New Smoker

[matt44]

I am brand new to SMF as well as brand new to smoking. I was given a Masterbuilt electric smoker as a present and I am trying to learn how to use it. I learned how to brine a chicken and smoked it with apple wood and it was delicious! I thought I would try some baby back ribs and I smoked them with grape wood and I loved the flavor. However I was confused as to why some ribs were very tender and others were very dry and tough. Any ideas how I can do better? Thanks!

 

[scarbelly]

Hello Matt and 

to SMF - glad to have you here 

I have requested that your post be moved over to Roll Call so you get the SMF greetings 

Please do us a favor and update your profile with your location 

Thanks 

 

[jrod62]

Welcome to SMF
Did you do the 2-2-1 method with the ribs ?
You might have a hot spot in the smoker and some of the ribs got over cook.

 

[matt44]

Hi Ed and thanks for your advice. I followed a recipe I found on Youtube which recommended 3 hours at 225 F, 2 hours wrapped in foil, followed by 1 hour unwrapped. If I were to have a hotspot  should I rotate the ribs from rack to rack?
 

 

[smokinhusker]

Hello and welcome to SMF!

 

[jrod62]

Yes to rotating the ribs if you have a hot spot or just cut down time wise.
I would put temp probes in different spots and see if you do have hot spots.
As far as the 3-2-1 that time line is for spare ribs.
Baby back should be closer to 2-2-1 . Now thats just a guide line to go by.
do them like that then adjust the time to what you like.
Should keep a log book so you can write down how you did it and what you willl do different next time.
Below is a log book from jeff that i use.

 

[s2k9k]

Hi Matt! 

to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, we have over 40,000 members and over 800,000 posts so you should be able to find almost anything you want to know. Remember the search bar at the top can be your best friend for finding answers fast!

You might want to check out Jeff's Free 5 day E-course it will teach you all the basics and a whole lot more!