Yes! Removing side panel improves temps! As soon as you remove side panel from electric stove top; you will see how much hotter your stove top becomes! It's not just about looking at how hot your stove top gets; it's also about how much faster you can get things done on your stovetop because there are fewer things between you & getting stuff done!! This means less time waiting around & less time being stuck trying not too burn yourself on something while waiting around!! !