I bought a big green egg just over a year ago. It has been a learning curve using it, but I love it. I can put a large brisket on, close the lid and 18 hours later open the lid to some really good eating. I cooked a lot of good meat on that model of grill / smoker. I have several friends that want to take it off my hands, but I am not sure if I want to get rid of it yet, evan though I have not used it since I got the egg. I would think you got a good deal for $25.00. I don't remember exactly what I paid for mine, but $250 range seems to stick in my head. I remember it was all i could do to lift the box it came in, into the back of my pickup. I spent a long half day assembling the grill. You are correct, it is a heavy duty and well built grill. Mine has been out in the Nebraska cold and heat with not a lot of protection and it is still in excellent shape. I had to have a machine shop make me some new charcoal grates, but other than that everything is in good order.