Pork ribs question

[Ethan G]

What kind of ribs do you typically cook? I don't think I've ever found true baby backs at any of the local grocery stores. I usually end up with pork loin back ribs that weigh 3-3.5 lbs per rack. I'm curious because when I smoke them at 225 on the WSM they are usually done right at 4 hours. I let them go 5.5 hours once and they had started to dry out and weren't all that great. Yet I read about people smoking baby backs (which should be around 2 lbs/rack) for 5-6 hours.

I'm happy with what I'm doing (as are the wife, kids and any guests who have indulged), but am interested in your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Dave/G]

Loin backs and baby backs are the same things. See the cooking section here Re selection of ribs. I get mine in packs of three at BJ's. Can't say that I've seen packs in the nine pounds or greater range, but I guess it's possible. I look for packs weighing as close to six pounds as possible. The smaller ones fit better in my 18" WSM. At 225-250, usually done in 4-4.5 hours. I test for tender starting at 4 hours by sticking a wooden skewer between two middle of the rack bones.

 

[Dave Albracht]

I struggled with the exact same dilemma for years until I talked to a butcher. It simply is a matter of how much loin they leave on the top. the ribs I use to buy at costco usually had 1" of meat on top of the ribs and weighed 3lbs.

Now I get 1.5-2.0 lbs ribs from my butcher with NO loin on top.

I use the 2-2-.5 method and absolutely love my ribs.