The bottom of my firebox is lined with firebrick. It makes it easier to shovel out ash because the bottom is pretty much level with the bottom door frame now. I also have the criss cross expanded metal added to the fire grate to keep the coals from falling through.
I bought mine used with both these changes already made. I took the brick out just to see how the cooker acted as intended by the manufacturer. I didn't see much difference in performance so I put them back in for ease of ash removal.
Purrs like a kitten though. You should enjoy it. I'd like to figure out if I can get the top shelf a little closer in Temps to the bottom, but other than that I love mine. My top rack runs about 100 degrees hotter when the fire is blazing, and about 50 degrees hotter when the fire tames down a bit. I have the regular 36 though, not the stretch.
