What Is It? The Rib Rack
By Steven Raichlen It’s a challenge that frustrates rib fanatics everywhere.
Vertical grills and smokers, like the kettle grill, Weber Smokey Mountain, and Big Green Egg, turn out excellent moist smoky ribs. But a 22-inch diameter grill grate accommodates two, maybe three racks of baby backs. (Even fewer if you’re smoking spareribs or beef long ribs.)
And two racks of ribs do not a party make.
There’s a simple solution: cook the ribs upright in a rib rack. This doubles your grill capacity and the vertical orientation of the ribs offers another advantage: it helps drain off excess fat. (Position the ribs with the wide end facing up.)
When I designed the Best of Barbecue Rib Rack, I made the compartments extra wide (to accommodate beef ribs) and the crossbars extra tall (to support beef ribs and spare). I also added extra crossbars to provide support for short racks, like Danish baby backs.
Think of this simple device as a rib condominium. And don’t think of firing up your grill or smoker without it.
Click here for more information about the rib rack.
And here are a couple of my favorite rib recipes to get you started:First-Timer’s RibsMemphis-Style RibsRaichlen on Regional-Style Ribs!