The louvers in the front control panel are there to feed needed oxygen to the lower Infra-Red Hearth Burner during operation. We have had customers do very creative things on their own and cover the control panel. Most have made sure that the IR burner can get an abundant supply of oxygen from several additional areas. Like up through the burner box, or a vent in the back of the hardscape etc.
Chicago Brick Oven DOES caution this in the User Manual.
From the Manual page 11:
• The area in front of and above the oven must be clear to avoid any obstruction of flow of combustion and ventilation air. Means must be provided for adequate air supply and adequate clearance for air openings into the combustion chamber.
