Whether you are building an outdoor kitchen, or just want a freestanding grill, a stainless steel bbq really adds a touch of style and class to the outdoor area of you home. There are varying levels of quality when it comes to this type of grill, and the main difference that will determine the price range is the kind of stainless steel used in the grill.
The single most important thing to remember about stainless steel bbq grills is that just because the grill is stainless does not mean it will not rust! So many people make the mistake of buying a grill at their local home improvement store and think that because it is a stainless steel grill they are set for years to come. To add to their confidence is the fact that many of these grills are made by large companies with names that are very recognizable. People see the grill and see how much less expensive it is than some other stainless steel grills and they figure it is a no brainer. Fast forward several months and the grill is showing rust, just like their previous inexpensive grills did. Let me repeat the one thing I 
want you to take from this post. The kind of stainless steel your bbq is made from will determine whether it will rust.
OK, so what kind of stainless steel will not rust? 304 stainless is the grade of stainless steel that quality grills are made from. 304 stainless steel bbqs will not rust. Why won’t they rust? It has to do with the materials that make up the steel. In this case, it is the nickel content that prevents the steel from rusting.
The grade of the stainless is very important, but don’t get that confused with the guage of the steel. One reasons for the large spread in grill prices is that different companies use different guages, or thicknesses of steel in their grills. For example, Fire Magic grills are more likely to have a thicker stainless steel used than another brand, like Pro Fire.
So, why doesn’t every company make their bbq grills from 304 stainless? The short answer is, this steel is expensive. Compare some prices on stainless steel bbq grills. Check some that are made from 304 stainless and some that are not. You will find a big price difference in the two different kind of grills. Another thing to think about when pricing these grills are the internal parts of the grill. The main burners should also be made from 304 stainless, or they will eventually rust. of course, this makes the price go up. But the good news is that virtually every manufacturer of these grills offers a lifetime warranty against rust on the burners as well as the overall bbq.
It pays to educate yourself when shopping for grills. There is nothing wrong with purchasing a grill for $100 or $200 at your local home improvement store as long as you understand what you are getting. On the other hand, if you are going through the expense of having an outdoor kitchen built, you should strongly consider adding a quality grill that is going to last many years. But when it comes to these things there is no right or wrong, it is simply what you want and what you can afford. Above all, get educated before spending your money.