how often do you add charcoal to a smoker, when cooking spare ribs?

Answer 1

I'm assuming you're cooking the ribs with indirect heat (as in bbq'ing, not grilling) so add enough to keep the smoker between 200F to 250F.

It depends upon your smoker, how efficient it is at keeping the temperature. I have a cheap smoker with an offset fire box. I add a half load (about 20 briquettes) every hour, approximately.

With a Weber Smokey Mountain, you probably need to add a a lot fewer (5 to 10 briquettes) every 2 hours.

Answer 2

Only once !!! At the initial Firing.....otherwise everything Tastes like Coal. Just make sure that the Coal's nice and hot and white......