Slight disappointment when it arrived to find what looked like a scratch on the top, but this does not effect its use. The steel flame deflector under the stone, when originally used smoked badly, filling the room and setting off the smoke detector. I now use it without the deflector. I haven't pre heated the stone in the oven, but let the burners bring it up to temperature, which takes about 15 minutes. All in all a great centre piece and good fun with company. P.S buy some small tongs for lifting off the food. André