I have one of each and they both work great. One thing to consider is hinges not all hinges will take that extreme heat as the door on top endures. My side door FB has a fire basket that slides for loading the first chimney of coals and after that I have an opening in the end of it that will allow me to throw splints in each time I need them. I have a fire basket in my top loader too, but it just makes the sticks stay where I want them and that is awesome too.
jm2cw