My first MES smoke went well

[dom]

(Sorry, no pics). I'm sitting here with a stomach full of ribs. A few observations.

Ribs came out well. I used a rub and glaze that were published by Danny Gaulden. Made 4 racks of ribs in total, 2 were done with the 2-2-1 foil method, the other 2 I kept unfoiled and just cooked for ~5hours.

Both were good, the foiled ribs were definately more tender, but both could have been a little jucier.

Temps were a little higher than I wanted, generally 230-250 range (I wanted about 225). Temps varied a bit through the cook, though, which I understand is normal for an electric smoker due to the cycling on and off of the element. (I did fill the water pan about 3/4 with water).

Because of the higher temps, I think I would have had jucier ribs had I stopped cooking after 4 or 4.5 hours.

I have a poulder 2 probe thermometer that is pretty accurate.

Temps on the MES display varied from the temps on the Poulder by anywhere from 10 to 40 degrees!! I can't explain this one, it's a little bit odd. I though there would be at leat a consistent difference, but sometimes the temps were just a little bit off, other times they were almost 40 degrees off.

Anyway, a good smoke, and I am looking forward to the next one.

 

[bassman]

Sounds good, but we too are looking forward to your next one (with pics).

 

[old poi dog]

Don't forget to log your thoughts and ideas for your next smoke in a journal of some type. That way you can refine the process until you get it exactly where you want it to be. Have fun and take care.