How Long to Smoke a 4 lb Pork Spare Ribs at 225°F
Smoke a 4 lb pork spare ribs for about 6h at 225°F, then rest 15 minutes. Pull at 200°F internal.
Last updated 2026-05-19 · By SmokerCookTime editorial team
Quick answer
A 4 lb pork spare ribs smoked at 225°F takes about 6h in the smoker, plus a 15-minute rest. Pull at 200°F internal temperature. Wrap in butcher paper at 170°F internal.
At a glance
- Smoker temp: 225°F
- Cook time: 6h (90 min per lb)
- Internal target: 200°F
- Wrap at: 170°F internal
- Rest: 15 minutes minimum
- Total time: 6h 15m
Cook time at a glance
| Smoker temp | Approx cook time | Total with rest |
|---|---|---|
| 225°F | 6h | 6h 15m |
| 250°F | 5h 24m | 5h 39m |
| 275°F | 4h 55m | 5h 10m |
Internal temperature target
Pull the pork spare ribs when the thickest part hits 200°F on a probe thermometer. Wrap at 170°F internal in butcher paper or foil.
Technique note
Trim to St. Louis style for even cooking. Use 3-2-1 only as a guideline; check bend at hour 5.
Recommended pitmaster books
Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto (Spiral Bound)
The bible of central Texas brisket. Aaron Franklin's full method — fire management, salt-and-pepper rub, the wrap, slicing. Spiral-bound so it stays flat at the smoker.
Franklin Smoke: Wood, Fire, Food (Spiral Bound)
Franklin's wood-pairing reference plus 70+ recipes beyond brisket. The best book for understanding how different woods change the cook.
Smokin' with Myron Mixon (Spiral Bound)
Competition recipes from a four-time world BBQ champion. Brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, chicken — Mixon's exact rubs and injections. Spiral-bound and grease-resistant.
Yellowstone: The Official Dutton Ranch Family Cookbook (Spiral Bound)
Chuckwagon-style cooking inspired by the Yellowstone ranch — smoked meats, cast-iron classics, outdoor cooking. The crowd-pleaser of the four.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to smoke a 4 lb Pork Spare Ribs at 225°F?
About 6h of smoke time, plus a 15-minute rest. Total 6h 15m. Cooking time is an estimate — pull at 200°F internal.
What internal temperature should a Pork Spare Ribs reach?
Pull at 200°F internal temperature. Use a probe thermometer; do not rely on time alone.
Should I wrap a Pork Spare Ribs during the smoke?
Yes — wrap at 170°F internal in butcher paper or foil to push through the stall.
How long should a Pork Spare Ribs rest after smoking?
Rest for at least 15 minutes — this is non-negotiable for redistributing juices and finishing carryover cooking.