Meat placement

[es1025]

I will be having some friends over on memorial day and want to smoke some ribs and either a butt or brisket.

What rack should I use for the ribs and what rack for the butt.

I have a number 3.  Rack 1 is the top of the smoker and rack 5 is on the bottom.

Thoughts?

 

[NDKoze]

I usually use the highest rack that I can that will allow for 2-3 inches from the top of the smoker. The temps at the top of the smoker will be a lot more consistent than the lower racks.

I think I had asked the question a couple of months ago and this is the answer that I received and it makes sense to me.

 

[DivotMaker]

Gregg's right.  I got that answer from Auber when installing the permanent probe, and have verified it on my own.  To answer your question about the ribs/butt together, I think I would put the ribs on the highest shelf or shelves (depending on how many you're doing), and the butt or briskie on the lower shelf as high as possible.  Not sure that it would really make much difference, but I don't think I would want the massive amount of dripping from a butt all over my ribs.  Might taste great, but would probably hurt the appearance for my guests...presentation counts!