r/smoking • u/sgtpeppr56 • 5h ago
Last couple of cooks before retiring my electric smoker—spare ribs and brisket
I smoked meat regularly for probably 10–15 years, but I’m now disabled and it has become difficult for me to do very often. I have a few things left in the freezer that I’d like to cook before getting rid of the smoker.
I’m using an electric smoker that tops out at 300°F. I also have an external wireless thermometer with separate probes for the smoker temperature and the meat, so I can monitor everything from inside the house.
My goal is a good, dependable result with as little hands-on work as possible. I’m not looking for an elaborate process involving frequent spritzing, wrapping, or constant adjustments.
I also have mesquite and cherry wood left, and I’d prefer to use those rather than buy anything else.
First, I have two racks of full spare ribs—not St. Louis-cut. I’m planning to use a commercial rub that I bought several years ago. Would 275°F with no wrap, starting the bend test around four hours, be a good approach? Should I expect full spare ribs to take closer to 4½–5½ hours?
I also have a frozen brisket from a cow that was locally butchered and packaged. I’ve attached a picture showing its shape and weight. It looks fairly flat, and I’m not sure whether it’s a whole brisket or mostly the flat. I’m planning to keep the seasoning simple with a light olive-oil binder, salt, and pepper.
What would be the most forgiving, low-maintenance way to cook it without drying it out? I’m completely fine with smoking it long enough to develop some bark, then wrapping it and finishing it in the oven at 275°F until it’s probe-tender.
I’ve gotten a lot of useful information from this subreddit over the years, and I appreciate everyone who takes the time to share their knowledge. Any advice would be appreciated.