How Long To Smoke Baby Back Ribs At 250

Out of all the ribs, none compares to baby back ribs. There is just something about smoking baby back ribs that is simply irresistible. 

However, if you get the time and temperature wrong, you will have dry, chewy baby back ribs. No one likes dry, tough ribs. That’s why you should smoke baby back ribs at 250°F for 4 hours, so you end up with tender, juicy ribs.

What Are Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs are the most common type of ribs. They are carved from the lower portion of the pork loin. 

Baby back ribs are not fabricated from baby pigs. They are smaller than other ribs, such as spareribs. For this reason, they are called baby back ribs. 

Specifically, baby back ribs are about 6 inches on the longest side and 3 inches on the shortest end.

Baby back ribs are also the most tender ribs hence why they are so popular. 

Is 250 Too Hot To Smoke Baby Back Ribs

Many BBQ experts argue about which temperature to smoke baby back ribs. If the smoker’s temperature is too high, the ribs will overcook. However, the meat will be tough and undercooked if the smoker’s temperature is too low. 

Some people believe 250°F is too hot to smoke baby ribs. 

However, as long as you smoke the baby back ribs between 225°F and 250°F, the ribs will be moist and juicy. Furthermore, since the ribs will be cooked at 250°F, they will be tender and cook much faster. 

What To Look For When Buying Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs should have a pink color. They should also have a fair bit of marbling. 

Marbling is very important. The marbling will melt as the baby back ribs cook in the smoker. 

Choose ribs with white fat. The ribs should not have yellow fat. 

What’s The Best Wood For Smoking Baby Back Ribs

Fruit woods are the best woods for smoking baby back ribs. They give the ribs a slightly sweet yet smoky flavor that does not overpower the meat’s delicate flavor. 

Apple and cherry woods are the most popular for smoking baby back ribs. However, you can also smoke baby back ribs with pecan wood. 

Do not smoke baby back ribs with concentrated woods like oak or mesquite. Remember, baby back ribs have a delicate flavor.

These woods are better for meatier ribs, such as spareribs. Their robust flavor will overpower the baby back rib’s mild taste. 

What Temperature Should Baby Back Ribs Be Smoked To

Smoke baby back ribs until they have a temperature between 190°F and 200°F. This is the recommended safe temperature for baby back ribs. 

If the internal temperature of the ribs falls below this temperature, they are undercooked and unsafe to eat. Undercooked ribs can lead to food poisoning, so cook the ribs to the recommended temperature. 

Using a thermometer, you can ensure the ribs have the correct internal temperature. Simply insert the thermometer’s probe into the thickest part of the ribs. 

Make sure it does not touch the bone, or you will get an inaccurate reading. When the ribs have a temperature between 190°F and 200°F, remove the racks from the smoker. 

How Long To Smoke Baby Back Ribs At 250

The smoking time of baby back ribs depends on a few factors. However, the main determinant of smoking time is the size of the ribs. 

A smaller rack will cook faster than a bigger rack. A larger rack will take longer to cook than a smaller rack of ribs. 

The degree of tenderness you want the ribs to have can also impact the cooking time. If you desire fall-off-the-bone ribs, you will have to smoke the ribs longer. 

Typically, it takes 4 hours to smoke baby back ribs at 250°F.

How Long To Cook Baby Back Ribs At 250 On A Pellet Grill

Everybody does not own a smoker. Luckily you can easily smoke baby back ribs on your pellet grills. 

Compared to other types of grills, like gas grills, pellet grills can take longer to cook baby back ribs. As I mentioned above, the exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the ribs, whether they contain a bone, and the fat content. 

Generally, it takes about 4 1/2 hours to smoke ribs at 250°F on a pellet grill.  

How Long To Smoke Baby Back Ribs At 250 Without Foil

Some people wrap ribs in foil to help them cook faster. The foil also traps moisture in the meat. 

However, wrapping baby back ribs in foil softens the bark. For this reason, some people prefer to smoke the ribs without wrapping them in foil. 

On average, it takes about 4-5 hours to smoke baby back ribs at 250°F without foil. Check the rib’s internal temperature after 2-3 hours to ensure they do not overcook. 

How Long To Smoke Baby Back Ribs At 250 In An Electric Smoker

Electric smokers are known for maintaining consistent temperatures. They are also built to smoke meats at lower temperatures, so do not be surprised if the baby back ribs take a little longer to cook.  

It takes about 3-4 hours to smoke ribs at 250°F in an electric smoker. The ribs may take more or less time to cook, depending on their density. So, monitor their internal temperature. 

How Long To Smoke Baby Back Ribs At 250 In A Gas Smoker

Gas smokers cook food faster than electric smokers. You may be able to shave as much as 30 minutes off the cooking time, depending on the density of the baby’s back ribs. 

Generally, it takes 2 1/2-3 1/2 hours to smoke baby back ribs in a gas smoker. However, monitor the internal temperature and not the time to ensure the ribs don’t overcook. 

Final Thoughts

Baby back ribs are tasty and delicious, especially when they are smoked at the right temperature for the right time.

Smoke your baby back ribs at 250°F for 3-4 hours, and you will have a crowd-pleasing rack of ribs. 

William Thomas

I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.