offset smoker questions and help

[big a]

Hey everyone, Still pretty new to smoking and I had a couple questions about the offset smoker i have been using. First off as i mentioned i have an offset reverse flow smoker. I built a charcoal basket within the fire box for the coals to go in. I tried the minion method this weekend of filling the basket with unlit coals than put the hot coals on top.

My questions is, what have you guys found the best way to add coals? Do you use chimney and add only lit coals? Or do you rake the hot coals in the box to one side than apply unlit coals to the now empty side?

Another question, i found that the unlit coals gave off quite a bit of smoke as they were lighting throughout the cook. Is this smoke something could have a negative affect on the flavor? I have been sure to use straight coals that do not have any fire starters added.