Amount of wood burned

I'd guess that the wood at the front of the firebox burned to ash and the other chunks were further back? It seems the heating element is hottest at the loop in front. Also, the element might be closer to the underside of the firebox up front. At 215* and an empty smoker the element wouldn't have to be on as much to maintain the temp, when you toss your ribs in and go for 225* for 5+ hrs. you'll see a difference. HTH.

Jon - Agree with GratefulB, no concerns.

Go easy on the wood with this first smoke. My first batch of ribs was the only bitter BBQ I have ever had from my ST.

Personally I would rather see you start out smoking a butt as a fatty piece of meat seems to set the seasoning of your ST. JMHO.

Good luck!

Thanks Guys-

Wheelz, I think I'll tak your advice and start with the butt. I want to get things set up just right. The only problem might be my timing. I'll have to head up to BJ's tonight and pick up the ribs and butt. Rub the ribs and put them back in the fridge for smokin on friday night or saturday, rub the butt but put it in the smoker right away so I can put it in tonight for completion tomorrow when I get home from work. The rub won't have a chance to penetrate, so if the flavor is a litttle dull, I'll just add a little someting extra to it after I pull, either in my vinegar sauce or just directly to it. These are good problems to have!

The ribs I'll either have to do after I take out the butt or on saturday morning. I'll let you know how it all turns out.

Sounds like a plan Hack! I usually start my butts 9:00 - 10:00 PM with the smoker set on 180˚ and crank it up to 225˚ early in the AM.

Don't forget to line the bottom of the smoker and the top of the wood box with foil. Poke a hole in the bottom liner and put your drip pan under it.

Best of luck to you!

Ay John glad Im not the only one around here that smokes.About the wood ,thats happened to me with my smokette.Dont worry try and try again.Then see what happens.Bjs has a great 2pk of boston butt and I call in the morning too get them to hold it for me .Goodluck and have fun. Ray

OK

8 pounder in at 9:30 pm. I've smoked maybe 3 dozen butts in my water smoker but this is my virgin attempt on the new smoker. It's like a first date with a hunk of pork. I'm pretty excited abd can hardly wait until the morning when I check the temp. If all goes according to plan, I'll be pulling sometime tomorrow afteroon. Then, as soon as that butt comes out, three racks of ribs are ready to move right on in. Life is good!

lucky

how did your pork butt come out. i want to do one tonight my self but am not sure how long it will take. my first set of bback ribs came out black with about 2.0 ounces of wood. h ope the butt is better. let me know please i need some pointers