We just replaced a gen-air grill top with a full burnner stove top (insert). Were in Michigan and I still grill outdoors in the winter on the outside bar-b. Thats what you do when you live in Michigan. The indoor grill smelled up the house, not for us. Regarding the smooth top. Our neighbor has one (2 yers now) and the only thing she reccomends is cleaning it properly. If you have a house cleaner come in, you have to instruct them on how and what to use when cleaning. I must admit, it doesn't look like it just came out of the box. Our gas stove top looks as good as the day it was made (3 yers ago)