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When I went to smoke my first set of ribs, I had used the 3-2-1 method of cooking them. I didn’t know much at the time and the 3-2-1 was a popular method of smoking ribs for beginners. The ribs turned out great, but they cooked so much faster than the 6 hours I had expected them too and I didn’t get to leave them on the smoker uncovered for that last hour.
For my next set of ribs, I decided to try the 2-2-1 method; however, this time it wasn’t enough time. I was so confused to say the least. 3-2-1 or 2-2-1, which one do you use? do they even work?
Over the past few years smoking many ribs and researching, I finally understand what I was doing wrong, and the answer is simple! In this article we will go over when you should use the 3-2-1 method of smoking ribs and when to use the 2-2-1 method of smoking ribs?
What Is The 3-2-1 Method For Smoking Ribs?
Ok, for those of you unfamiliar with these two types of cooking methods for ribs, lets break them down. So, what exactly is the 3-2-1 method of smoking ribs?
Well as the name implies, the 3-2-1 method for smoking ribs looks like this:
- 3 hours in your smoker unwrapped.
- 2 hours in your smoker with your ribs wrapped in aluminum foil or butcher paper.
- 1 hour on your smoker left unwrapped on the smoker sauced up.
These steps are to be followed in order hence the name 3-2-1. This is a simple way to get fall off the bone ribs!
What Is The 2-2-1 Method For Smoking Ribs?
I’m sure you know where this is going, but the 2-2-1 method, as the name implies, looks like this:
- 2 hours in your smoker unwrapped.
- 2 hours in your smoker with your ribs wrapped in aluminum foil or butcher paper.
- 1 hour on your smoker left unwrapped on the smoker sauced up.
But they are so similar, how do you choose one?
3-2-1 vs 2-2-1: Which Method Is Better For Smoking Ribs?
The 3-2-1 method and the 2-2-1 method are both great methods for smoking ribs, but which one you use comes down to the type of rib you are using. Yes, it’s that simple!
If you are smoking spareribs or St Louis style cut ribs, you should smoke them using the 3-2-1 method. The 2-2-1 method of smoking ribs is used when smoking baby back ribs. Baby back ribs have less meat and fat on them and will take less time to smoke than spareribs and St Louis style ribs.
What Temperature Should 3-2-1 Ribs Be?
When smoking ribs using the 3-2-1 method or the 2-2-1 method, you should have your smoker set to 225° Fahrenheit. You can certainly have your smoker set higher, but just know that your ribs will cook much faster and you will probably have to adjust 3-2-1 method.
My first ribs cooked much faster than I expected because I smoked them at 275° Fahrenheit. While this is still a good temperature to smoke ribs at, the higher temperature caused my ribs to be done in 5 hours. I had to skip the last part of the 3-2-1 method.
If you are smoking at a temperature higher than 225° Fahrenheit, make sure you adjust your time frame.
Can I Smoke Ribs Without Wrapping Them?
You can also choose not to wrap your ribs. If you go to a BBQ competition, you will not find many, or any, pitmasters wrapping their ribs. No wrap ribs are very popular as they give you a little more hold and have a better bark.
However, If you want your ribs fall off the bone off the bone tender, I would recommend wrapping your ribs in aluminum foil or butcher paper. Check out my recent article, to help you determine if you should wrap your ribs!
Is 3-2-1 Too Long For Baby Back Ribs?
Yes, the 3-2-1 method of smoking ribs is too long for baby back ribs. Baby back ribs are much smaller and have less meat than your spareribs or St Louis style ribs. As a result, they require less time for them to cook. For baby back ribs, you should stick to the 2-2-1 method or the no wrap method.
I have also seen a lot of people use the 3-1-1 method for smoking ribs. One of the biggest complaints of the 2-2-1 method is too much time wrapped can cause mushy ribs. The 3-1-1 method cuts down the time spent wrapped, giving the ribs more hold. It also gives the ribs more time to take on smoke and develop a tasty bark.
Are 3-2-1 Ribs Fall Off The Bone?
Yes, the 3-2-1 and 2-2-1 methods of smoking ribs will give you the fall off the bone tenderness you are looking for. This is a result of wrapping your ribs. When you wrap your ribs, you are trapping the heat and moisture, essentially steaming your ribs. This allows the fat and connective tissue to break down giving you fall of the bone tenderness.
It is important that when using these methods, to only use them as a guideline. Every meat is going to cook different, so it is always a good practice to smoke to feel not time. I always recommend using a Bluetooth thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 200-205° Fahrenheit before pulling your ribs off the smoker.
Additionally, you can use the toothpick test or the bend test to ensure tenderness. The number one reason your ribs turn out dry and tough, is from undercooking them. The 3-2-1 and the 2-2-1 methods of smoking ribs will get you the tenderness you want, but never cook to time alone.
