I can't remember exactly what I paid, but I got a good deal on a Perlick that had a dent in the side you can't even see once it's built in. Rock solid, I've left it on all year, although we only have a few days below freezing here each year. They used to have a section for seconds on their website, not sure how they're selling them now.

Thanks. I know about Perlick Factory Seconds from prior renovations. I checked them just in case, but they didn't have anything. But even if they did, they would have been too expensive anyway. I definitely want to stay in the mid-range for this appliance. While I am perfectly happy to spend $$$ for the Lynx professional grill, I don't want to spend a lot for an undercounter fridge. We are in NY so the outdoor kitchen is a bit of a splurge--it will really only be used about five months a year.

It is frustrating that I can't seem to meet all of my requirements in my price range. It seems that I have to choose between one with the longer compressor warranty or one with the higher grade of steel. I am trying to figure out which is more important.

Liebherr would be another recommendation but it is $2100. Summit dies not get great reviews of longevity and noise levels.

Good luck!

As a Lynx grill owner, I must comment that the nicer the grill, the more often you will (presumably) want to clean it. A ratty grill will save a lot of time. :)

A lesser corrosion-resisting steel than the 300 series will stain and potentially even show very light rusting, much as a 300 series itself will if cleaned with a steel wool pad due to the unpassivated steel wool particles becoming embedded in the surface. Even 304 is not perfectly inert, and can be stained by acidic deposits.

You may be able to compensate for the steel grade by yearly cleaning with a phosphoric acid solution such as used for cleaning car body steel before painting. Suitable solutions are sold by auto parts stores catering to the trade. (Or maybe a Coca Cola will be sufficient.) Follow all safety and dilution directions.

kas

kas--great suggestion. i have been googling solutions for rusted steel and see that there are ways to remediate if it gets messed up. I like the Avallon better and it meets my warranty requirements. So I think I might go with it.

coyote has some within your price range. Many with very good reviews.

Thanks, I had noticed Coyote. But they only have a one-year warranty on the compressor.