It's quite simple. You can do a couple of tests to verify the quality of the material and the way the material is put together. First is the shake and wiggle test. Lift the lid about halfway and put your hands on the handle as far apart as possible and give it a shake from side to side. The more it bends and moves means it's a lesser thickness (gauge) metal and that less engineering is put into where the bends and welds are—giving you a greater likelihood of failure over a shorter period. This is not necessarily terrible as long as it passes the second test. 

If you're looking to build, or even purchase a pre-made outdoor kitchen, keep in mind that the only BBQ grill that will fit in the hole is the BBQ grill the hole was made for.  You want it to last. 

 The second test is the magnet test. If you have a hard magnet, wrap it in a bit of tape (so you won't scratch stuff up) and take it with you grill shopping. Put the magnet on the outside of the grill, the parts you can see with the lid closed. If it sticks, it will 100% rust and corrode and it is not #304 stainless. Go ahead and lift the lid. Put the magnet on everything you see - screw heads, lift the grate and put it on the bottom, the back, the grates, etc. Whatever it sticks to is going to deteriorate fast. Using it 2 to 3 times per week, you're going to spend money repairing it within two to three years and will be looking at replacing it in around seven years.

It is easy to replace an appliance inside your house - no matter the appliance there are a million choices you have that will fit. Outside's a different story. No matter how your outdoor kitchen is constructed it is built for only one thing to fit in every spot. This even goes for the pre-manufactured modular stuff. There is no other BBQ grill, than the original, that will fit perfectly in that spot. Or any other appliance for that matter. Don't be fooled by well-known brand names that start with a V or S or W or K - do the 2 tests - they will probably pass one but not the other. 

Don't let someone tell you that #411 stainless is the same as #304 stainless and don't let someone tell you that the much more expensive #316 marine grade stainless performs better in your backyard hangout environments than #304. If you're putting a BBQ grill on a saltwater boat, get the #316 - in your backyard get the #304. The 400 series stainless costs are 75% less than #304 and the #316 costs twice as much for the raw material. A magnet will stick to the #411 so it won't last much longer than anything else you could buy at a big box store. Yes, we do provide BBQ grills that include 400 series stainless, but try to stick primarily with manufacturers that provide a lifetime warranty. We can meet almost anyone's budget - the difference is in the quality and, therefore, the cost of the outdoor appliances.

How it's built and what it's built out of is important. Why?

That's a good question. We could show you a hundred built-in BBQ grills from fifty manufacturers where the surface temperature can easily exceed 800 degrees. If your use to a box store grill, that's 50% to 100% higher temps than the best of them can reach. Guess what? Heat, the very thing the BBQ grill is designed to produce, is the #1 thing that makes a BBQ grill deteriorate. 

Our final advice on choosing the right BBQ Grill for your backyard project

When looking to create the perfect backyard hangout, a built-in BBQ grill is an essential component. Before making a decision, it is crucial to consider a few factors that will determine the functionality, durability, and enjoyment of your investment. To start, ask yourself how often you'll use the grill, how long you plan on keeping it, and what you'll be cooking. Remember, the more frequently you use the grill, the higher quality it needs to be. Additionally, since outdoor appliances need to fit specific spaces, it is essential to choose a grill that is both compatible with your outdoor kitchen layout and built to last.

To assess the quality of materials used in your prospective grill, conduct two tests - the shake and wiggle test and the magnet test. These tests will reveal the thickness of the grill's metal components, any shortcuts taken during construction, and if it is made of rust-prone materials like #411 stainless steel. It is recommended to opt for a grill made of #304 stainless steel, as it offers long-lasting performance suitable for backyard environments. Overall, finding your ideal built-in BBQ grill involves thorough research, assessing the quality of materials and construction, and considering your unique needs and preferences.