How long to smoke pork ribs
Smoke pork ribs at 250°F for about 3.5 to 7 hours, and pull at 203°F, or when the rack bends and cracks. That is for pork ribs (spare ribs), at the heat shown; the calculator above has each heat a source gives a time for.
At the stall, wrap at about 160°F, in foil; the 3-2-1 method wraps by the clock instead. Rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing or pulling. USDA counts pork ribs safe at 145°F with a 3 minute rest; a thermometer in the thickest part tells you more than the clock.
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Questions
What temperature do you pull pork ribs at?
203°F, or when the rack bends and cracks. Cook to that temperature rather than to the clock.
When should I wrap pork ribs?
At the stall, about 160°F, in foil; the 3-2-1 method wraps by the clock instead. Wrapping pushes the meat through the stall; left unwrapped, the meat builds more bark and takes longer.
How long should pork ribs rest?
5 to 10 minutes, loosely covered or wrapped, before slicing or pulling.
Should I cook to time or to temperature?
To temperature. The time tells you when to start and when to start checking; the meat is ready when the thickest part reaches its pull temperature.
Does my smoker change the time?
Not at the same temperature, as far as any cooker maker or test says. What changes is how steady it holds: keep the lid or door shut and the fire even, and the time holds too.