2. Place smoker bowl over coals, and pour in water to halfway up sides. Place the bottom grate over the bowl; open all vents. Brenda Weaver3. Insert top grate; place meat on top. Cover with lid; let heat. Check thermometer: It should read around 250°. Brenda Weaver4. Place four soaked wood chunks onto coals. Add more coals through door as needed to maintain a temperature of 2507°. Brenda Weaver