Rib conundrum

[Wingman]

I almost always do loin back ribs (3+ pounders) this way – 3 hours at 225-230° on the MAK, foil with apple juice and into the oven at 225-230° for 2 hours, open foil and sauce, and usually another 30 min. in the oven depending on size and doneness.  I almost always get ribs with a slight tug, hardly ever “fall off the bone”.

Yesterday I did 3 racks and because it was so hot here I decided not to use the oven.  I foiled and put them back on the MAK for the 2-hour portion.  At 2 hours I removed to sauce and they were all way overdone; I couldn't pick them up without them breaking.  There was almost no fluid in the foil (always is 1-2 oz. from the oven) and the foil was dark with burn stains.

Because of the indirect heat I’ve always thought of the MAK as being just like an oven but it was certainly different this time.  Has anyone experienced this kind of thing and can anyone tell me why the MAK didn’t act like my oven at the same temp?  Thanks.

[hikerman]

Are you certain that your grate-temp was the same as your setting?  Also it is a bit hotter over my firebowl than every where else.

[teesquare]

Your MAK works more like a convection oven.....the added air-flow will evaporate fluids faster, and decrease cook times by as much as 1/3.

[Tenpoint5]

If you would have slid them out onto the rack and let them go for another 1/2 - 1 hour with sauce they usually stiffen back up

[TentHunteR]

Your MAK works more like a convection oven.....the added air-flow will evaporate fluids faster, and decrease cook times by as much as 1/3.

Yep, with the fan forcing air, pellet grills are more like a convection oven than a regular oven.  I usually foil for about 1 to 1 1/4 hours on the MAK running at 250° - 275°. Try it and see if that works better for you.

[Wingman]

Thanks, guys.  It makes sense, now.  I should have thought of that since we have a convection oven, although I don't use convection on the ribs.  It's a good lesson learned, and we were able to choke down the ribs so it could have been worse.  Thanks.

[Las Vegan Cajun]

Good info, thanks for sharing. 

[CDN Smoker]

Q, when on the MAK are you on the lower or upper rack? I would think the upper rack would extend the time?

[Wingman]

I use the lower rack.