I just went through a similar process as I’m redoing the patio and have a built-in BBQ area. After much research and back/forth, I decided Fire Magic Eschelon Diamond (w/out infared). Ultimately, for me it came down to preferring to cook on direct heat vs indirect and wanting top quality made in the USA (I live in a fog/marine/sun environment). I’ve had a stand alone Weber Genesis for years and loved it, but it’s thrashed (after only 8 years), even though it’s always covered. The quality is just not there with the made in China product.
A good friend is going through a similar process, so I tried to do a high-level primer for him with my findings - I’ve included that below should it be of help.
"I’ve been studying grills for our new built in outdoor grilling area. There are a handful of high-end gas grills on the market, all of which are very good quality product (with prices to boot). The best manufacturers are Fire Magic, Twin Eagles, DCS, Capital, Alfresco, Lynx, TEC, Saber. The following two links are great resources for grill reviews:
http://amazingribs.com/bbq_equipment_reviews_ratings/equipment-reviews?field_manufacturer_target_id=All&field_prod_function_tid[]=1&field_fuel_tid[]=2&field_primary_capacity_value[]=3
Simply put, nowadays, grills can be all infared, direct heating (tented flame heats grill) and radiant heat (tented flame heats ceramic briquettes, which then heat the grill). I’ve been told that direct heating is akin to cooking on a gas range and indirect to an electric.
All of the high end models, as you will see when perusing reviews are very well made of 304 gauge stainless, have rotisserie, cast or ss burners, etc. There are some nuances between manufactures (some have better warranty, some have more history, some have lower failure rates on electric components, some have lower failure rates on burners, etc) and by my account the best are as follows with an asterisk on the one in each I think is best:
Close to direct heat: Fire Magic*, AOG
Radiant heat: Alfresco*, Twin Eagles
Seemingly hybrid: Lynx, Capital*
Not mentioned is the TOP, TOP of the line: Kalamazoo. When you read about it you’ll know why I didn’t mention it (it’s in it’s own league and would be the money is no object choice). So if you get it, I’ll happily help cook when I come over.
I’m leaning towards the 36" Fire Magic Eschelon Diamond 790i (analog version)."