Curious of this and please excuse my newbie question. The first time I smoke ribs, should I just lay them bone side down on the grates? or set them down on foil? or use rib racks? what are the pros and cons? thanks
I always go bone side down for at least 1-2 hours unfoiled. Then 1/2-1 hour foiled. Lastly about 1/2-1 hour unfoiled again. Most of my baby backs are two pounds each and they always turn out great cooking them this way.
Best might be flat bone side down. That being said it is difficult to get full size spares on an 18.5 wsm. Two spares will fit flat on a 22. 3 spares rolled will fit on the 18.5. I wouldn't set them on foil.
Racks are so you can get more on the cooker at the same time.
I always use a rack. I usually do at least 2 slabs - 3 if doing baby backs. So a rack comes in handy. But if you're only doing one rack, then go bone side down.
