Hey Wph, I have both #1 & #3 smokers. The #1 is a few months old. And the #3 I purchased from another member that was going into competition smoking. Both are very well built and as others have said very sturdy. Since you asked about the hinges will describe them to you. They are made of stainless steal, the bolt of the hinge is about 1/4 inch thick, the part that attaches to the smoker is about 1/16" thick, the part that attaches to the door is really two parts, one is about 1/4" thick and sandwiched with 1/16" thick. I would venture to say they would last probably 20 years and still work the same as the day they left the factory. Would I recommend them yes, but make sure which ever unit you purchase that you get a cart. This will make life a lot easier.