Choose the meat
Trim excess fat if needed
Season with salt, rub, or marinade
Preheat the smoker to the target temperature
Add wood chips, chunks, or pellets
Place a water pan in the smoker if desired
Put the meat on the smoker grate
Insert a meat probe if available
Close the lid and maintain steady temperature
Add more fuel or wood as needed
Monitor internal meat temperature
Wrap the meat if desired during cooking
Cook until the meat reaches the target internal temperature
Remove the meat from the smoker
Rest the meat before slicing or serving
Slice or pull the meat as appropriate