Benefits to using rib rack?

claybrn

I'm getting ready for a big rib cook tomorrow for the 4th (luckily I have a covered porch to keep me and the egg dry).  I've always used a rib rack and cooked my baby backs vertically until they are ready to sauce and finish.  I'm curious, though, is there any benefit to cooking them vertically in the rack vs cooking them flat on the grate?

Chubbs

I guess without a rig of some sort, you can fit more racks vertically than horizontally. Aside from that, I would imagine more even cooking laying flat. That is just me, and wait for @Nola or someone like that for the science behind it. )

lousubcap

Don't think it makes any difference other than the volume you can get on one cooking level.  YMMV-

boatbum

I agree with Chubbs, only time I use a rib rack is when I am trying to fit more on.

TexanOfTheNorth

boatbum said:

I agree with Chubbs, only time I use a rib rack is when I am trying to fit more on.

+1

boatbum

Texan, I am thinking if your feeding your girlfriends in the pic you posted -you need more than a rib rack...

claybrn

Thanks for the input!  I'm only cooking three racks on my XL, so space shouldn't be an issue.  If I cook them laying flat, should i use a raised grid to provide more space between the meat, the grid, and the platesetter?

EggHeadinFlorida

Here's 3 racks of ribs.