like the Pitmaster you are!

Tool #4: A Bark Enhancing Rub

The bark is one of the critical pieces in a delicious brisket and hallmark of any great pitmaster. One of the easiest ways to achieve fantastic bark is having the correct salt content in your rub. Some purist Texans think brisket rub should only consist of salt and pepper. Which has its moments, but we like to spice it up with our sweet heat Beef Rub. Due to salt content and a hint of sugar(1g per serving), this rub helps you achieve the perfect bark.

Tool #5: Large Cutting Board

Brisket is a large piece of meat, so you need enough of a workspace to trim, rest and serve it. We especially love sizeable wooden cutting boards because they will take your food presentation to the next level. If you think you don’t need that, just look at the work that goes into the presentation at fancy restaurants. Also, they last longer than plastic cutting boards if taken care of properly. Discover a board representing the hard work you just put into that hunk of meat.

Tool #6: Heat Resistant Glove

Ever try pulling a 15-pound brisket out of a smoker with just tongs? Yeah, it usually doesn't go so well. But, that’s why heat-resistant gloves are a lifesaver when smoking large cuts of meat. Plus, lighting and tending to coals becomes easier if you have a stick burner, egg, or barrel smoker.

Tool #7: A Lil Somethin’ To Relax

Brisket takes time, a lot of time, typically 12+ hours. So you have to enjoy the process, especially in the beginning, because your first attempt will likely not taste the best so you better enjoy the process. My favorite way to do this is to invite over some family and friends, kick back and have a drink. Are you a beer, wine, or whiskey man? I don’t discriminate. That’s why we got you covered for it all.

Bonus Tool #1: Cutting Board Care Kit

So you have a nice wooden cutting board, and I’m guessing you want it to last. The best way to do that is to clean, season, and protect your wood properly. Some people like to make their own oil, wax, and even special soap, but who has time for that (no offense if you're into that kind of thing). Check out this clean and care kit that will keep your wooden cutting board like new!

Bonus Tool #2: Fire Starter

Bonus Tool #3: A Badass Apron

Something that will last a lifetime and then some. The quality of these artisan aprons is unmatched. While expensive, these are heirlooms that can be passed down for generations.