To pan or not

[triplebq]

Do you smoke your shoulder or butt in a pan or just lay in the smoker on the rack ? Thanks I will not shut up and listen !

 

[fatback joe]

Right on the rack for me.

 

[oneshot]

On the rack!!! Then into a foil pan and foil covered if I'm gonna pull it.

 

[jdt]

on the rack for me to

 

[richoso1]

I smoke both ways, just depends on if I want to keep the drippings or not. Actuaslly, in the pan does help in keeping it from drying out at times. It's all good my friend.

 

[chisoxjim]

on the rack, un-foiled for as long as it takes to get to 195-200.

 

[orlandosmoking]

Only smoked one so far (too much other stuff to try) straight on the rack until 160* then in foil with a little apple juice to 200*. It was fantastic served with the finishing sauce recipe I got here!!!

Don

 

[mballi3011]

I personally like my butts straight on the grates all the way.

 

[dirt guy]

I usually cook all my pork in the same manner. On the grate for 60-90 minutes depending on heat and smoke (I prefer not to have a thick bark). Then, it is covered in a foil pan until 170 degrees is reached. That way it gets the smoke I like without drying out.

 

[meateater]

I like mine on the rack until 140* with a good smoke ring going. I then tent and go till 190* with some liquid, pull and let rest for a couple hours, just can't hury goodness.

 

[scpatterson]

Ive always done mine on the rack the whole way without foiling.....BUT!!!!!!! I started foiling ribs (3-2-1) and will not go back.. Im gonna foil my next ones and see how I like the butts foiled...I think its all good though

 

[schaydu]

i got a question along the same lines, what is the benefit to using a drip pan under the meat, and is it necessary?

 

[rivet]

On the rack only. Never use a pan.

 

[travcoman45]

Never use a pan, just put em on the rack. Just how I do it. If ya wanna keep the juices ya could put a pan under it.

 

[hoggfarmer]

Actually, I like the pan so I can keep the drippings and it also keeps the meat moist, but I put the butt on a rack in the pan. It keeps the meat out of the liquid and doesn't let it get "mushy" on the bottom. Low and Slow is key. 160-180 internal temp. and it's ready to rest and pull. You can then skim the fat and keep the drippings to add back to the pork when you re-heat. I usually cook the day before the party. Be prepared to make a day of it.  Good Q can't be rushed! Good luck!

 

[SmokinAl]

On the rack, no foil. Don't bother to catch the drippings either.

 

[SmokinAl]

i got a question along the same lines, what is the benefit to using a drip pan under the meat, and is it necessary?

A lot of guys catch the drippings in a foil pan. Some of them put beef or chicken broth and a chopped up onion, maybe a few garlic cloves in there also. When the butt is done you take the drippings & broth mixture, put it in the freezer to separate the fat. Remove the fat then pour the remaining liquid over your pulled pork.

 

[alblancher]

What Smokin Al said.  Don't let any of that good flavor get away.  The only thing I do different is put the drippings and vegs in a sauce pan to bring to a boil for a while before skimming and serving.

You can always add a touch of cornstarch or flour if you want a thicker gravy to serve with mashed potatoes