Eight Racks of Baby Backs

[jmott7]

I think the most racks I ever cooked at once on my PBC is three, maybe four. Depending on how hot I'm running, this takes from three to four hours. So, PBC people, any ideas as to how much extra time I should book in for eight racks? I'm helping a local butcher celebrate 70 years in business, and I'd like to have my act together.
Thanks.

[Pirate Scott]

I did eight racks rolled up on my Kettle and it was not a good cook. I under estimated how much heat/fuel I would need to maintain temperature. I don’t have a PBC, but I am sure someone will be along soon who does. If you have the room, I assume you may just need to run it hotter? The timing should be the same if you can maintain temperature.

[xaugievike]

I've done 8 twice....took between 5 and 6 hours both times

[randy.56]

Cooked 6 on the rec tec a few times ---6 hours

[smn1285]

Ive done 5 SLC in my PBC before and did not notice any difference. I’m pretty sure once your cooker recoops from all the cold meat and gets back up to temp, it’s smooth sailing from there. Perhaps someone will correct me if I’m wrong...?

[Bumby]

jmott7, I've done 8-15 racks at a time a few times before. Doing 6 tomorrow. In my experience, so long as the racks aren't touching each other and you can maintain temperature, your time shouldn't be significantly higher. If I need to use a rib rack, I give myself an extra 20-30 minutes to be safe. If I need to use multiple racks (such as on my WSM), I might give myself an extra 45 minutes to be safe. Here's a good article from Meathead, himself, that may be helpful.

https://amazingribs.com/more-technique-and-science/more-cooking-science/when-youre-cooking-more-one-hunk-meat

[ecowper]

I was just gonna say "on the WSM", but you beat me to it :-)

[Bill M]

I've cooked nine baby backs numerous times on Meadow Creek stick burner and six racks on my 36" Weber grill. Usually 5 hours to 5-1/2 but I also wrap in foil.

[Obi-Dan]

I’ve cooked 6 racks twice on my PBC. Both times it took about 30 minutes longer.

[Polarbear777]

I’ve done 6 before. The temp runs lower unless you use a fan or change intake setting so that’s why it takes longer.

If there’s air space between them and you can maintain temp it should be the same timing.

When I run with a fan controller to maintain temp 2 takes the same time as 6.

if you aren’t modifying intake air, plan on an extra hour or so. If they get done early you can always cambro them.

[HawkerXP]

I haven't tried that many yet. I would think as long as you get a good start on your coals you shouldn't have any problem other than what has been mentioned above.

[jecucolo]

My experience with loading up the pbc is you get more moisture dripping on the coals which has a tendency to lower the temperature. I usually find a small twig in the yard and prop one side of the lid. Just a little extra oxygen make a difference! Good luck!

[Brewmaster]

I do 8 racks all the time, if you don't have a vent on the lid, you may have to crack the lid to maintain temp, takes about 3.25 hours