BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Smoking Techniques => Hot Smoking and Barbecuing => Topic started by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 03:50:35 AM

Title: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 03:50:35 AM
Hi guys

Done many a rib in my old smokers, using the 3-2-1 method which is basically the same as 10.5's method

Today I will be doing ribs on Brad for the first time for my daughters b-day. No problem, Im sure it will be fine I thought...

Well then, my wife invites a few more people over so instead of one rack now I will have 2, so the smoker will be pretty loaded.

Any concerns there? Is it going to take a lot longer? Doesnt really matter, I just would like to know if I should allow extra time for this or any other tips for a pretty loaded smoker. I do use a brick for a heatsink

thanks!!!
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: FLBentRider on August 15, 2009, 04:17:48 AM
I would allow extra time and make sure you rotate the racks.

Front to back and top to bottom.
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 05:29:13 AM
thanks

any thoughts on how long to apply the smoke for?
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: FLBentRider on August 15, 2009, 05:51:41 AM
I would give ribs 2 to three hours.

When I cold smoke them I use less, and they are still great!
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 06:14:22 AM
excellent

I was just setting it up for a 3 hr smoke

thanks again
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: Tenpoint5 on August 15, 2009, 06:20:41 AM
I did three racks of Spares using the 3-2-1 everything came out fine. Just preheat your smoker to about 280* because you WILL have a huge temp drop when you put the ribs in. Just babysit it during the first hour and slowly bring your temp set point down until you get to the 225* mark.
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 08:32:35 AM
Thanks. They are a cookin
how often should I rotate?
I don't want to open it if I don't have to
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: FLBentRider on August 15, 2009, 08:34:49 AM
I usually do every hour or hour and a half.
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 09:01:13 AM
Excellent!
I just happened to check this at the 1.5hr mark
thanks again
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 10:08:54 AM
Im at the 3 hr mark now

everything seems fine. I just wish it had a bit more horsepower.

Its on full thottle, I havent seen much about 200f.

Was hoping that I would have to throttle down but that hasnt been the case.

I dont know how this is going to work in the winter months here in SE Mich.

One of the main reasons I bought this was I thought the insulated cabinet would allow me to smoke in the winter. Its about 85f here today....

Maybe I have been peeking too much but I doubt it...Im sure the ribs will be fine, last larger thing I smoked was a turkey breast, I got it to 225f then, but like I said I am having my doubts about the winter...
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: Wild_Man on August 15, 2009, 10:16:01 AM
I did the heater mod to my 6 rack digital and maintaining temp  is no
longer an issue. ;D
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 10:24:24 AM
Yea I saw that

I would think for what they get for these things you should not have to do that but oh well
what does that extra element cost if you don't mind me asking
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: Wild_Man on August 15, 2009, 11:20:59 AM
I also bought an extra reflector in case i ruined the first one when i drilled the holes in it.
The reflectors are made from very thin metal. Yard and Pool charges $6.99 for the reflector
and $14.99 for the heating element.
   Bill
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 12:06:52 PM
well heck $14.99 aint bad

maybe I will get one and do the mod just incase for winter useage.

Things are still looking fine, they are foiled now and I am about at 225f. As soon as I folied them the temp jumped up which should be expected...
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: mikecorn.1 on August 15, 2009, 12:14:29 PM
Does that new element burn hotter than the original one. -------How bout some pics.  ;D
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 12:56:38 PM
well I just revealed them from the foil for the final lick with bbq sauce

I am not a man of few words but all I can say at this point is....

OHHHH

YEAAAA

pics coming for this....
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 03:01:18 PM
it was the worst freaking ribs I have ever knawed on   :P

they were great man...

(http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww316/bottombouncers/124_1737.jpg)

my pooch would of rather had smoked squirrel

LOL

(http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww316/bottombouncers/124_1738.jpg)
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: Habanero Smoker on August 15, 2009, 03:17:11 PM
Quote from: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 12:06:52 PM
well heck $14.99 aint bad

maybe I will get one and do the mod just incase for winter useage.

Things are still looking fine, they are foiled now and I am about at 225f. As soon as I folied them the temp jumped up which should be expected...

If you have a PID then you are good to go. I would caution about doing this without a PID or Raptor Guru to control the cabinet temperature. The cabinet temperature get extremely hot in no time.

Quote from: mikecorn.1 on August 15, 2009, 12:14:29 PM
Does that new element burn hotter than the original one. -------How bout some pics.  ;D

I don't have an infrared thermometer, when I converted mine I replace my old glass element, when I installed the second one. Both were new, and the second element (the one added on) looks like it burns hotter.
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 04:31:00 PM
well I subscribe to the KISS theory

If I don't need it then I don't want it

I am just curious if the unit will be able to attain temps at about 30f or so ambient (winter temps) if so then that's great!!!
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: Caneyscud on August 15, 2009, 07:28:26 PM
Butt, good looking ribs there.  Congrats, - not much in life better than gnawing on some good smoked ribs!
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: Habanero Smoker on August 16, 2009, 02:12:14 AM
Quote from: buttburner on August 15, 2009, 04:31:00 PM
well I subscribe to the KISS theory

If I don't need it then I don't want it

I am just curious if the unit will be able to attain temps at about 30f or so ambient (winter temps) if so then that's great!!!

Then it is best to not add the extra element and just keep it simple, or you are looking at a potential fire hazard.

I have smoked in the temperature range of mid-20's, it takes longer to get up to temperature, but once there it hold it with not problem. There are many Alaskans and Canadians that using their smoker during the winter months.
Title: Re: another first timer rib thread
Post by: buttburner on August 16, 2009, 05:36:16 AM
thats good. I see you are in upstate NY. If it works for you in the winter then Im sure it will be fine the way it is for my location...

I can put it in the garage to keep it out of the wind so that will help also.