22" + Hovergrill Capacity - Beef Ribs + Pork Butt(s)

[bobbyr]

Hi there,

I've been planning a BBQ for this coming Saturday and more people than expected are coming - around 25.

I'd like to do beef short ribs but I don't think I can fit enough for that many people on....so I was thinking a pork shoulder or two plus a bunch of ribs.

I've got the Hovergrill and the Smokenator for the 22.5" weber.

I've never done short ribs so my questions are:

1) how many ribs can I fit on with this configuration?
2) If I put the butts on top, how many ribs can I fit on just the bottom?
3) If anyone has a better idea on how to feed this many people with this configuration please let me know!

Thanks!
Bobby

[1luckytexan]

pork butt will take MUCH longer than ribs. You might be able to 'cycle' ribs thru the pit twice or 3 times. Much depends on the weight of the butt, physical size of the ribs and you tolerance to stay on top of things and the 'hassle' of multiple handling of the parts and meat.

The hovergrill is kinda low but, if you can find a way to Q the ribs vertically, you're way ahead of the problem. There are racks that do that - even some turkey-baking racks flipped upside down might work.

some very rough 'rules-of-thumb' ; you can lose 30% of the weight of butts to fat. (1.5 or 2+ lbs for most butts) and, figure about 1/4lb of cooked meat per person for a 'mixed' crowd (more if all 25 of your friends are firefighters, less if it's a ladies exercise class of course)

so, 25 people is approx 6-7 lbs of cooked meat.

might be easier to sneak some sausages/hot links around 1 large or 2 small butts for variety. Even hotdogs taste good after 45-60 minutes in a smoker.

I'm sure others will have some ideas.