If you’re about to try smoking a brisket in high humidity for the first time, there are a few things you should know. Humidity can certainly change how your brisket will cook, and how it will interact with the smoke. If you’re proactive and on top of things, humidity can be your best friend. If you don’t know what you’re doing, humidity can lead to disaster.

How Can Humidity Affect Smoking a Brisket

Humidity can affect the cooking time of a brisket in a few ways:

1. Moisture loss: Low humidity can cause the brisket to dry out more quickly, which can result in a shorter cooking time. High humidity, on the other hand, can help to keep the brisket moist, which can prolong the cooking time.
2. Temperature control: Humidity can also affect the temperature inside the smoker. High humidity can make it more difficult to maintain a consistent temperature, which can prolong the cooking time. Low humidity, on the other hand, can make it easier to maintain a consistent temperature, which can shorten the cooking time.
3. Smoke absorption: Humidity can also affect the amount of smoke that the meat absorbs. High humidity can cause the smoke to condense and stick to the meat, which can result in a stronger smoky flavor. Low humidity can cause the smoke to dissipate more quickly, which can result in less smoke flavor.
4. Smoke ring: Humidity can also affect the development of the “smoke ring” which is a pinkish-red color that surrounds the outer layer of the meat. High humidity can cause the smoke ring to be less pronounced while low humidity will cause it to be more pronounced.
5. Wood Pellets: If you’re using a pellet smoker, high humidity or moisture can lead to your pellets turning to sawdust. Moisture causes wood pellets to degrade. Be sure to check on them before you start to make sure they’re in good shape, otherwise you’ll be left with a pulpy mess and a clogged up auger.

Maintaining Consistent Humidity In Your Smoker

It’s important to maintain a consistent humidity level inside the smoker to ensure the best results. A humidity level between 60-70% is considered optimal. A water pan can be used to help maintain the humidity level, and adjusting the vents on the smoker can also help control the humidity level.

Monitor the internal temperature of the brisket, maintain a consistent temperature inside the smoker, and make adjustments as needed to ensure the best results. A meat thermometer and a hygrometer (to measure humidity) are key tools to have when smoking a brisket.

Hygrometer and Meat Thermometer

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