Just getting started:

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

baker2828

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Jun 1, 2007
127
10
Cincinnati, OH
Hello,
New to the site and fairly new to smoking but a master at drinking beer. Reside in Southern Ohio love and enjoy outdoor cooking of all types frying, grilling and smoking.

Charbroiler offset smoker (bought at Lowes)
Weber 18.5''
Brinkman water smoker
Charbroiler Gas Grill
Mr. Turkey Deep Fryer (Outdoor)

I do have a problem though and would love to get some input on it. I have smoked BB Ribs on my Water and Offset smokers. I usually smoke for about 4-6 hours at around 220 -according to thermometer that came with smokers. They come off the smoker when the skin has receded from the bones about 1/4 ". My problem is that no matter what type of rub I use (less or no sugar) my bark gets burnt, they look black as opposed to nice brick Red with a little dark brown. I mop every 45 with an apple cider vinegar, oil, onion and jalepano liquid but it still seems that before they get done they get burnt.
I know that I could use foil to solve this but would really like to get the desired effect without foil.

Sorry for such a long question on the first time I joined but supposed to do ribs this weekend for some guests and would really like to get them right.
 
Welcome to SMF! Sounds like you're bringing a fair amount of experience to the forum. Looking forward to seeing and hearing about your smokes. Glad to have you with us.
 
Hi Baker! Welcome to the SMF!
smile.gif
 
Welcome! This is the site that you will find your answers and much much more. The 3-2-1 method is a winner. Have you tried Jeff's Rub yet???

If you have not- then I suggest you don't delay the inevitable…

I have grilled & smoked for many years- now I am at a new plateau- much to the credit of this site. Welcome again.
 
That was my next investment this week was a probe thermometer that would give me an accurate reading of the internal temp. The other thought I had was that I usually use Kingsford and get it started with a chimney and put a log or two of cherry or hickory whatever or whatever we have laying in the pile. When it's time to replenish fuel I have not been getting started but rather throwing right onto the fire box.....this would probably produce black smoke rather than blue smoke...any thoughts???
 
Baker,

When you get the probe, use it to find out what the actual temp is on the grate you are cooking on. Don't worry about the internal temp on ribs.

I would prelight the charcoal that was going into the box if you have problems with keeping the temp up, otherwise I would not worry too much about it. Things like the minion method and gravity feed cookers work by lighting unlit as it is needed. But to answer the question, yeah, prelit will give you a cleaner smoke, but I don't think that is the source of your problem.

I think the problem is just the temp.............the guage on your smoker isn't telling you much, you need to find out what the temp is at the grate level.
 
Welcome to the forum! One test on ribs that I use: using a toothpick....pierce the meat between the ribs....if it goes in really easy they are done. If you get some resistance...keep cooking. Try using lump charcoal instead of Kingsford and make sure your wood is seasoned well. I'm sure others will have some suggestions as well for you.
 
I think you might be right and yes I meant to say the internal temp of the smoker not the meat. Typing at work and trying not to get in trouble can cause spelling and logical mistakes. I will let everyone know how it turns out this week plus snag some photos if I can figure out how to use my camera.
 
Welcome to the SMF. Looking forward to reading about some of your smokes, and Q Views too!
 
Another thought what is the best way to handle air-flow, I have heard to keep the chimney wide open while controlling heat with the vent on the firebox or should the top vent on the chimney be closed and fire box wide open?
 
Keep the chimney wide open. Control the heat at the firebox only. If you find you consistently are getting too hot even with the firebox dampers almost closed, you just need to build a smaller fire. Best bet is to never close the chimney if you can help it...........all firebox and fire control.
 
Perhaps that was my problem, I always kept the chimney darn near closed, thinking more smoke was better. However after reading some other posts might be getting black because of all the stale smoke.
 
Yeah, you want to be able to let the smoke out. Even if you don't see the smoke (which is pretty much ideal) it will still flavor the food. Keep that chimney open next time, I think you will be happier with the end result.
 
Welcome to the smf Baker! Keep on smokin. Try the 3-2-1 method, the final result made this rookie feel like a champ! I did say champ right? Not chump.
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Hot Threads

Clicky