Metal Taste in Ribs

I'm sure it wasn't the wood you used and I am assuming you seasoned the cooker first. Have to admit I don't know what would cause the metal taste. Someone will come along that will have an idea or an answer.

Welcome!

Haven't heard it described like that, but 5 to 6 ounces for a first cook of ribs is too much. You won't pick up any metal taste from the smoker or racks.

Try and do some with less wood. Keep in mind, the wood isn't for heat, it's for flavor, so it takes a lot less.

A 2nd issue could be the ribs themselves. We the "enhanced" ribs (the package would say % solution added) That usually gets a hammy taste comment, but both of them could create a issue with taste that just might be hard to describe.

Thanks for the feedback. As soon as I tatsed the ribs I felt that the wood produced a bitter like quality.

way too much wood

OK, was the taste bitter or metallic?
Yep, you used too much wood and that will cause a bitter taste.
Using iodized salt in rubs can cause a metallic taste!

I agree with my neighbor. Way too much smoke and possibly iodized salt. I have never experienced a metal taste with salt but read about it in many recipes. Use sea salt or Kosher salt in your rubs.

My first rib smoke was bitter & I was really disappointed. Yep! I used 4-6 oz of wood. Cut back to about 2-3 oz and have not had bitter ribs since.

Things like this is why it's so important to keep good notes. Buy yourself a journal or notebook strictly for smoking. Good and wise investment!

Hello NoSauce, Nobody has asked you yet...were the ribs the FIRST thing you smoked in your new toy? Did you season the smoker first, for a long time?

I could conceive of there being manufacturing oil residue that needs to be washed off/burned off, without food in there, followed up with a fatty pork butt for your first food attempt so as to splash a bit of pork fat around the inside.

And THEN try ribs, etc. Just a thought.

Disappointing, I bet...you were probably looking to replace "Carson's" ribs, and you got heavy metal! Me, born/raised on 'da sout' side a 'Chick ah ga.' Good food city, for sure!!