Northern MN: 20 degrees, snowing and my first smoke with Model #2

[DTpilot]

When I assembled the cart and put the Model #2 on the cart, I appreciated the engineering and stainless steel. Then, seasoned with 3 oz. wood for four hours. Next day, smoked two racks of baby back ribs. 5 hours, 45 minutes @ 235. Used 3.2 ounces of apple wood, with a stainless steel cup filled with 6 ounces of apple cider. Rubbed ribs with yellow mustard, olive oil and Gates rub (KC). Wrapped in saran wrap, left on counter for one hour to make room temp. After almost 6 hours, the toothpick test said they were done. It was difficult to keep the door closed for those hours, wondering. Anyway, we ate 1/2 rack as a sample to make certain they were okay. They were...thanks for all the info on the site.

 

[NDKoze]

Looks like a successful smoke to me. Nice job!

Only one suggestion. It isn't necessary to being to room temperature. In fact, you're better off putting cold meat into a cold smoker. Smoke can only be absorbed until the internal temp reaches 140 degrees. So you'll have more time in the smoke window by putting your meat in the smoker cold.

 

[DTpilot]

thanks Greg

 

[DivotMaker]

Darn nice to have good Q in 20° weather, with snow!  I agree with Gregg - keep the meat in the fridge until just before it goes in the smoker.  Better results, and less prep time!  Just wait til it gets really cold to see how that bad boy performs!

 

[NDKoze]

I put a 14lb. Turkey in the smoker tonight.

But it is actually a balmy 39 degrees here in Fargo at 9:10pm CST.

Sounds like we have some weather coming our way though. It has been raining/misting all day today.

 

[BedouinBob]

Good looking ribs DT! Home made sauce?

 

[DTpilot]

Bob, we moved from KC 14 years ago. The sauce is a copy of Gates BBQ, our favorite. Ollie Gates was on Martha Stewart some years ago and shred his sauce recipe. Google it and try it out. We like to add extra celery seed and chili powder for more of a "bite".

 

[BedouinBob]

DT, thanks. I found it. I am working on finding a completely home made sauce, including the ketchup. This looks like a possibility. 

 

[goldentouch]

Great Job DT nice ribs.  Enjoy your new smoker