Cook time

[TNYWNFRTNR]

new to smoking, I’m sure this is a simple question on cook time. When I loaded ribs my temp dropped from 225 to 162 when the door was open. Does my cook time stay the same or do I start when the smoker gets back to 225? The current temp outside is 17. Thanks for the help!

 

[dr k]

I don't know. It depends If your 225 is the true temp with a calibrated therm vs. what the smoker says. And how full the smoker is. If you have your own therm near your food, you need to set your smoker to whatever temp (lets say 245) to average your desired 225 on your therm. It'll be give and take till you master your smoker. If you're following a method like 3-2-1 @ 225 without a tried and true chamber therm, then you'll most likely have off results from this method regarding time. Cooking by temp is the fool proof way. Wrap at 165 IT and unwrap at 195 IT for the final hour. These temps are with a calibrated meat therm as well.

 

[old sarge]

I always start with cold meat and a cold smoker. I do not pre-heat. My time starts when I lock down the door and start the smoker. I also do not open the door to add more wood or to spritz or mop. The door is opened when the time is up.