Welcome aboard. You still have time to get out. This is very addictive. But, if you really want the enjoyment of making maple syrup we can help.
If the local shop has made a few pans, OK, if not I suggest you try some from the lower cost evaporator companies. Get them in 20 or 22 Ga, not heavier and if soldered it must be lead free solder. Welded is far better. To name a few options, try Bill Mason in Maine, Badgerland in Wis., Thor in Quebec, A&A in Pa to name a few. Likely there are more.
The finish is mainly for appearance, bright or polished costs more but is most common, dull is next. It just needs to be food grade SS. If you need more ideas, make a post in the evaporators section on the Maple Trader.
I strongly suggest you avoid the Ebay pans made in China.
Dave Klish, I recently ordered a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.