Interesting. I suspected the issue you had is one that I would have as well with the warping. I've seen it with other metal assembled stoves. I went with the JetBoil Genisis because I tend to go out with bigger groups. That said, I do love Meat on Open Flame and this is perfect for that. I wonder if they will make a different panel in the future so you can easily add wood fuel without having to remove the top.