First Time Traegering Advice needed

[TeslasFarm]

Was lucky enough to receive a Timberline 850 for Christmas (although did not arrive until last week) Everything is put together, worked out the "update/Wifire" issues with tech support, calibrated the pellet sensor, and did the seasoning/burn in cycle.

Now im ready to smoke a 12lb brisket (first time doing that as well , ever!)

Plan to follow the the recipe listed in the top 10.

Any thoughts, advice, tips? Some specific questions i have...

1. Middle rack or bottom?
2. Do i cook directly on rack?
3. If middle rack, do i place a pan on bottom to catch drips?
4. Should i cover the drip plate/heat spreader in tin foil? To make cleanup easier?

Sorry for being such a newb!

 

[jp9724]

Directly on middle rack, I put aluminum foil on the heat diffuser for simple clean up and for that I wouldn’t put a foil container under but your choice. Nice Christmas present ??

 

[TeslasFarm]

Thanks for the advice. Started the smoke around 530 this morning (38f outside) set to 225. its now 1112 and internal temp is 153, so looking good!

 

[Walleye Hunter]

Looks good, beware, that 'keep warm' button can easily be bumped unintentionally and cause the grill to react accordingly.

 

[TeslasFarm]

Keep warm button, noted!.
Wrapped brisket in foil around 6hrs45min ( temp hit 160), onward to 203-205