How do I cook ribs using a smoker?

Im buying a smoker later this week - a barrel style charcoal smoker with the firebox on the side. I also have a regular gas grill.



I've NEVER used a smoker before. From what I've read, i am to fill the bottom of the firebox with charcoal, cover the charcoal with water soaked woodchips, and put a bowl/pot of water on the grate for moisture. Im not sure how to put the ribs in the main chamber though. Wrapped in foil? directly on the rack? On a pan?



Also, what happens after the smoking? Put them on the top shelf in my gas grill and sauce them? or can i use the main chamber of the smoker as a charcoal grill?



Any/all tips on anything regarding the subject would be much appreciated!How do I cook ribs using a smoker?
While your learning you may want to buy a meat thermometer. Let your meat reach 175 or so internal temperature before eating. This is a slow process so be patient. You don't need to cover the meat , you want the smoke flavor to penetrate the food. Soak your wood for hours before using and don't 'douse out your fire'; with wood that is 'dripping wet'. Keep your meat as far away from the fire as you are able too. Read up on your smoker, it should have come with a book. It will have a lot of tips.How do I cook ribs using a smoker?
You would put your ribs on the rack. As you probably know, smoking is at a lot lower temperature than grilling, so it will probably take all day to smoke your ribs. You could wait until the last hour or 90 minutes to add your sauce or serve your sauce on the side as they do in Texas.