To foil or not to Foil

[funk]

I have used the 3-2-1 method for my ribs in the past and they have been good. I am thinking of experimenting without the foil this weekend. Should I mop them every half hour after the first 3 hours or mop right from the beginning?

 

[reichl]

lol to foil or not to foil. I personally don't mop when I foil but I mop once an hour when I don't foil. My favorite way is to cook at a smoker temp of 210* without foiling and mop when the ribs sweat (helljacks method I believe).

 

[triplebq]

don't cut the foiling , cut the last step in half . I can't help with the mopping as I just spray mine with apple juice . I would be more inclined to check the cooking temps before skipping the foiling . But Qview it and let us know if it works I will steal it ! lmao

 

[chisoxjim]

actually helljack borrowed the method from Mike Mills.

try them without foil, you might never go back, I havent.

spritzing every half hour will have you opening the smoker too much, I wait til about 2 - 2.5 hours in before applying some mop/spritz liquid. DOnt want to wash off your rub by doing this step too early.

good luck.

 

[reichl]

Oh yeah... your memory must be better then mine.

 

[chisoxjim]

its all good, Mike "the legend" Mills is a good guy to take tips from, (4 time World BBQ Champion & 3 time MIM Grand Champion).

what ever happened to helljack?

 

[reichl]

I dont know him personally or anything, but from what Ive seen he signs on and posts in spurts.

 

[triplebq]

That is how I spray mine , areounbd two hours in but I have water pane under them full of apple juice . Now yuou have me thinking I should try your way without foil . I don't mean to hijack the thread but thanks for the tip .

 

[mballi3011]

Hey there Jim wasnt helljack Le??? Now he boiled his ribs now didn't he. Maybe thats why he didn't foil them to try to get some flavor back into them. I have smoked ribs without foiling but I do prefer to foil to me they get alot more tender in the foil I just don't foil them for the whole 2 hours I go maybe about 1 1/2 hour.

 

[chisoxjim]

Le was the rib boiler from Nebraska, until he got under Mike Mills wing..

good luck experimenting with foil and not, I had a competition guy turn me onto foil, they turned out too mushy, and FOB for my taste.

 

[wmarkw]

No foil! I smoke for about 5.5-6 hours then will apply my sauce and let it go for another 45 mins or so. Total smoke time 6.5 to 7 hours.

The only time I open the smoker is to shove an ABT in my mouth or add wood. Keep that baby closed.