Part of it depends on where your probe port is situated relative to where your coals are and where your grate sits. I don't have a smoker - I use a 22" kettle. My port is located between where the grill grate sits and the bowl lip. If your port is located below where the grill grate sits (i.e. closer to the coals), it'd likely be easier to run those probes through the port first and then get your coals going, grate set, etc. Because of where my port is located, I've had good success at running the grill temp probe through and onto the grate immediately after I get my coals lit and grate set - this allows me, as Walchit noted, to monitor my grill temp before I place the meat on the grate for the cook. Hope this helps!