Turkey/Chicken/Rib Racks

[snakyjake]

What are the thoughts on the Turkey/Whole Chicken Rack?
What does the rack do, that just laying a chicken down on the standard grill doesn't do?

Same question for the rib rack...Why a rib rack?  What does it do that the standard grill doesn't do?

Thanks in advance,
Jake

 

[NDKoze]

In my opinion, they aren't really necessary.

I smoke birds all the time and have never used one.

And rib racks are only advised if you don't have enough room on you racks to fit them in bone side down.

 

[DivotMaker]

They're great gadgets for "gadget people."  8)  Lots of folks feel like they need a special fixture for everything, so Steve is filling that need!  To me, both are unnecessary.  Chickens lay flat just fine, and ribs are MUCH better smoked flat, bone-side down (keeps the juices from running off as much).

 

[snakyjake]

To confirm...
Smoking Thanksgiving turkeys no problem in the SI3 without a turkey rack?
Or is there an advantage to consider?

 

[Smokster]

There really is no advantage to consider when using the original rack vs the turkey rack, with the exception of the money you save. 8)

Just keep in mind that you won't be able to crisp the skin in your smoker.

 

[NDKoze]

To confirm...
Smoking Thanksgiving turkeys no problem in the SI3 without a turkey rack?
Or is there an advantage to consider?

Confirmed

The only real advantage that I can see is that it makes it easier to remove it from the smoker. But, I have not had any problems with that without the rack.

 

[DivotMaker]

Never used a rack, Jake, and probably never will.  Turkeys sit on their back just fine, right on the shelf!

 

[Durangosmoker]

Just keep your turkey under 12 to 14 lbs. Bigger than that will spend too much time in the "danger zone" under 140 degrees F.  That said, I did a 12 lb. bird last thanksgiving that was superb!

 

[DivotMaker]

Just keep your turkey under 12 to 14 lbs. Bigger than that will spend too much time in the "danger zone" under 140 degrees F.  That said, I did a 12 lb. bird last thanksgiving that was superb!

+1!