Well just lit the smoker up and put the ribs,baked potatoes and threw in some beef sausages in case my son comes over for supper.This is my second time using this smoker,and I got to say I love it.the first time I used it I went on you-tube to see how to use it and found lots of how to's ,and lots of other good info. for any one like myself who has not used a smoker before.If any one out there is thinking of getting a smoker I would recommend the camp chef propane unit.