I ONLY clean out the stove via the top coverplates and never through the door even with plenty of door access.
Just works out better for me. Wood load wise, top loading is no big deal but you will be limited to shorter chunks and will not be able to take advantage of COD's ability to swallow an 11" piece. Chunks may make better sense for stowage on a boat anyway so perhaps not a big loss to begin with?
