Best setup for cooking ribs on PK grill ?

[Larry Grover]

Just wondering which of these methods you guys would choose if you want to cook two rack of ribs? I have the PK360 but this can apply to classic as well.

1. FULL RACKS LAID IN THE MIDDLE WITH HEAT DEFLECTOR:

In this setup he's using GrillGrate "GrateGriddles" as heat deflectors and a PK Cookmore grate to hold the meat. Coal basket is under the meat in the center instead of the side. My concern is if the heat will be distributed evenly or will the middle of the ribs not get enough heat? (The exhaust vents are on the top left and right.) If the heat is balanced it appears this would be the best "Fire & Forget" setup.

Also, this photo shows the 'PK Classic' so there would be more space around the edges on the 360.




2. INDIRECT WITH RIB RACK - RIBS CUT DOWN SHORTER TO FIT

You have to cut them down but overall you can fit the most meat using this method. Disadvantage is that you have to move them around during the cook to keep the temps even. To be clear though, I'm wondering which setup you'd choose to cook two racks? This would be the obvious choice if more is needed.

Image & rib racks is PK classic.




3. INDIRECT WITH FULL RACKS BENT:

Nice & easy way to throw them on but not sure if the bent portion will cook right? Also the meat can't be touching (or bark will be affected) and you will have to rotate them during the cook.

Image & rib rack is PK360

[Polarbear777]

Here’s how I do it. I do flip and swap them about halfway through.

[Larry Grover]

That MAK rib rack is sweet, gotta get me one of those.

[EBC]

Not sure I like the Grill Grate setup but I do like Polarbear's large rib rack. You could also bend them as you indicated. Either way I would probably rotate them once during the cook. Enjoy!

[Larry Grover]

Well setup #1 is out unless I can find a different solution. I contacted PK and asked them about their 'CookMore' grate. They said with the 360 it fits but it bumps into the TeleTrue thermostat so the grate can only fit on the back side.

Yesterday I used the PK rib rack and had great results. It's only the 2nd rib cook I've done on the PK and the first didn't turn out well. Too black so I think I used too much smoke & moisture. This time I used Polar's suggestion to go without the water pan and the meat was plenty juicy.

Hoping to find a solution though where I can leave the house and come back 5 hours later with a meal that's pretty much ready to eat. Also, PK said no new charcoal baskets are in the works.

Here they were sauced & laid on the gas for the finish.

[Polarbear777]

Yeah the thermometer probe is in the perfect place for measuring accurately. It’s also in the perfect place to be in the way.

[Mr. Bones]

Them are lookin damfine from here!