Top clearance on 55

Calling Cookshack service and asking Tony would be the safest bet.

In years past, we have had folks set a can of vegetables on each corner and lay a storm window glass on them,to cook in rain.

It might depend on how much the air to the sides was restricted?

Plus, don't forget to leave enough space to get your hand back there to work the thermostat.

KCal, The Cookshack puts out a lot of steam through the vent hole for a pretty good duration of a cook. If your counter top has a sub-base of wood, the steam will cause it to deteriorate quickly. If the counter top is natural stone, the cool stone will cause the steam to condense and drip down on the cooker plus whatever else is beneath it. This is not to mention the effects of the smoke during the initial phase of the cook. I'm not sure it's such a good idea.

Just my thoughts.