I use a basic battery operated portable thermometer...Basically it has a probe that goes into the meat and the other end plugs into the base of the thermometer base, then the base sits there and you can carry thermometer with you if needed...I believe mine works a couple hundred yards from the smoker. The one i have has different meat selection. basically you set it on what meat you have, how you like it cooked and what temp (medium, well etc) and then you just go from there. I purchased at Walmart for around $30, you can also purchase your chips from there or any like store. I have found best results for pork and such is to cook for about 4 hours then I like to wrap in foil and cook another 3-4 depending on the meat, when it comes to smoking everyone has a system they like, you will just need to play around and figure out what works best for you.