Help needed on ribs that are in smoker now!

mattyb9977 · October 06, 2013, 07:41:28 AM

Hello,
1st smoke.....OBS 4 rack no mods
3 racks of pork spare ribs.
pre heated to 225...1 brick with foil...vent open
loaded racks and temp @ 175...

What should I do? Smoke longer? For How long?

Thanks,
Mattyb

smokerator · October 06, 2013, 07:44:14 AM

I'm a newbie but I understand it may take an hour or two for the heat to come back up. Be patient.

smokerator · October 06, 2013, 07:50:16 AM

Again, I am a newbie but your drop in temperature will not change how long to smoke your ribs. Your ribs are being smoked even though the temperature has dropped.

mattyb9977 · October 06, 2013, 07:52:58 AM

thanks! my ribs will not be under cooked?

smokerator · October 06, 2013, 07:55:47 AM

You may have to adjust your total cooking time. But I'm not sure how long.

KyNola · October 06, 2013, 07:56:17 AM

Mike is correct. Patience is the key. The cold ribs are absorbing all of the heat energy the element s producing. As the meat comes up to temp you will see the temp in the tower come up to your set point. Next time preheat the tower much higher than your cooking temp. As the temp in the tower rises back to your desired cooking temp, lower your set point to the desired temp.

Matty, those ribs are probably going to take a total of around 6 hours.

mattyb9977 · October 06, 2013, 08:01:57 AM

ok...I was planning on the 3-2-1 method... so 6 hrs just in the smoker?
Thanks again guys for your help

Saber 4 · October 06, 2013, 08:12:05 AM

Quote from: mattyb9977 on October 06, 2013, 08:01:57 AM
ok...I was planning on the 3-2-1 method... so 6 hrs just in the smoker?
Thanks again guys for your help

That should be close as a guide but you will be able to adjust your time as needed during the "1" phase and add more time if they don't look done, some go by how much the meat pulls away from the bone and others do a bend test by picking the rack up with tongs in the middle and if they bend but don't break apart they are done. You will have to determine what exact finished result you want and adjust your times accordingly as you get to know your smoker.

KyNola · October 06, 2013, 08:17:28 AM

Another good way to test for doneness is by inserting a skewer between the bones. If it goes in and comes out with little resistance your ribs should be good to go.

Saber 4 · October 06, 2013, 08:18:27 AM

Quote from: KyNola on October 06, 2013, 08:17:28 AM
Another good way to test for doneness is by inserting a skewer between the bones. If it goes in and comes out with little resistance your ribs should be good to go.

Thanks Larry, I knew I was forgetting a good method but old age crept up on me while I was posting. :)

mattyb9977 · October 06, 2013, 08:51:05 AM

Thanks everyone... really appreciate the help....