Smoker and water pan

[Steven Simpkins]

I am new and learning and read where it takes from 6 to 8 hours to barbecue spare ribs. It seem that mine are done in 4 to 4.5 hours. I have a Brinkman electric smoker that runs at a constant 225 degrees. I also fill the water pan with hot water and was wondering if this makes the meat cook faster. Should I put hot or just tap water in the pan? Help

Thanks Bones

 

[Chris W.]

Using hot water in your smoker is fine for spare ribs. Being done in 4 to 4.5 hours is no problem; that's about how long mine take. The thing to remember with ribs - cook until done, not for some magic time at a certain temp. The tear test is a very good way to tell if ribs are done - if you can pull a bone away, and it comes away cleanly and easily, you're done.