Please forgive me if these questions have been posted here before.
My wife gave me a horizontal smoker for my birthday and before using
it for the first time was wondering if there is anything special
should be done? Also, when should the product be placed on the
grates? Should I wait until all the briquettes have turned white?
And finally, when should any wood such as hickory be added for flavor?
I do understand there will be a lot of trial and error but at least if
some of you would get me started out correctly I'll be ahead of the
game.

Thanks to all for helping out.
__________________________________________________ ____________________

SteveM