Well here she is, after the three break in fires I loaded maybe a 3/4 load of wood and let her have it, top down style. I'm too nervous to pack it in but I am sure that will come. I just read the other thread out there on the Madison and so far I do not have a problem with leaving the door closed during starts. I lit the 6 paper knots or so and shut the door. The thermometer is located on the left side above the door. Forgive my temp hearth pad, that will come next year.