Ironwood 885 Cooking on Shelf or Lower Rack

[Torstenlaw]

Simply put what's the difference in cook if I use the upper shelf or lower shelf. Currently I have only used the lower shelf, but I have a pork shoulder and brisket to do starting Friday and didn't want to screw up.

 

[JPSBBQ]

couple things

if you utilize the upper shelf you can put a foil pan under the protein for extremely easy cleanup.

upper shelf moves the protein further away from the heat source.

you do need to be aware the heat does roll off the top of the barrel as well and sometimes this area can be hotter. I find this is most significant on higher temp cooks however. You can use this phenomenon to crisp up chicken skin for instance.

not a huge deal either way. I just like using the upper rack when possible fits my cooking style better. Experiment and see what you prefer

 

[Torstenlaw]

couple things

if you utilize the upper shelf you can put a foil pan under the protein for extremely easy cleanup.

upper shelf moves the protein further away from the heat source.

you do need to be aware the heat does roll off the top of the barrel as well and sometimes this area can be hotter. I find this is most significant on higher temp cooks however. You can use this phenomenon to crisp up chicken skin for instance.

not a huge deal either way. I just like using the upper rack when possible fits my cooking style better. Experiment and see what you prefer

Thanks. Great info, exactly the things I was wondering.

 

[RayClem]

I have the 885 and do what @JPSBBQ suggests. I purchased a baking sheet to place on the bottom rack. I line it with aluminum foil to catch the drippings. You can also use aluminum steam table pans for this purpose. This works well if you want to put water in the pans to keep more humidity during the cook.

I then cook on the top shelf. I have a temperature probe at the top rack level and find that on my Ironwood, it agrees well with the controller thermocouple. I also added an analog grill thermometer though the lid. I placed it so the end of the probe is just above the top rack. All three thermometers agree within a few degrees.