4 butts - Larger ones on Top or Bottom


 
J

John_H

TVWBB Member
I'm doing 4 butts for a family reunion. Two of the butts are about 8.5 lbs each and two are 10.5 lbs each. How should I arrange these on my 18.5" WSM. I didn't know if one rack is hotter than the other and I should put the larger one on that rack or just put a big one and a small one on each rack? Suggestions?
 
I always use it but have read that without the water the bottom grate is much hotter. I'm sure someone else on here has personal experience with a dry pan.
 
I would put the big ones on the bottom. The smaller ones will probably be done first. Then you will have access to bottom after that.
 
John, Tony has a good point as well. My recommendation was if your top grate was hotter than your lower to try to get them to cook a bit more evenly in the same amount of time. Larger ones in higher heat etc. You could always move them to the upper rack when the smaller ones are resting in a cooler.
 
ChuckO said:
... I say mix em', both on each
Click to expand...

I agree. I'd even out the grates best I could. I've done many four butt cooks on the 18, and while you can certainly cram two big butts on a grate, I think that a little more heat between the meat is better for more even cooking. As to what gets done first, remember that thicker takes longer to cook than heavier, if you know what I mean, so given a choice put thicker ones on the top if you want all done around the same time.

If you haven't used the bottom grate much, it's easy to check butts for doneness through the door. It's easy to spin the bottom grate around with a tool of some sort if needed. I use one of those grill tools that has a little hook at the end.
 
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