Tom , my Akorn is also almost 5 years old , has a few more miles on it , but holding up well.
Each year on I poll the members on kamado guru , a non manufacturer affiliated group of whom akorn S are the most predominant owners on how they are holding up.
At 4 years very well , will poll 5 year soon.the first models are coming up to 5 years now.
Mine has survived 2 thermonuclear grease fires that fried the gaskets & charred the wooden ash pan handles
