Babyback vs Spares. The winner is...

coyote-1 · Aug 24, 2009

I've been noticing a few things. Even though BBs cost more per pound of meat AND yield less per rib, they
a) get more acclaim
b) serve more people

I've had many times where I prepped BBs and spares equally, and cooked each to optimum. The BBs always get more OOHs and AHHs. Fair enough. But how do they serve more people? It goes like this.... I can fit a total of 3 racks of trimmed spares (plus the trimmings) on my smoker. I could perhaps fit another half-rack. But babybacks? I can fit nine racks of 'em! Where a person would get one spare, they can get three BBs.

So even though I get more meat per dollar with spares, I get far more bang for the buck from babybacks. Since my wife likes them better, odds are that from now on I'll mostly do them. I will of course occasionally smoke a rack of spares for myself, but babybacks are apparently where it's at.

chisoxjim · Aug 24, 2009

I go back and forth and I dont know if I like one better than the other. It all depends whats on sale & what I ate most recently.

The one big advantage the spares have imho is you get the skirt, and tips to snack on.

beer-b-q · Aug 24, 2009

I personally like the spares, they are what ribs are about in my opinion...

Having said that, no two people will always agree on the same thing, that is why we have this forum, to discuss differing opinions...

oldschoolbbq · Aug 24, 2009

is a cost factor.......SPARES for the poor boy

mballi3011 · Aug 24, 2009

Im with beer and most people I know they like spares better more meat. When it taste as good as some of the ribs that I have pulled off my smoke the meat the more goodness there is. They taste about the same so why pay more ? Go figure.

trashcan · Aug 24, 2009

Spares to me, are almost definitive proof that there is a benevolent higher power watching over us. I've never even done BB's and I see no reason to start.

Better than both: RIB TIPS. Done in 2-3 hours, great rub penetration. and CHEAP AS ALL H*LL! Spares round the 60098 area code tend to run 1.9something to 2.50 a LB, BB's are 3.50-4.77 and tips... 1.27-1.50. also I have a hard time getting much more in my chargriller with three racks of spares, but I have done eight LBS of rib tips with room for 24 abts. Booyah!

rickw · Aug 24, 2009

Give me spares any day over bb ribs. I like the taste and texture of spares far better than bb ribs.

beer-b-q · Aug 24, 2009

I can see you have never been to any of the BBQ Joints in Kansas City if you think spares are for the poor... They run around $15.00 a slab at some of the cheaper ones...

dropastone · Aug 24, 2009

I tend to like the spares over baby backs. I feel they have a better flavor than baby backs and they're meatier. Plus you get all the trimmings to snack on while your waiting on the ribs to finish. You defiantly get more for your money. Also if you you have a cpl of rib racks you can still get a lot of ribs on your smoker especially when your having friends, family or both over for a cookout. I've had up to 12 racks on my CG before with no problems.

But hey do what trips your trigger. If you prefer baby backs then by all means have what you want because that's the whole idea.

voldaddy · Sep 5, 2009

Well, looks like I'm in the minority here, but I like BB's better. They just taste better to me. I got them on sale for $2.99/lb and stocked the freezer.

I'm thawing 3 slabs now for the weekend.

yodelhawk · Sep 5, 2009

I'm with you on the BB's Just like them better.

fired up · Sep 5, 2009

Spares are better for me. More fat, more meat, more flavor.

rw willy · Sep 5, 2009

Spares!
The radius of the BB is to tight. I hate it when both ends of the bone hits my cheeks and I look like the Joker with sauce marks.

bbq engineer · Sep 5, 2009

LMAO!!

I like them both. Price has recently dictated my purchases, and I can get spares on sale for a much better price than BB's. I also like spares for gatherings that I have, because there is more meat for everyone to enjoy.

If I am doing a comp, then it's BB's as that is what is expected by the judges.

adamj812 · Sep 5, 2009

I've never done BB before because of the price. Spares must not be liked by many around here. The local wally world has them for $1.76/lb most of the time. Usually there's a freezer full and after a month or so they mark them down to .88/lb when I buy them up.

After the last batch of delicious ribs I made, I've been watching that freezer like a hawk.

zopi · Sep 5, 2009

I prefer spares...Baby backs in my not so humble (wifey says I am a BBQ snob..) BB's are in the same drawer with chicken wings, I like them ok but not for the money they want...they have been popularized by PR hype...in all reality the spares have the better flavor...much as I prefer legs and thighs in chicken...ever had buffalo thighs?

danbury · Sep 5, 2009

They're both good but I prefer bb ribs to spares if given the choice.

chisoxjim · Sep 5, 2009

last weekend was spares, this weekend is BB's. I pretty much alternate. got a great price on BB's $2.69/lb. grabbed 2 slabs for today smoke.

BB's or spares? thats like asking me whatts your favorite beer?, or whats your favorite cut of steak?... their all good imho.

beer-b-q · Sep 5, 2009

I know a couple of gal that have them...

(I couldn't help myself, Sorry...

)

zopi · Sep 5, 2009

yeah...wanted to see how long it would take when I wrote that.

Curvy girls are wonderful, curvy girls are great, curvy girls make me want to master my own fate.

Although, I don't think I'd like them with buffalo sauce...never know til ya try tho'...

Babyback vs Spares. The winner is...

Smoking Fanatic

Master of the Pit

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

Legendary Pitmaster

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

Smoke Blower

Master of the Pit

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

Fire Starter

Meat Mopper

Meat Mopper

Smoking Fanatic

Smoking Fanatic

Master of the Pit

Fire Starter

Smoke Blower

Smoking Fanatic

Master of the Pit

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

Smoke Blower

Similar threads

Hot Threads