Brisket sticking to grate

bills34

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Location
KY
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Texas 34
I have an old Traeger Texas that does a great job, keeps steady temps but I've ran into problems with briskets sticking to the grates and ruining the fatty side. Here's my process:

-I always get the Traeger up to temp, then spray Pam on the grate before adding the brisket (always USDA Prime).
-I set the temp to 225 for the entire cook (actual temp fluctuates between 220-250).
-I cook the briskets fat-side down, due to the heat source directly underneath.
-I typically season the whole brisket with rub (Black Ops), although I've recently wondered if I shouldn't season the fat side. Maybe I shouldn't season the side facing the heat?

I'm wondering if the brisket is just too close to the heat source. My Traeger doesn't have one of those skinny, second shelves but I thought about buying some type of smoke shelf that will bring the brisket up, away from the heat a few more inches. Good idea?

Anyway, with sticking problems, normally the response is "spray the grates with Pam" but I'm already doing that. Any suggestions from you experienced Traeger guys would sure be appreciated.
 
I vote for raising it up if possible. I have a middle rack so my briskets are about 6-7 inches higher, and don't stick with fat side down.
 
Pam makes a high heat spray. Works like a charm, nothing sticks, even chicken wings. Never tried it on brisket because I cook mine in a AL pan.
 
I think it is the direct heat that is causing the sticking. Mine has a diffuser so I get an indirect heat and slight bits of meat left on the tray.
 
I think it is the direct heat that is causing the sticking. Mine has a diffuser so I get an indirect heat and slight bits of meat left on the tray.
Mine has the diffuser (also the drip tray) between the firepot and the grate. Who knows. I'm going to try raising the meat up, a few inches to increase the indirectness (is that a word?) of the heat.
 
Pam makes a high heat spray. Works like a charm, nothing sticks, even chicken wings. Never tried it on brisket because I cook mine in a AL pan.
Interesting, never heard of that. I wonder if that's what Clark Griswold used to grease his sled?
 
Mine has the diffuser (also the drip tray) between the firepot and the grate. Who knows. I'm going to try raising the meat up, a few inches to increase the indirectness (is that a word?) of the heat.
Now you have me tricked. The temp is right, maybe the texture of the tray is not what I have and I never get stuck. I can't think of any suggestions unless the tray is causing the prob.
 
Now you have me tricked. The temp is right, maybe the texture of the tray is not what I have and I never get stuck. I can't think of any suggestions unless the tray is causing the prob.
No worries! Thank you for the advice.
 
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I have an old Traeger Texas that does a great job, keeps steady temps but I've ran into problems with briskets sticking to the grates and ruining the fatty side. Here's my process:

-I always get the Traeger up to temp, then spray Pam on the grate before adding the brisket (always USDA Prime).
-I set the temp to 225 for the entire cook (actual temp fluctuates between 220-250).
-I cook the briskets fat-side down, due to the heat source directly underneath.
-I typically season the whole brisket with rub (Black Ops), although I've recently wondered if I shouldn't season the fat side. Maybe I shouldn't season the side facing the heat?

I'm wondering if the brisket is just too close to the heat source. My Traeger doesn't have one of those skinny, second shelves but I thought about buying some type of smoke shelf that will bring the brisket up, away from the heat a few more inches. Good idea?

Anyway, with sticking problems, normally the response is "spray the grates with Pam" but I'm already doing that. Any suggestions from you experienced Traeger guys would sure be appreciated.
Has the problem been solved? How was it solved? I am very interested!
 
Has the problem been solved? How was it solved? I am very interested!

I ordered the Traeger SMOKE SHELF - TEXAS/34 SERIES but haven't received it yet. It should arrive soon and I'm planning on smoking a brisket and a pork butt this weekend. I'll report back after the long weekend.
 
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