The temperature difference is surprising. I'm shocked at how much cooler the wood is that the plastic. I don't know what the thinking was behind that, why would they make something that transferred heat so well like those plastic handles. I'm shocked they never tried to make something better. They still use wood on the firepit so cost can't be that big of an issue. I'm sure it is but you already pay a premium. I suppose the plastic lasts longer, but at least they would have a better replacement business after the wood wears out.