Smoker Temperature for Ribs
225–275°F. At 250°F, spare or St. Louis ribs take about 5–6 hours and baby backs about 4–5. Many cooks prefer 275°F for a slightly shorter cook and a firmer bark.
- Range
- 225–275°F
- Spare/St. Louis @250°F
- ≈5–6 h
- Baby back @250°F
- ≈4–5 h
- USDA minimum
- 145°F + 3-min rest
Ribs by pit temperature
| Pit temp | Spare / St. Louis | Baby back |
|---|---|---|
| 225°F | 5.5–6.5 h | 4.5–5.5 h |
| 250°F | 5–6 h | 4–5 h |
| 275°F | 4–5 h | 3–4 h |
Done without a thermometer
- Bend test: lift one end with tongs; the rack sags and the surface cracks.
- Bones show about a quarter inch of pull-back.
- A toothpick slides between the bones with little resistance.
Plan the whole cook
Tell the planner when you want to eat; it works backward to when the fire needs to be lit.
Open the serve-time planner →How long to smoke ribs? — times by weight and pit temperature.
Questions recruits ask
Is 300°F too hot for ribs?
It works with close attention — expect about 3–4 hours for spare ribs, and watch sugary rubs for scorching.
Safe minimum temperatures from the USDA FSIS safe temperature chart. Times and temperatures are editorial guidance; cook to temperature. Major Wood is our fictional pit commander. Last updated 2026-10-07.