another first timer rib thread

[buttburner]

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!!!

[FLBentRider]

I would allow extra time and make sure you rotate the racks.

Front to back and top to bottom.

[buttburner]

thanks

any thoughts on how long to apply the smoke for?

[FLBentRider]

I would give ribs 2 to three hours.

When I cold smoke them I use less, and they are still great!

[buttburner]

excellent

I was just setting it up for a 3 hr smoke

thanks again

[Tenpoint5]

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.

[buttburner]

Thanks. They are a cookin
how often should I rotate?
I don't want to open it if I don't have to

[FLBentRider]

I usually do every hour or hour and a half.

[buttburner]

Excellent!
I just happened to check this at the 1.5hr mark
thanks again

[buttburner]

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...

[Wild_Man]

I did the heater mod to my 6 rack digital and maintaining temp  is no
longer an issue. ;D

[buttburner]

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

[Wild_Man]

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

[buttburner]

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...

[mikecorn.1]

Does that new element burn hotter than the original one. -------How bout some pics.  ;D