What is the ideal temperature range for smoking ribs?

The ideal temperature range for smoking ribs is 200-250°F. This temperature range allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly while developing a deep flavor and tender texture. At this moderate temperature, the collagen in the ribs breaks down effectively, resulting in tender, juicy meat that easily pulls away from the bone.

Smoking at lower temperatures, such as 150-200°F, can prolong the cooking time significantly and may lead to texture issues, while higher temperatures, like 250-300°F or 300-350°F, risk drying out the meat or causing it to cook too quickly, which can prevent the desired tenderness that comes from low and slow cooking. Therefore, the 200-250°F range strikes the right balance between flavor development and tenderness, making it the preferred choice for smoking ribs.