Beef brisket cooking times
How long to cook brisket: 4–5 hours in the oven at 150°C (130°C fan), 8–10 hours in a slow cooker, 1 h 10 min to 1 h 20 min in a pressure cooker and 8–10 hours on the barbecue. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook brisket
Times are for a 1.5 kg rolled brisket, for 6.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 4–5 hours | 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2 | Covered tightly, with about 500 ml stock, wine or beer. |
| Slow cooker | 8–10 hours | on low | With 250 ml liquid. 5–6 hours on high. |
| Pressure cooker | 1 h 10 min to 1 h 20 min | on high pressure | With 500 ml liquid; natural release. |
| Barbecue | 8–10 hours | smoking at 110–120°C (225–250°F), lid down | A whole packer brisket takes about 1–1¼ hours per 450 g (1 lb); wrap it when the bark has set. |
Also see: Roast beef cooking time (rare, medium or well done).
Before you start
Brown all over, then cook low and slow with liquid.
How to tell it’s done
Very tender, pulling apart easily with a fork, about 90–95°C (195–205°F) inside.
Questions
How long to cook brisket in the oven?
4–5 hours at 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2. Covered tightly, with about 500 ml stock, wine or beer.
How long to cook brisket in a slow cooker?
8–10 hours on low. With 250 ml liquid. 5–6 hours on high.
How long to cook brisket in a pressure cooker?
1 h 10 min to 1 h 20 min on high pressure. With 500 ml liquid; natural release.
How long to barbecue brisket?
8–10 hours smoking at 110–120°C (225–250°F), lid down. A whole packer brisket takes about 1–1¼ hours per 450 g (1 lb); wrap it when the bark has set.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.