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what temp do you smoke ribs

Most people smoke ribs in the 225–275°F (about 107–135°C) range, then cook until the internal temp is roughly 195–205°F for tender, juicy meat that still holds to the bone.

Quick Scoop: Ideal Rib Smoking Temps

  • A very common “low and slow” zone is 225–250°F in the smoker, which gives plenty of time for smoke flavor and gentle fat/collagen breakdown.
  • Many pitmasters like a slightly hotter pit around 250–275°F , which still keeps things moist but gets you done a bit faster.
  • No matter which smoker temp you pick, the key finish point is internal temp around 195–205°F in the thickest parts of the ribs for that soft, bite-through texture.

Think of it like this: pick a steady pit temp in the 225–275°F window that your smoker holds comfortably, then cook until the ribs feel tender and hit that ~200°F internal zone rather than chasing an exact clock time.

Many forum cooks say they “let the fire decide” between 225 and 275°F, then rely on bend tests, toothpick tests, and internal temp instead of watching the clock.

Typical Methods You’ll See

  1. Classic low-and-slow
    • Pit temp: 225–250°F.
 * Often uses 3-2-1 or 2-2-1 style wrapping schedules (unwrapped, then wrapped, then unwrapped to set bark).
  1. Hotter “backyard” style
    • Pit temp: closer to 250–275°F.
 * Cook time usually 3–5+ hours depending on rib type, thickness, and whether you wrap.
  1. Internal finish check
    • Target internal: 195–205°F, checked in the thickest meat between the bones.
 * Plus the “bend test”: slab bends easily and surface just starts to crack when you lift with tongs.

Simple Example Plan

  • Run your smoker at about 250°F with steady clean smoke.
  • Smoke the ribs 3–4 hours, wrapping in foil partway if you like a softer result.
  • Start probing around the 3-hour mark and pull when they’re around 200°F internal and bend nicely without breaking apart.

TL;DR: For “what temp do you smoke ribs,” a safe, popular answer is: smoke at 225–275°F, aim for ~200°F internal, and let tenderness (bend/toothpick test) be your final judge.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.