Rib Rack for #2

[BIG BOB]

Has anyone used the rib rack for the #2?

I am cooking babyback ribs for 9 - 10 people on Sunday --- couple questions
1.  how many ribs do you guys think I will need?
2.  how many halves can I get on the rib rack?
3.  any other suggestions for space? I am definitely doing the no foil approach ....

Thanks!

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[Walt]

I would think about 1/2 lb of meat per person. So.....with bone in maybe 3/4 lb per person.  The good news is, if you go heavy extra ribs do vac seal real well.  I cooked 29 lbs (9 racks) of SAMe ribs recently.  Cut in half, you can arrange 4 halves per shelf useing the lower 4 shelves (8 racks of ribs).  If you put the rib rack on the top, 7 half racks will fit on it (3.5 racks).  12.5 racks can be squeezed in, if needed. I prefer to lay the ribs flat but the rack helps for squeezing in more during big Cook.

[Walt]

The SAMs ribs come 3 racks per pack & usually weigh in between 8 & 10 lbs per pack.  That will work great for you.  Good luck.

[BIG BOB]

Thanks Walt... and yes , I am heading to SAM's tomorrow. 3 pkgs - 9 racks should be plenty.

[DivotMaker]

Bob, the Sam's ribs are usually really meaty.  Unless you're just wanting a bunch left-over, I would think 4, or maybe 5, racks would be more than enough for 10 people.  These are big ribs.  I've never used a rib rack, and find great results with them flat on the racks (bone-side down).  That lets the meat hold the moisture well.

[BIG BOB]

Six racks laying bone side down it is

[DivotMaker]

Assuming 13 bones per rack, 6 racks is 78 bones.  Your 10 people will get stuffed, and you'll still have enough for lunch Monday!

[NDKoze]

I love leftovers!

[DivotMaker]

I love leftovers!

Hehe...I always think this way!  Ribs are GREAT leftover!  I vacuum bag them while still warm, and re-heat them in a crock pot with 1/4" of apple juice in the bottom (low heat, ribs standing on their sides).  Works great, and the ribs are so moist and tender!

[BIG BOB]

More sound advice. ... lol..... great!

[bigbassnutt]

Do you guys find you have to leave them in a little longer when doing 4 or 5 racks versus 1 or 2? Also do the ones on the lower shelves cook faster than the ones on the top?

[BIG BOB]

Hey Mike... fellow Hoosier here (New Castle) when I foiled I rotated racks....good question when not peaking.  The more meats I have in my#2 the less temperature swings.

[DivotMaker]

Keep the shelves as high as possible, and put the thicker ends on the lower shelves.  I cut my racks in half to fit in the #2, and also so I can put the thick ends down lower.  It evens-out this way.