I've never had any heat related issues with any of my Performers and I use the propane
lighter every time, the lid roller on my Grass Green Performer were shot when I got it and
show no signs of further damage since I have owned it, the table is stained but otherwise
undamaged and the Green one is my go to, (at least 3 cooks a week) cooker that regularly
see's temps of 350 ~ 450 with 500 just after a fully lit chimney dump. The Green is also
my go to low n slow smoker with 225 to 275 for hours that bring beautiful smokey
goodness to the table..
I personally would use a cheap, used black OTS or OTG for a pizza oven..