My Butts are too Big!

FLBentRider · December 15, 2007, 03:44:11 AM

Hello,
I have been browsing these forums for a month or so. I have smoked Pork butts, a brisket, and a Turkey with great results.

On the Butts: the first time I did just one, the next time I did 2. So this time I figured I might as well fill the box up. (OBS 4 Rack)
I bought 2 of the Cryovac packs from Sams, Brined them for a day and a half, and this morning got up and rubbed them with Spices.

I wheeled the 34 pounds of pork to the patio and the pre-heated smoker. As I am loading the meat into the box, I realize that 2 of the butts are too tall. So now I am smoking 2, and when I FTC them, I will put the other 2 in.

I guess I should have measured them....

I would like to take this opportunity to that y'all for all the advice thus far.... FTC, bear paws, ET-73...

HCT · December 15, 2007, 04:59:55 AM

Welcome flbentrider, big butts are a matter of prefrence :D :D :D
Enjoy!!!

hillbillysmoker · December 15, 2007, 05:44:10 AM

Sounds like you have engaged the slightly altered fully functional backup plan. Good luck with your smoking adventure.

Smoking Duck · December 15, 2007, 07:34:34 AM

Quote from: HCT on December 15, 2007, 04:59:55 AM
Welcome flbentrider, big butts are a matter of prefrence :D :D :D
Enjoy!!!

I concur.....to quote Rodney Carrington...."I like my women like I like my chicken, with a little bit of fat on the end. Not too much and not too little, just enough to make me grin."

Ummmmmmmm, that was what you were talking about wasn't it, HCT?

Welcome, Fibentrider. What I do at Sam's is pretty much what you do. However, I eye them up (this works if they have more than a couple of the cryovac packs) and then have the butcher there take the ones I think will fit and they'll repackage the ones you want, if you ask nicely. I even went there the other day and only wanted half of what they had cryovac packed and they simply opened one of the packs, gave me the one I wanted and repacked it for me.

Again, welcome, you're gonna love this place!

Marc

FLBentRider · December 15, 2007, 08:44:59 AM

They didn't have any out at Sams when I was there (We usually get there for business hours,about 0730, to avoid the masses at the checkout) . They didn't have any out, so I asked them if they could get a couple from the back. I did ask for the larger packages, but not until 0600 this morning did it occur to me that they would not fit. They went into the brine cooler just fine....

I see most of y'all keep the top vent about halfway; Mine stays almost closed most of the time, just enough room for the temp probe wire, with no smoke leaking out of the smoke generator.

"I like PORK BUTTS! and I cannot lie, some other brother may deny, a dip in the brine and smoke a long time, makes you hungry for it all the time!"

KyNola · December 15, 2007, 02:29:37 PM

I'm somewhat partial to big butts my own self!! ;) :D ;D

Merry Christmas all!
KyNola

HCT · December 16, 2007, 06:41:03 AM

;)

IKnowWood · December 17, 2007, 07:14:14 AM

I just smoked two cryo packs this weekend. I have had problems with height, but not that I de-bone the Butt Its more pliable to be squished and such. I still had some touching on the racks but it still worked.

I can easily see how that can be a big issue, I did not thunk it till I did it myself.

Consiglieri · December 17, 2007, 09:54:07 AM

flb: be careful with that vent. If you have it too closed, the smoke and moisture can back up into the generator and foul the unit. Plus, with that much of a load, if the moisture is not exhausting, that may push cooking temps down too.

Welcome to the board and good luck with your projects.