Smoking Bacon Questions?

[jiggerjams]

Hi all,

I will be ready in the next 12 hours or less to put 10 pork bellies (skin on) in the DBS using the Maple Cure Bacon recipe. My questions are

Do the bellies go skin up or skin down? Do the bellies get flipped over during the cook?
Do I need to rotate the racks? back to front? top to bottom? both?

I was thinking on putting the slimmer lesser weight bellies on the lower racks and the heavier larger bellies on the upper racks. Once the low rack is cooked then drop the next rack down etc. until all are complete.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
JJ

[FLBentRider]

It's really up to you, but when I do bacon, I do it skin up.

I rotate front to back and top to bottom. I'm not a flipper.

Also - You should find it easier to get the skin off when the bacon is still warm. Once you get it started, you can peel it off in one piece. Once it gets cold and the fat gets hard, it is a much more difficult process.

[jiggerjams]

Thanks alot FLB. I forgot to ask about the skin and that was important to me.

[FLBentRider]

Thanks alot FLB. I forgot to ask about the skin and that was important to me.

No problem. I learned that on the Second batch I did.

[Tenpoint5]

FLB has you covered

[jiggerjams]

Thanks for checking in Tenpoint5 I appreciate it. If I can figure out my wife's camera and how to upload I would like to provide pics for you all. No promises but that is my goal.

[Habanero Smoker]

I answered your question on rotating on the other thread.

[jiggerjams]

Got it thank you!

Can't wait to get the smoke rollin'
Suppose to get to freezing temps tonight. I will have to find out what temp to run the DBS at to meet the 150-160F requirements. I have no shelter but I am pretty much secluded from the wind. Shouldn't be too much of a problem. I was thinking at starting around 180-190F and drop down if need be.

[rcger]

I'm always reluctant to rotate and flip the racks.  It seems like you lose too much heat.  What are your opinions on that?

[Habanero Smoker]

When I smoke bacon, I only use one element that is controlled by a temperature control device. I find that excluding harsh weather conditions, because you are smoking/cooking at such a low temperatures, the recovery time is pretty fast. I should mention that I do not start to rotate until after the smoke has been applied.

[rcger]

When I smoke bacon, I only use one element that is controlled by a temperature control device. I find that excluding harsh weather conditions, because you are smoking/cooking at such a low temperatures, the recovery time is pretty fast. I should mention that I do not start to rotate until after the smoke has been applied.

Hab, what's your opinion when smoking butts?  I'm smoking 2 butts tomorrow; about 18# worth of meat.  I usually leave the door shut unless I'm checking the water in the pan.

[jiggerjams]

Can ayone else chime in on cabinet temperature settings in temeratures of 32F or 0C with no temperature control device (maybe Christmas :) relatively no wind? Is there a thread to be found? I haven't seen one in my travels.

[Habanero Smoker]

When I smoke bacon, I only use one element that is controlled by a temperature control device. I find that excluding harsh weather conditions, because you are smoking/cooking at such a low temperatures, the recovery time is pretty fast. I should mention that I do not start to rotate until after the smoke has been applied.

Hab, what's your opinion when smoking butts?  I'm smoking 2 butts tomorrow; about 18# worth of meat.  I usually leave the door shut unless I'm checking the water in the pan.

I smoke my butts different then most. But for butts I will rotate when I change/replenish the water bowl the first time, then maybe again after 4 hours;  but I don't believe it is necessary.