I've never used a cat stove before but the BK's sound like they are awesome compared to how my Quad 3100 burns. Less wood used overall and wayyyyy longer burn times. My question is are they easy to use for cooking on top of or is the heat only where the cat is and possibly the cat thermometer is in the way? Plus if you are going for a long slow burn at lower output temps maybe there is just not enough heat in that situation for cooking? Just curious as I would like to upgrade someday and would like to cook on top.