Breaking in the WSM

[$moke!t]

Finally got to break in the new toy. Grocery store had pork ribs on sale. Rubbed em in and threw em on.

 

[noboundaries]

Looks like you're off to a great start!

 

[kruizer]

Looking good!!!

 

[BuckeyeSteve]

Looks like a good start!
I'm hoping there's a deal on a WSM on Prime Day. I've been thinking of getting one.

 

[IH 1026]

I remember when mine was shiny and new... make sure to post some pictures of the ribs when they're done!!

 

[SmokinAl]

OK, so how did they turn out?
It sure looks like a good start!
Al

 

[JLeonard]

I'm with SmokinAl ......How dare you tease us with a pre- and no post- Pics.
Jim

 

[$moke!t]

SmokinAl JLeonard here's how they turned out.

 

[JLeonard]

Most excellent!

 

[bbqbrett]

Now that is a close up shot of the food! Were you happy with how they came out? The look pretty good.

 

[$moke!t]

Now that is a close up shot of the food! Were you happy with how they came out? The look pretty good.

Too much smoke flavor and I cooked them at a higher temperature than anticipated so I didn't get that super juicy meat like I was hoping for.

 

[JLeonard]

Still a learning experience for ya. And if they were edible still ok.
Jim

 

[bbqbrett]

Too much smoke flavor and I cooked them at a higher temperature than anticipated so I didn't get that super juicy meat like I was hoping for.

That's a bummer. Me, I like a heavy smoke flavor but there was a couple times I pushed it even for my taste. The first time on a new cooker can always be tricky though.

 

[IH 1026]

Too much smoke flavor and I cooked them at a higher temperature than anticipated so I didn't get that super juicy meat like I was hoping for.

Were you cooking your ribs by time or internal temperature? Also, were you using the thermometer on the lid to regulate your grill temps? The thermometer on my lid can vary from the cooking grate temps by as much as 25 degrees.

 

[$moke!t]

Were you cooking your ribs by time or internal temperature? Also, were you using the thermometer on the lid to regulate your grill temps? The thermometer on my lid can vary from the cooking grate temps by as much as 25 degrees.

I started out doing it by time and figured I'd throw the temp gadge in after awhile but by the time I put it in ribs they were done. I put a probe inside my smoker to watch the temp. Mine is about the same as you. Off around 25 degrees everytime.

 

[IH 1026]

Trial and error is the best way to learn on the WSM. My first racks of ribs were good, the second set I made were horrible, and by the 4th rib cook I made I had a system down and they were great. Don't be afraid to ask questions in chat to get a quick answer.

As an aside, write down what you do in a notebook or a piece of paper so you don't have to scratch your brain trying to remember what happened in your last cook.