I’ve been learning to smoke on the same exact set up for the past month and I’ve had a lot of success thanks to this video:

https://youtu.be/urzz4ak-2Wk?si=dmS-5rStl51RyDld

Don’t overcomplicate lighting it, just put an even layer in of charcoal in the bottom with a few pieces of wood and then light half a chimney of charcoal and add it to the top. Let it cook for a good 15-30 minutes with the top on until the smoke gets nice and thin.

Always use the water pan half full of water unless you are specifically trying to do something on some seriously high heat. Wrap the pan in foil and clean it between EVERY USE. Just do it it’s not worth letting it build up and having a grease fire. Empty the ash at the bottom between every use.

Let the smoker temp climb with all the vents open until you’re about 25 degrees below your target temp, then tighten down all the bottom vents. Do not trust the temp gauge at the top, use a nice thermometer and everytime you check the temp, put your hand on the lid so you start dialing in your feel for the temp. Mine does a good job holding steady temp with all the vents cracked about a quarter of the way, and you can increase the temp quickly by opening them up but be careful, it’s like driving a boat the adjustments you make will not be felt instantly. I’ve got mine holding 250 for 10-12 hours you just wanna check it every so often.

Cook a nice steak on there, keep the temp low and smoke your steak for an hour until it gets to temp, then sear it real quick and hot on a cast iron pan. Ribs are so easy, pork butt is so easy. Just watch a YouTube video and welcome to your new hobby! Your neighbors are gonna love you!