Lower the temps? The hot spot is under the paper towels, I am sure it is a bit lower through the paper towels and hide box. Are cardboard hides bad? I have never had issues with them. I find them nice cause I just toss them when they get dirty. Easy cleanup. I am guessing the container has more surface area than a 6 qt, but bet if I measures volume it holds it would be less. It's like half the height of a sterolite 6 qt.