I replaced our 30+ year old Ducane grill, which was in need of a fourth set of new parts, with this griddle because I felt it gave me more cooking options. So far my hopes have become a reality, having prepared several meals on it so far. It was easy to assemble and seems to be well made. At 1st my wife was hesitant about the griddle idea, but after looking at some larger Blackstone griddles at the the local hardware store, she thought it was a step up for us and the kinds of foods we wanted to prepare. No more burnt veggies in the veggie basket we used on the grill. No more uncontrolled grease fires under the burgers I try to cook. Smash burgers are easier to make on the griddle, and we're fine with that. I've also done scrambled eggs and french toast. I don't know about durability, but time will tell, and I'm planning on maintaining it as I did with our grill.