I don't remember exactly, but I thought VC suggested putting the stove top thermometer on the "griddle top" or in the Aspen's case the cook top plate, and the temp of the steel top was higher than STT for the cast iron... not sure though. Looked at the C3 manual, saw not temp guidance for the STT. This is an odd one, seems like the stove should like well. I too wonder if the block off plate/insulation in damper area will break this case. Good luck.