We just finished supper. My first cook was a success. The ribs tasted fantastic. I smoked them @ 250 deg for three hours then wrapped in foil using some apple sauce, a little honey, maple syrup and some of my rub left them steam for two hours and they were fall off the bone tender. The family loved them. I learned quite o lot doing this cook. First off since I sealed up all of the leaks I had to crack open the bottom door slightly to maintain temp @ 250. I will try drilling some more holes in the ash pan to see if this helps. I am sure a temp controller with a fan would solve the issue but I want to learn how to cook on it first. I was surprised how much charcoal is left. I ran it for a total of six hours and loaded the pan about level when I started. The tube of sausage I smoked at the same time come out just perfect I pulled it at three hours. I will also try a cook with out using the water pan. Here are some pictures.
View attachment 145321 View attachment 145322
One hour in, I basted with apple juice.
View attachment 145323
Thermometer was within 1 deg of my digital.
View attachment 145324
After 3 hrs of smoke before I foil foil wrapped. I think lack of bark is due to using the water pan. My family does not like a lot of bark but I would have liked to seen some. The meat had a good smoke ring but did not have a strong smokey taste.
View attachment 145327
Removing from foil wrap, I think I will try 1 hr foil wrap instead of 2 next time I smoke ribs. They were a little too tender for my liking, the family like them tender but I like them a little chewy.
View attachment 145328
cut and plated, they have a nice smoke ring.
View attachment 145329
I welcome any comments or hints for next time.