Ribolator


 
A

Andy Erickson

TVWBB Pro
Been contemplating ordering the ribolator for the 22 1/2 inch kettle when it becomes available, but have some apprehensions.

Here are my worries:

1) The meat will fall out of the trays.

2) I only plan on doing ribs, will I use it enough to justify the purchase.

3) Will there still be hot spots inside the grill. Here is my thinking, I plan on putting coals banked against opposite sides of the kettle, when the ribs dip down they will get a lot of heat on the outside of each side as they rotate leaving the outside of each edge of ribs burnt.

It seems like a nice product and something I would be interested in as I like to do my ribs on my kettle and like them laying flat. Does anybody have any experience in using the ribolator and does it worked as advertised or it will it be another gimmick that ends up collecting dust in my shed.
 
most folks who have one really like it and it does a great job on ribs. i would get one but i just do not cook enough food to justify one. i really doubt you would regret the purchase.
 
Originally posted by Andy Erickson:
Been contemplating ordering the ribolator for the 22 1/2 inch kettle when it becomes available, but have some apprehensions.

Here are my worries:

1) The meat will fall out of the trays.

2) I only plan on doing ribs, will I use it enough to justify the purchase.

3) Will there still be hot spots inside the grill. Here is my thinking, I plan on putting coals banked against opposite sides of the kettle, when the ribs dip down they will get a lot of heat on the outside of each side as they rotate leaving the outside of each edge of ribs burnt.

It seems like a nice product and something I would be interested in as I like to do my ribs on my kettle and like them laying flat. Does anybody have any experience in using the ribolator and does it worked as advertised or it will it be another gimmick that ends up collecting dust in my shed.
Click to expand...

I am the Number 1 fan of the Rib-O-Lator!

When I first saw it I was competing across from BOB at a backyard contest, and I too was skeptical, and thought it was a gimmick-until I tasted the ribs he was cooking on a gas grill.
BOB and the Rib-O-Lator went on to win the contest, his ribs were judged First Place to my Second, and the more I thought about it, the more I wanted one for myself!
Problem was, BOB had not even considered us charcoal kettleheads! It took a lot of persuading on my part to get him into modifying a set for me to use with my Weber and EZ-Que rings. Do a search here or the Brethren site for my cooks with the ROL, I've put it through the paces on my Drum Smoker, Performer and the Cajun Bandit direct and indirect.
I suppose if you just use it for ribs you'll be fine with it, personally I cook mostly chicken on mine and I couldn't be happier!
I like playing with the rotisseries and have the Char-Broil baskets, EZ-Que 8" and the Rib-O-Lator-the only things collecting dust in my shed are the spit forks!
 
I regularly watch This Video on Youtube. It shows the Ribolator being used and I have to tell you I am quite impressed. Brian, that is you doing the demo isn't it?
 
it could be a problem if the ribs are loaded unevenly or if chicken, etc are loaded unevenly or loosely. one learns to load it properly and there are no further issues. very big units have no problems as the grates are very heavy. this is small and light weight so just a little extra attention is needed.
 
I don't cook chicken pieces too often. Everytime I cook chicken now it is a whole roaster on the rotisserie two at a time. One for eating and one for chicken salad.

But like I said, I like my ribs to lay flat on the grill and be accessible. That is why I don't like using my WSM for ribs and with my performer in its current configuration, means I can only do one rack of ribs at a time with indirect heat. With the Ribolator I will be able to do 4 at a time, however, I'm sure it would be hard to do just one rack with the ribolator.

I will probably take the plunge when it is available. I'm on the waiting list for it. I will post a review when I get it.
 
Originally posted by Bill Comerford:
No one answered the Qustion about the ribs Flipping over? What's the answer? Bri, Mike.
Click to expand...

I always cook with a grate under the Rib-O-Lator, just as a precaution. I have yet to have any meats fall out of the trays-but it is possible that if they are not loaded evenly they could flip over.

If you are referring to the video of me flipping the ribs? I get a lot of people asking about that, and I was just playing around, and giving them a bend test!
But I also flip wings and legs to get these "Zebra stripes" grate marks that look kinda cool!

IMG_1516.jpg


As far as clean up - I give the grates a shot of cooking spray before cooking to keep things from sticking and afterwards they clean up nicely in the dishwasher.
 
So im assuming the Rib-O-Lator fits the 18" WSM cooker? Or do you have to make some adjustments on your end to make it work?

Have to say this thing has me pretty intrigued.
 
Originally posted by Mike D:
So im assuming the Rib-O-Lator fits the 18" WSM cooker? Or do you have to make some adjustments on your end to make it work?

Have to say this thing has me pretty intrigued.
Click to expand...

No

The new Kettle sized Rib-O-Lator will not fit the 18" WSM.
They are for the 22" kettles with a Weber or EZ-Que rotisserie rings.

Unless you are handy and can modify the 22" WSM as I have.

IMG_1630_1.jpg
 
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