I have a VC defiant/encore and about 4 years ago I found a 4ft x 2ft piece of beautiful red marble sitting by a dumpster in the alley. I placed it directly on top of the stove and warming shelves. I do not know if it helped but it looks nice, I can place more stuff on top of the stove and it will still be warm in the morning after an all night burn. One's man trash is another man's treasure