At What Temp Is Brisket Done?

Wondering what temperature brisket is done? If you’ve been told it’s 203F, that’s only part of the story. The brisket done temp actually depends on your elevation.

Water boils at 212F at sea level, but as you go higher, that number drops. And since brisket breaks down best when it reaches the boiling point internally, you need to adjust your target brisket temperature to match your location.

So what temperature is brisket done where you live? If you’re 1,500 feet above sea level, water boils around 209F. At 5,000 feet, it’s closer to 203F. That means if you’re cooking at altitude, your beef brisket temperature should be lower than someone smoking brisket near sea level.

To help you dial it in, use my handy brisket done temp calculator. Just enter your elevation, and it’ll tell you the ideal temperature to cook brisket to.

Don’t guess when your brisket is done. Know it. And cook it like a pro, no matter your elevation.

Calculate what temperature to cook your brisket to

Brisket Done Temp Calculator

Find the boiling point of water based on your elevation to know what temperature to cook brisket to.

BBQ Tips: Brisket Click for the ultimate brisket guide.

How to measure the internal temperature of brisket

I use a couple of different reliable tools to measure the internal temperature of brisket.

If you want to monitor the brisket as it cooks to see exactly when it reaches your ideal temp, use a leave in thermometer. I recommend any of the following.

Insert the probe into the center part of the brisket to get the best reading.

In addition to that, I double check the temperature by using a Thermapen ONE. I insert the probe in various spots. I’m looking for the temperature reading, but I also use it to feel for tenderness.

The probe should go in smooth like butter.