I took out some ash and loaded up the stove this morning. It was 5 degrees outside, the house was warming up nicely and I noticed how cold it was...I checked the stove and it was running at 350 I hit the elusive mark! This reading is with the thermometer on the top shelf towards the back of the surround and just off to one side...can't take precious kettle real estate! The only thing different I did was load it up N to S and 1 piece on top E to W. Maybe I should start loading all E to W?