Rib Hooks .... Absolutely no one uses them ?!?

[Elliottbte]

I have searched the forum through and through and have not found any occurrence of someone using the rib hooks. Can this be true? 

I have an SI#1 and have had my first smokes with pork butt and then brisket, highly successful due to the advice from all here.  Ribs are next.  I was thinking to use the rib hooks as I don't have the rib rack (at least yet).  I would really appreciate hearing from anyone using the hooks.  How used? Heavier end up or down?  How many split rack in a # 1?

In the event I hear bad or no reviews on the rib hooks, I guess I'll just use the top 2 racks (I only have two shelves  ).  I'm thinking I can only fit 1 rack per shelf, cut in half?  Is that about right?

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[Three Sons BBQ]

I have the rib hooks but never use them.

My biggest fear... The ribs near the element would be dry... And or that the ribs fall from the hook and are laying on the element.

I see no need for them with all of the shelves in the units.  Kind of a catch 22 aaaaaalllllll the shelf space leaves the rib hooks an afterthought.

[Pork Belly]

I used them to hang chickens from the top rack, they worked well for that. I could have used s-hooks but would not have been able to get the birds as high as I did. If you are worried about things falling just leave the bottom rack in.

However even with that successful use and suggestion I should point out I wont use them for ribs and would not have them if they weren't free.

[SuperDave]

I have full intention of using mine but for an unintended use, hanging split chickens. 

[Three Sons BBQ]

That I need a picture of please... I am zoning in on mastering chicken... I have pork butt, ribs, and full packer briskest down solid... No thinking required.

Chicken I am close...

[NDKoze]

I could maybe see using them in a #3 or maybe a #2. But I think you would run the risk of uneven cooking in the shorter #1.

[Elliottbte]

Thanks for all the responses. Looks like the best plan is to get the rib rack for the #1. I think that does 3 1/2 racks. Otherwise I would have to use all three shelves and I'm afraid the lower shelf would be a good bit hotter.  Hopefully I'll get to see some pictures of how the hooks were used on chicken as noted above.

[kelvinator]

I don't think I would use them just based on the fear of the ribs ripping off as they got tender. Too much money and time invested to have them fall off.

[Pork Belly]

Polish
Here is that chicken:
http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=2704.msg19496#new

[Elliottbte]

Polish
Here is that chicken:
http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=2704.msg19496#new

Are the bags tied to the rack?  And I can't quite see how the hooks are used?  Are they holding the bag or inserted into the chicken somehow?

[Pork Belly]

I sealed the bags with a double wrap of butchers twine and tied it off leaving a small loop. I pulled that loop up through the rack and hooked it on the short end of the rib-hook. I pulled on the rib hook to remove all slack and hooked the large end of the hook down through the grate.

[DivotMaker]

I think Brian has found the perfect use for the rib hooks - and it ain't ribs!    I wouldn't use them, for all the reasons stated here so far, and the fact that the best ribs are smoked laying flat, bone-side down, on the highest shelves!  You can't beat the consistency of having the meat baste itself above the bone, which shields the meat from the heat source below!  Perfect!