Cook time differences?

[mstruth]

Should I expect the needed cook time to differ significantly for one rack vs. the other? (I’ll bend-test each rack.)

Baby-Backs: One rack = 3.45 lbs., the other 2.38 lbs.

[Huskee]

I'm going to wager yes, I could be wrong though. But I would suggest an hour, hour &half longer on the big one.

[mountainsmoker]

It really depends on how thick they are. If they are the same thickness then they should cook in about the same time. If the bigger one is a 1/2 inch thicker it could take 3/4 to an hour longer. Use the bend test to check when done. You can wrap the little one in butcher paper and a couple of clean towels and it will stay nice and hot.

[fuzzydaddy]

Looking at my cook notes, running 225-235 I've seen 1.5 to 2 hours more for 3.5 lb racks vs 2.5 lb racks and sometimes the big racks don't crack as well using the bend test, so for big racks I also check with a toothpick for tenderness.

[Steve R.]

I've had this happen a time or two. I would use the 3-2-1 method, and just wrap the big one a little earlier and unwrap it last. It has always worked out fine for me this way.

[Ahumadora]

Depending on what cooker you have place the thick one near the heat source.

[SmokingSteve]

I did BB for the 1st time. It was on my vertical gas smoker. One was 3.5 lbs and the other was about 2.7 lbs. I put the big one on the top rack (out of 4) and the smaller one on the next to top rack. The top one took a good 45 minutes longer than the little one. I foiled the little one and let it rest while the bigger one finished. I had about a 25 degree difference between the 2 racks.

I think with your greater size difference you will need to either start the bigger one earlier, or let it go longer while putting the smaller one in to a cambro. I did put a probe in the bigger one because the thick end was almost an inch thicker.

[Greygoose]

All cuts of meat are the same,,,,but different
cook times can vary from what I have experienced
not drastically but I have had some racks that take a bit longer to finish than others
wrap them and grab a beer,,,,,enjoy the Pit Boss treats and call the family

[mstruth]

Thanks to all for your input! The larger rack (right in the pic) took an extra hour (started it an hour earlier). It was about 1/4 "thicker than the other rack " more than that in some locations. The thicker rack took 5.5 hrs. I then wet sauced, killed the heat and let it rest 30 minutes in declining heat. It was wonderful – super moist. Going forward, I think I’ll seek out thicker racks. Thanks again.

[ofelles]

Glad it worked out for you. Looks Delicious!

[Spinaker]

Looks great! Glad it all worked out!