After reading replies here and doing some research I was sure I wasn't buying mix it yourself which is considered hot mud. in looking at what comes premixed I went with the most popular lightweight compound from USG. The one thing I can say is that bucket ain't light weight!
The are two main types of pre-mixed drywall compound, each has a different purpose. Talking specifically about USG products, the "All Purpose" compound is intended for bedding the tape in the joint, i.e. it is used first to prefill all of the joints (and let dry) and then to bed the tape in the joint. This mud dries harder than the "Plus 3" or lightweight compound, so it's
not ideal for use on your 2nd and 3rd coats, or for coating nail/screw heads. After the tape is installed, then you use Plus 3 on the next 2 coats, or however many coats you need to get the finish you are looking for.
As I learned from research and experience, even pre-mixed mud in a bucket needs to be mixed before use. I also typically thin the mud by adding some water before mixing. It helps with spreading -- just don't over water.
When I mix the Plus 3 - here is what I have found provides good consistency and smooth finish. Add 2-1/8 cups of water to a 5 gallon bucket and mix. Another tip I learned from watching pro videos and reading forum threads, is to add a squirt of dishwashing liquid to the bucket along with the water before mixing. This does two things: 1). provides smoother finish when troweling with the drywall knife, and 2). in my area, where it is really humid, it acts as an anti-mold agent and keeps the mud from going bad if it sits for a few weeks between uses. I've actually been able to go up to 6 months.
I only ever buy (1) plastic bucket. After that, I just buy the box, and put the contents in the bucket. Saves a few bucks.
I'm not a pro, and it takes me longer to tape and float than a pro, but I've gotten good enough that my walls are actually smooth - no texture. I've attached a few pictures from my most recent remodel in a bedroom. One picture shows a wall in progress, the other two show walls after they have been primed with Sherwin William PVA Drywall Primer, which in my experience, is THE BEST primer to use. The quality of primer makes a huge difference in the finish coat of paint -- which BTW still requires two coats.
Lastly... if you want to learn how to DIY drywall, I recommend watching
The Vancouver Carpenter on YT.