Pork butts

[skguy2]

I got volunteered to bring the pulled pork to the party again this year, not that its a bad thing, but this year they want double. I have only done one 8lb pork butt in my MES. I know that it has three racks for a reason but I only used all of them when I smoke ribs. Anyways my question is would I use the top two racks and stagger them or the top rack and bottom rack. Thanks for your help!!

 

[Fig_n_Pig]

Both my dad and I have/had the Cabela's Brand drum smoker manufactured by MES that had three racks. Have had to do multiple pork butt cooks for large family gatherings, and never staggered the positioning. They took a bit longer than anticipated to run (+/- 15 hours), but were able to get the job done using the top two.

 

[Will Smoke]

Never smoke for free unless... more time > less time obviously, you will know the spots to put em in or you will learn, that is the beauty/blessing

 

[skguy2]

Both my dad and I have/had the Cabela's Brand drum smoker manufactured by MES that had three racks. Have had to do multiple pork butt cooks for large family gatherings, and never staggered the positioning. They took a bit longer than anticipated to run (+/- 15 hours), but were able to get the job done using the top two.

I have heard of some people smoking there butt in the pan so it doesn't stick to the rack. What's your take on that? I don't do it.

 

[skguy2]

Never smoke for free unless... more time > less time obviously, you will know the spots to put em in or you will learn, that is the beauty/blessing

Not my meat or my wood so I don't mind sitting around all day smoking some meat, hanging out with the dogs and drinking some beer...lol

 

[jbellard]

Guy, how many butts are we talking about here? 2 or 6?

 

[skguy2]

Guy, how many butts are we talking about here? 2 or 6?

I'm doing two. 8lbs. each

 

[jbellard]

I think your MES will have no problems with smoking two butts.
I will sometimes let the butts get a good level of bark on them, then around 165 internal temp, take and put them each in a little aluminum pan so that the juices don’t get all over your smoker. Of course some will but I find that last 40-50 degrees of cooking really is when the majority of juice comes on out and makes the big mess.
Also start a bit before you normally do for just one butt and then don’t open the door for any reason. Keep the heat in because it will take forever to get back up to your desires cooking temp if you open the door a lot.

 

[Will Smoke]

I feel ya, its a slippery slope

 

[skguy2]

jbellard- I usually put a pan under the butt, I have never smoked them while in a pan.. I have the MES that I have to open the door to add the wood, so when I have to add the wood chips I make it count and load the chip box up along with a open wood chip box that I have that I rest directly on the burner with some chips and a wood chunk. It lasts about 1.5-2 hours depending on the weather.

 

[GATOR240]

If I remember correctly, the last time I did 2 butts in my MES30, I put the butts directly on the first and third racks and put a disposable pan on the bottom rack to collect the drippings. As stated above don't open the door if you don't have to.

 

[chilerelleno]

What, they both won't fit on one rack?
1st 2nd or 3rd or whichever shouldn't make any real significant difference.
Unless you're just unlucky enough to have one but of those Butts be one of those astronomically slow cookers.

A drip pan, water pan or a pan of beans to catch drippings, whatever floats your boat.

 

[skguy2]

Chilerelleno- only if I smush them together...lol
I just finished trimming and rubbing 15 pounds of ribs and 2-8lb pork butts. I did all the ribs and 1 butt and ran out of rub(I make my own but ran out of half the ingredients to make it). I bought this stuff awhile ago marked down, has anyone ever used it?

 

[Jeff Wright]

My go to on lazy, don't want to mix my own days. For pork, anyway.

 

[crazymoon]

SKG2, My cheater rub is McCormicks Cowboy Rub. I like Jeffs the best!

 

[skguy2]

I don't use mesquite wood, I only use apple and hickory for wood that's why I picked this up. I got it on clearance I figured I'd give it a try. I tried it and it wasn't to bad so I added some more spices that I usually add to my rub and if it it don't come out that great, that's what BBQ sauce is for..haha