The firebricks seemed to help stabilize temperature swings a bit, at least when burning the fire right on the bottom without use of a log/coal grate, (like the rich and famous do, haha) Speaking of which, I grabbed a fireplace grate to mod and try in there sometime soon, but honestly, it burns incredibly well (amazing food) just on the floor, with the big draft vent down low it's super easy getting clean and hot when you want, so I'm not expecting an upgrade. We'll see.