$$$ · brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, and long smoke cooks
Weber Smokey Mountain 18-Inch Charcoal Smoker
Low-and-slow barbecue where stable heat matters more than speed.
These cuts are approximate equivalents — similar in character but with meaningful differences in preparation or exact cut.
Baby backs are leaner, smaller, and more tender while spare ribs are larger, fattier, and more flavourful — spare ribs require longer cooking but reward with more richness.
These are related cuts, but not perfect swaps. Use the table below to judge how close your local option is before buying.
| Country | Baby back ribs | Spare ribs |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Baby back ribs | Spare ribs |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Back ribs | Spare ribs |
| 🇫🇷France | Côtes de dos | Côtes levées |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Costillas de lomo | Costillas de cerdo |
| 🇦🇷Argentina | Costillas de cerdo | Asado de cerdo |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Costillitas de cerdo | Costillas de cerdo |
| 🇵🇹Portugal | Costeletas do lombo | Entrecosto |
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Costelinha de porco | Costela de porco |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Costine di maiale (back ribs) | Costine di maiale |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Schälrippchen | Spare Ribs |
$$$ · brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, and long smoke cooks
Low-and-slow barbecue where stable heat matters more than speed.
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