My Bradley smoker digital controller died mid-brisket at 2 AM last Saturday

Had to finish a 14 pound packer in my oven at 225, and honestly it came out decent but the bark was completely ruined how do you guys recover when your gear fails mid-cook?

2 comments

2 Comments

rileyjones1mo ago

Ugh that is brutal timing, nothing worse than your gear giving up at 2 AM when you are already exhausted. I had my Pit Boss controller fry itself during a pork butt cook once and had to drag everything inside at 1 in the morning. The oven finish is a solid backup plan but yeah the bark always suffers because there is no air movement or fresh smoke. Your tip about leaving it uncovered is a good thought, I might try that next time along with adding a pan of water on the bottom rack to mimic some moisture. At least you saved the meat though, a ruined brisket would have been way worse than just a soft bark.

abby_scott1mo ago

Yo that sucks so bad haha. I actually read somewhere that wrapping in foil and finishing in the oven can trap too much moisture and kill the bark no matter what temp you run. Next time maybe try leaving it uncovered in the oven or crank it up to 300 at the very end to help dry out the surface a bit. Ive also seen people use a cheap hot plate and a cast iron skillet in a pinch if you ever lose power or something mid smoke. Honestly even with the bark situation, a 14 pound packer finished at 225 is still gonna be tender and tasty so dont beat yourself up over it.