BBQ ribs are the perfect meal for a family cookout or a weekend BBQ with friends.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to cook BBQ ribs in a barrel smoker to achieve a smooth smoky flavor, juicy texture, and delicious results—just like a pro.
With a vertical barrel smoker, ribs come out tender, flavorful, and perfectly smoked, with a caramelized outer layer while staying juicy on the inside thanks to slow cooking and controlled smoke.
🛠️ Ingredients
To make perfect BBQ ribs in your barrel smoker, you’ll need the following ingredients and accessories:
Ingredients
- Pork ribs (baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs)
- Homemade BBQ sauce (or your favorite brand)
- Dry rub spices: coarse salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, mustard powder
- Hickory wood or applewood (for a smooth, slightly sweet smoke flavor)
Recommended Affiliate Products
- Rib hanging hooks (improves airflow and helps cook ribs evenly)
- Hickory wood chunks/chips (perfect for bold and long-lasting smoke flavor)
🔥 Steps to Make Perfect Smoked BBQ Ribs
🔥Step 1 – Prep the Ribs
Before you start, make sure your ribs are properly cleaned and seasoned:
- Remove the membrane from the back side of the ribs (the thin silver layer).
- Season the ribs with coarse salt, black pepper, and your favorite spices (garlic powder, paprika, cumin, etc.).
- Let the ribs rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature so the seasoning absorbs.
🔥 Step 2 – Prepare the Smoker
- Preheat your barrel smoker to 230–265°F (110–130°C) (ideal for ribs).
- Add hickory or applewood. These woods give ribs a perfect balance of smoky flavor and mild sweetness.
- If using wood chips, place them in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil with holes.
- If using wood chunks, place them directly on the hot coals so they start producing smoke.
🔥Step 3 – Hang the Ribs Inside the Barrel
- Hang the ribs using hooks, or place them on the top rack if you prefer not to hang them.
- Leave enough space between each rack so smoke can circulate properly.
Keep the smoker closed as much as possible. Every time you open the lid, heat and smoke escape, which slows down the cooking process.
🔥Step 4 – Control Temperature and Smoke
- Keep the smoker temperature steady between 230–265°F (110–130°C) for slow and even cooking.
- Add more wood if needed to maintain consistent smoke.
- The smoke should be thin and light blue—thick smoke can make ribs taste bitter.
🔥Step 5 – Slow Smoke the Ribs
⏱️ Cooking time: Ribs usually take 3 to 4 hours in a barrel smoker.
If you want extra tenderness and deeper smoke flavor, you can smoke them up to 5 hours.
🍯 BBQ sauce glaze: During the last 30 minutes, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce to caramelize the surface and create a glossy, flavorful finish.
🔥Extra Tip – Keep Moisture Inside the Smoker
Slow smoking can dry out ribs if the barrel becomes too dry.
Place a tray of water, beer, or apple juice at the bottom of the smoker to keep humidity inside.
You can also spray the ribs every hour with vinegar or juice to keep them juicy.
🍽️ Enjoy Your BBQ Ribs
Once the ribs are done, let them rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ribs even more tender and flavorful.
Now you have everything you need to make perfect BBQ ribs in your barrel smoker. With the right wood, controlled temperature, and a great BBQ sauce glaze, the results will be amazing.
🛒 Recommended Products for This Recipe
| Product | Description | Link |
| Rib Hanging Hooks | Helps cook ribs evenly by hanging them inside the smoker | See here |
| Hickory Wood | Strong and long-lasting smoky flavor | See here |
| Premium BBQ Sauce | Perfect for adding a sweet and slightly spicy glaze | Get it at your preferred store |
| Digital Meat Thermometer | Ensures the perfect internal cooking temperature | See here |