Let's Talk BBQ

Outdoor Cooking Equipment => Grills & Smokers => Charcoal Grills => Topic started by: sparky on September 12, 2018, 07:12:53 PM

Title: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: sparky on September 12, 2018, 07:12:53 PM
26 love time.  I love smoking with my 26 kettle. 

(https://s5.postimg.cc/6rjjxsubr/D423_EFAD-_B67_E-4_D86-_B74_B-_D46088_BD29_AE.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Sometimes things don't always turn out the way you think it will.  This is the first time using weber charcoal and using hickory chucks.

(https://s5.postimg.cc/h07fpoy2v/9_F2_D0_F4_C-_DD89-4874-_AD7_D-_ACFC0_FC36_EC7.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

I placed my hickory chucks under the charcoal.  Never did this method before either.  I have always put the chucks on top off the charcoal.

(https://s5.postimg.cc/jual34ktj/93_D7_DEA5-_B11_B-4557-_B1_EB-298_F60547151.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

A little honey bee on the rib.

(https://s5.postimg.cc/k8gigmex3/66_F0_DB13-_D544-4318-_AC62-44569_B568_B59.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Set up my SnS and my 26 for smoking.

(https://s5.postimg.cc/97grxq7jb/00_B23605-_B488-4_ACE-89_BA-_AD84_A3185596.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

I will say that I'm my opinion the temp on this cook was too high.  270-290°.   After 2 hours this is how they looked.

(https://s5.postimg.cc/nfb205c6v/B4_ACF208-8_C31-4493-9_ECF-8_E59_D251_B5_CB.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

I'm really not happy.  The sweetness of the rub and the high heat turned the rib too dark for my taste.

(https://s5.postimg.cc/amicms107/DE49_C70_C-_BC68-4_E73-9_E96-8239524897_FF.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Some foil love might help.

(https://s5.postimg.cc/bosj5ec4n/DE505_D52-_CB00-4_F69-94_BF-_D53_D6_F80_F0_AE.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

After one hour wrapped up.

(https://s5.postimg.cc/vxki4i5uv/A30_C58_E6-5_C37-4_CC5-_A7_F9-_ACE89_D635_A52.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Put back on to set up a little.  Toothpick ready

(https://s5.postimg.cc/lyuy4pevr/8_D43_AD5_B-_A391-4_DFF-_B11_C-60_DED7_D42_B58.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Cut up.

(https://s5.postimg.cc/7h2cagcyf/591_C811_F-44_E9-4418-9_C37-_CD335686_D85_B.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://s5.postimg.cc/s1768i5fr/4_BBC9061-_B65_C-4_D54-9985-_D74_AF4_EB9_DFD.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Good bite to them but the taste was awful.  The hickory and the high heat made this ribs super icky.  Way too much smoke flavor. 

(https://s5.postimg.cc/cgzshwapz/4_C9_CF286-_BD82-40_BE-_B060-8_F4_BA911_E964.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Still on that rib journey to find the perfect rib.



Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: Ka Honu on September 12, 2018, 07:46:38 PM
sparky - Don't feel too bad; even Pappy & I make the (very) occasional mistake. I'm guessing it won't happen often.
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: hikerman on September 12, 2018, 07:56:22 PM
Gus, what I'm going to say might be tough for you to grip, but after watching all of your rib cooks with enthusiasm and a Fat Tire, me thinks you have already reached perfection brother. But it's tough at the top.....how do you top perfection?  8)
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: HighOnSmoke on September 12, 2018, 08:23:00 PM
They still look good Sparky!
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: TMB on September 12, 2018, 09:25:11 PM
Um, you did ask Kimmie if she wanted them  :D
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: Jaxon on September 13, 2018, 09:49:03 AM
I feel your pain, Sparky.
I never know how my ribs will turn out...most are edible, but now and then, I get dog food out of the them.
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: Tailgating is my game on September 13, 2018, 10:52:37 AM
They look good to me too
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: smokeasaurus on September 13, 2018, 04:49:47 PM
Good looking ribs.

275 is not a bad temp for cooking ribs.

I am not a big fan of hickory.

Not sure if it was the Weber charcoal with hickory involved.


I never thought it was possible for you to think you had a bad rib cook.............but if this was a bad cook, it is probably your first and last one....... :)
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: TentHunteR on September 13, 2018, 05:54:01 PM
I have to wonder and ask... how much did the Minion method affect the flavor?  I don't like the Minion method because I think it creates a dirty burn, and don't care for the flavor it produces.  Perhaps the Weber charcoal is particularly bad for using that method.
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: tomcrete1 on September 13, 2018, 06:07:31 PM
They look great to me!!
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: hikerman on September 13, 2018, 08:40:33 PM
I have to wonder and ask... how much did the Minion method affect the flavor?  I don't like the Minion method because I think it creates a dirty burn, and don't care for the flavor it produces.  Perhaps the Weber charcoal is particularly bad for using that method.

Cliff I agree with your take on this. I always thought something was amiss when I used the minion method using Kingsford. It has a specific taste profile which over time I decided wasn't what I wanted or liked. It was almost a kerosene sort of taste. I switched to Royal Oak and life was good again. But....this is a personal taste. Whatever tastes best for you is the right choice. Just my two cents....
Title: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: Pappymn on September 13, 2018, 09:05:04 PM
I have to wonder and ask... how much did the Minion method affect the flavor?  I don't like the Minion method because I think it creates a dirty burn, and don't care for the flavor it produces.  Perhaps the Weber charcoal is particularly bad for using that method.

Cliff I agree with your take on this. I always thought something was amiss when I used the minion method using Kingsford. It has a specific taste profile which over time I decided wasn't what I wanted or liked. It was almost a kerosene sort of taste. I switched to Royal Oak and life was good again. But....this is a personal taste. Whatever tastes best for you is the right choice. Just my two cents....
You have me curious. So no minion method with Kingsford? Do you just use RO for low and slow? Teach me Obi wan


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Title: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: Pappymn on September 13, 2018, 09:06:01 PM
sparky - Don't feel too bad; even Pappy & I make the (very) occasional mistake. I'm guessing it won't happen often.
The Turtle is always wise and is correct as usual.


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Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: hikerman on September 13, 2018, 09:34:02 PM
I have to wonder and ask... how much did the Minion method affect the flavor?  I don't like the Minion method because I think it creates a dirty burn, and don't care for the flavor it produces.  Perhaps the Weber charcoal is particularly bad for using that method.

Cliff I agree with your take on this. I always thought something was amiss when I used the minion method using Kingsford. It has a specific taste profile which over time I decided wasn't what I wanted or liked. It was almost a kerosene sort of taste. I switched to Royal Oak and life was good again. But....this is a personal taste. Whatever tastes best for you is the right choice. Just my two cents....
You have me curious. So no minion method with Kingsford? Do you just use RO for low and slow? Teach me Obi wan


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Pappy, I grew up with Kingsford. It was what my family used most of the time. And I suspect it was the most available for most people so it's flavor profile was kind of ....expected. After cooking with Royal Oak a few times I noticed quite a different taste. In a head to head trial I liked the RO much more and haven't looked back. Again though, it's a personal thing, you might think differently, and you wouldn't be wrong for you. To me RO is a cleaner taste. :-\
Title: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: Pappymn on September 13, 2018, 09:48:20 PM
I have to wonder and ask... how much did the Minion method affect the flavor?  I don't like the Minion method because I think it creates a dirty burn, and don't care for the flavor it produces.  Perhaps the Weber charcoal is particularly bad for using that method.

Cliff I agree with your take on this. I always thought something was amiss when I used the minion method using Kingsford. It has a specific taste profile which over time I decided wasn't what I wanted or liked. It was almost a kerosene sort of taste. I switched to Royal Oak and life was good again. But....this is a personal taste. Whatever tastes best for you is the right choice. Just my two cents....
You have me curious. So no minion method with Kingsford? Do you just use RO for low and slow? Teach me Obi wan


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pappy, I grew up with Kingsford. It was what my family used most of the time. And I suspect it was the most available for most people so it's flavor profile was kind of ....expected. After cooking with Royal Oak a few times I noticed quite a different taste. In a head to head trial I liked the RO much more and haven't looked back. Again though, it's a personal thing, you might think differently, and you wouldn't be wrong for you. To me RO is a cleaner taste. :-\
Thank you sir. I have no dog in the fight. Seems like around me only Kingsford has the great deals during the summer. May need to look closer. I don't go through a lot of charcoal do no a huge deal either way.

Thanks again!


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Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: sparky on September 14, 2018, 12:33:26 AM

I am not a big fan of hickory.


I have to agreed with ya smoke.
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: sparky on September 14, 2018, 12:36:26 AM
I have to wonder and ask... how much did the Minion method affect the flavor?  I don't like the Minion method because I think it creates a dirty burn, and don't care for the flavor it produces.  Perhaps the Weber charcoal is particularly bad for using that method.

what method do you use cliff for smoking with charcoal?. The weber charcoal might have something to do with it.  I'm so use to kingsford..
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: sparky on September 14, 2018, 12:39:48 AM
I have to wonder and ask... how much did the Minion method affect the flavor?  I don't like the Minion method because I think it creates a dirty burn, and don't care for the flavor it produces.  Perhaps the Weber charcoal is particularly bad for using that method.

Cliff I agree with your take on this. I always thought something was amiss when I used the minion method using Kingsford. It has a specific taste profile which over time I decided wasn't what I wanted or liked. It was almost a kerosene sort of taste. I switched to Royal Oak and life was good again. But....this is a personal taste. Whatever tastes best for you is the right choice. Just my two cents....

I'm going to try royal oak geno.
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: hikerman on September 14, 2018, 08:26:28 AM
I have to wonder and ask... how much did the Minion method affect the flavor?  I don't like the Minion method because I think it creates a dirty burn, and don't care for the flavor it produces.  Perhaps the Weber charcoal is particularly bad for using that method.

Cliff I agree with your take on this. I always thought something was amiss when I used the minion method using Kingsford. It has a specific taste profile which over time I decided wasn't what I wanted or liked. It was almost a kerosene sort of taste. I switched to Royal Oak and life was good again. But....this is a personal taste. Whatever tastes best for you is the right choice. Just my two cents....

I'm going to try royal oak geno.

I hope you like it Gus. I just think RO has a more subtle flavor, so you can taste your smoke-wood of choice. Just don't use hickory! I always liked fruitwoods with pork.
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: TentHunteR on September 14, 2018, 05:45:21 PM
Pappy, I grew up with Kingsford. It was what my family used most of the time. And I suspect it was the most available for most people so it's flavor profile was kind of ....expected. After cooking with Royal Oak a few times I noticed quite a different taste. In a head to head trial I liked the RO much more and haven't looked back. Again though, it's a personal thing, you might think differently, and you wouldn't be wrong for you. To me RO is a cleaner taste. :-\

That's pretty much what my experience was too.  I just like the cleaner taste I get with Royal Oak briquettes (when I do use charcoal - which isn't very often any more).


Quote from: sparky
what method do you use cliff for smoking with charcoal?. The weber charcoal might have something to do with it.  I'm so use to kingsford..

Sparky, I prefer just having a smaller, hotter pile of completely lit coals, off to one side, add a chunk or two of wood (or a foil pouch of pellets with a single hole punched in it) on top, off to the side, and adjust the airflow to get your desired temp range, like this: 
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZU0zIfLIoxPzB8Amz3WCr0zZPERHTHvv7SFyKvtLpDxQ3nA4We3B4oEJGDiD2JPQPbClHUQv2JZqofjvOflduc1XOy5FD7mPfYsBVPIbf34V-u-FTYaebHo0ceCiK9l9F-sTYCY2b1dQY1BiIG45sqRv2TS268ZekbeEA0desqbZ_CZbJQlvNFvDIqzXfdIX9x39AFIRG4zBaA5LCLcQ_TemGruCCcNfHCtYB5mu261JS9_37558Z1mhnvFyl-21QUeR6oY3yu668-2iTM6QNuBypg-U1wB8cJMFF_h0eYm6wLPT_v9EfT5DB38kCHqS1Tu1y3Kc4nPvpSgQ7yS118L_n7VS0UmUYdw8JAUjSvt4pumeB409J1eai7wXFNVR6JS7ZqIub0MDQ7zTlb76EkOjxHe_JhpjpJ8f365CJAoFhg_NdNea2nkTYXo81jj4U4CMtzQ4RAlfbkbVhG8k_4O6EEnAnj215dE4j5RC0yshmPOQAvWdKtuVaiv6W5a8AUP5Cul71ESIGPX6lTA2NzPQwihE26TGa32Acfbj5b_CeRTDdQmzQXVsm6l5-Xo8YWERgprinD8r7bKcqrqhcyZ34ybNpMgv2c6qGIaYoU-vWLTDqK7rOQW-U5QypTY=w500-h375-no)

Now.. this means I may have to light a second round of charcoal in the chimney starter later, but I just always get a much cleaner smoke this way.  Hope this makes sense.

Oh and I NEVER use lighter fluid.  :P



Quote from: Pappymn
Seems like around me only Kingsford has the great deals during the summer. May need to look closer. I don't go through a lot of charcoal do no a huge deal either way.

Same here; I don't go through a lot of charcoal, but when I do Royal Oak is easy enough to find.   Several Store brands are actually Royal Oak:  Walmart's "Expert Grill" (60% larger), and Ace Hardware "GrillMark" are both made by Royal Oak.  Rural King and other locations sell the "Frontier" Brand which is also Royal Oak.  Some other store brands are as well, such as the "Food Club" brand.   Look on the back of the bag near the bar code. Often times it will say it's made by Royal Oak, or will have an "RO" in the skew number.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/yxumiTDESIy4IEbsavtvR1MYikiYCWD93S2qYdOxNm_dzJOkA3MRbrlGIFil1nqEK0h-ZcuWjKESJkUsUfcj4Djwxrkx0d2ESuZUWlZZJDmN7GZvitbekLkqsHvr7lGMIL8Jml1ApfLXdrfTfVjMwnQbuoTYPdZryKl2YdbUGG1o1b3imCzcjh4ZSiBFAGPrlX4qMFaO-VpCBA-Anbt3dVDYgYuTLqKJhpBoHL4K01lbccUHXK5fixP3wHsVro0PzzXnWxWrHZtttDkJeJB6CjbLn4wG3QxO9xkyn5oNhovTN3UFcEVXGZv8vu5lCuitSQHGxKlCEj623Un4ZGf-7x8VQynLv0Q0mTOFZEKuPrVqkIAGW31zFaS08wj5RVsiBRhhEPNbakK9CsAFRD7nyNoik7whekuOr7m6FrehWcLx5hdinREVy-WPFrhhOUiRSYU61TedNWIJN5l8273Z2lR9KkP2tkskteRcNdHcMs8-bcGA3mWTTl4IBjKrTOL85wvakTaE_uvR-gVnl35wtNoG_dbU9eFt4cmbq6ET9vnc9dVt74ZEAfnIXRnR240xaVMBJXcH8xqlGPGQ_jRrvXPoNCA_7fzS6LeDkGzYKAOR5MK-IDv3Gwmw5-6m_Yg=w640-h480-no)


I stumbled across this little tip when my local Ace Hardware had some Royal Oak Briquettes. I went back to get some more and they were out. Then the manager told me they had them ONLY because Royal Oak ran out of the Ace Hardware "GrillMark" branded bags while filling an order, and fullfilled the order using their regular label bags.  Then my wife (who works for Walmart) looked up the info on their brand and sure enough it too is made by royal oak.  ;)
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: Salmonsmoker on September 14, 2018, 09:50:22 PM
I wonder if those of you that don't care for Kingsford "taste" are using their regular charcoal or their competition charcoal? I switched years ago from the regular(blue bag) to their competition(red bag) and haven't noticed anything "off" about it. In the spring, Costco always has a briquet sale on the competition ones (they don't sell the regular), and that's when I stock up. I don't use nearly as much since I got my MAK, more when I'm cooking for a crowd and need the drum smokers too.
Title: Re: A complete failure of a rib cook.
Post by: Hub on September 15, 2018, 02:55:45 PM
I've had similar "fails", too Sparky.  Don't feel like the Lone Ranger.  I always go back to my tried and proven methods for ribs, but it's fun to take a chance very now and then.  The best ribs I've gotten off my Weber have been pretty tasty, though.  Two thoughts if you want to try it again:  One, use Turbinado Sugar because it won't blacken in the heat and, two, limit the chunk of hickory to the first hour of the cook then take some tongs and toss it out. 

Hub