The Snake Method - BBQ Rib Cook

I have used The Snake method of lighting my charcoal several times now with great results. I have used this method specifically for rib cooks, as I have consistently been getting 6.5 to 7 hours of cooking time at 235 to 250 degrees. The advantages to this method have been:
1) Easier to keep cooking temps at 250 or below, especially with a totally empty water pan.
2) Very efficient use of charcoal (using Kingsford blue bag).

I sometimes find I get temperature spikes using the minion method, especially if I put in too much lit charcoal at the beginning. Using the Snake Method seemed easier to control when starting with 15 to 20 lit briquettes.

Here's how I loaded the charcoal ring prior to placing 15 or so lit briquettes on the end closest to where I placed the wood chunk:


Here's how the charcoal looked after 3 hours as I was getting ready to foil the ribs:


After 1.5 hours in the foil and 40 minutes unwrapped to finish them off, here are the results of this cook which lasted just under 6 hours. I still had another 80 minutes of temps above 235.






I'll definitely use this method again for cooking ribs, or anything else that I want to do low and slow that cooks for 6 hours or less. I'll still use the minion method for longer cooks.

By the way... the ribs were great!

I will try this as well. Thanks

Makes sense. I have often thought about trying the same thing, but never have.

Like the idea Andy and the results speak for themself! great looking ribs. Will hv to give this a shot.

Next chicken cook, I may see how high I can get the cooking temps and see how long they last.... Let me know if anyone tries this.

cool way to do the fire. the proof is in the product. those are champion ribs.

Excellent looking ribs Andy and thanks for sharing the "snake method". Will be giving it a try soon.

Cool idea. Might have to try this soon.

I've seen that illustrated before, but I haven't tried it yet. Sure makes sense, and no one can argue with YOUR results! Fantastic looking ribs!

I'm must try this.

Great looking ribs... I'm going to try the snake method on my next cook.