Weber 26" first cook question - ribs

[radshop]

If the tracking info is correct, my Weber 26" kettle should arrive later today, but might not get here until late. (SNS XL got here this morning.) I need a little guidance so I can get my shopping done today while I have free time. The SLC ribs from Costco come 3 to a package. Should I expect to cook 3 slabs flat on the grate? Or should I pick up a rib rack?

[DWCowles]

You can do three racks on the Weber 26” but you may need to cut one rack in half. If you decide to get a rib rack make sure to rotate the ribs every two hrs to get an even cook.

Congrats on your new kettle.

[radshop]

Thanks! I'll let you know how what I decide and how it turns out. If history is any guide, there's a 27% chance I'll remember to take pics of the cook.

[jfmorris]

radshop I use a Weber rib rack on my 22" kettle plus SNS. Since it has 5 slots in the rack, I just leave two empty when cooking 3 racks of ribs from Costco or Sam's. I've found that due to not laying flat, the top edge will cook a bit more than the bottom edge. So as DWCowles suggests, I would rotate the one closest and farthest from the fire mid way through the cook, *AND* suggest that you flip all 3 racks end to end, so that the edge that was towards the top of the grill is now down against the grate.

I could *ALMOST* put 3 racks of baby backs flat on the 22" grate, but it overlaps the SNS a little too much, but I do take advantage of that now at the end of the cook, for saucing the ribs. I pull them out of the rack and lay them flat to sauce. Last time I used Blues Hog Original, and MMD. Best ribs ever!

[jfmorris]

Note that when I leave 2 slots of the rack empty, it is the alternating ones in between the slabs of ribs, so that the slabs have more space around them.

[Huskee]

Congrats on the new gear! It will serve you well and you will love it!

[JeffJ]

A couple of weeks ago I fit three ST Louis cut spare ribs on the 26. However I was using the SnS from the 22 so i had a little more grate space than you will have with the XL.

[Dadof3Illinois]

I can get 7 racks on my 26” if you roll them and secure them together using skews. Turn and flip every 1.5-2 hours. I learned this trick from someone here... just can’t remember who it was. Worked like a champ though.

[radshop]

Great sadness throughout the land...
I opened the box and found scrapes in the porcelain enamel on the kettle and the lid. I thought about whether to just live with it. But no, I'm not okay with the condition. So it will go back to Home Depot.

[DWCowles]

Sorry to hear that. I don’t blame you I would have taken it back also.

[bardsleyque]

yeah bummer but for the money and longevity the unit should be sound.

[HouseHomey]

Hey buddy where in OC are you?

Let me know if you need me to hold onto those ribs for you. 😀

[radshop]

Wow, that's mighty GENEROUS of you. I'm in Irvine.

[Danjohnston949]

radshop, Sorry For Your QC Delay❗️ You're Getting a Lot of Good Advice from "PIT CLUB"❗️ I Have a 22 1/2" Weber, S 'n S with the "Drip and Griddle" as Well❗️ I Personally Think the "Drip and Griddle" Helps Considerably Wit Temp Control❗️ I Envy You Your New 26" Kettle❗️
Note: I Invert the Weber Roast Rack for a Rib Rack!
Eat Well and Prosper❗️ From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[radshop]

Well, to close this chapter, I returned the kettle today and cooked the ribs with gas on my Weber Genesis with a couple chunks of peach wood. They're finishing up now

[DWCowles]

You didn’t trade it for another kettle?

[radshop]

Yes, but since they don't stock the 26" I had to order it and now wait for it to arrive at the store in a week or so.

[DWCowles]

That’s a bummer

[Spinaker]

That is a bummer. These things happen. I hope everything works out for the next one.

[radshop]

I'm sure I'll get there eventually. I'm having the next one shipped to the store for pickup so I can inspect it before I take it home rather than tote it back and forth. Hopefully second time's the charm.

[SmokeyGator]

Did you consider returning it for a full refund, then going back 30 minutes later and asking a manager if they had a Webber 26” kettle on scratch and dent sale?

[radshop]

Now THAT'S some real street smarts!