The Carrollton 300GL Wood Burning Insert offers a choice between either the Steel or the Cast Iron Warming Tops. The Warming Tops are a feature other wood burning inserts do not have. The Warming Tops provide a space for small pots and pans allowing you to cook on the Carrollton Insert. The Steel Warming Top will heat up quickly allowing you to get cooking quickly. The Cast Iron Warming Top will absorb the heat evenly which provides an even cooking surface without having to find the hot zone. The Cast Iron Warming Top will also radiate the heat longer once the fire has gone out making the room more comfortable in the cold winter months. A Warming Top is required to complete the unit.