Hole in the Bottom of my PBC...

[supergas6]

Was cleaning out my PBC from a Thanksgiving day cook today. I have the original model (thinner steel), a pretty light unit, and basically turn it over and dump the ashes into a ten-gallon metal trash can. While doing so today, I noticed a (very small) hole in the bottom of the PBC.

I have not noticed any problems with cooks, but my PBC has shown signs of wear--more than I would expect from a 2.5 year old unit. It is always under cover (meaning on my well-covered deck), though I don't actually place a cover on it.

I've noticed that the newer model (my brother purchased one this summer) seems to have a thicker gauge steel and also a more durable paint when compared with Generation One. I imagine this kind of problem would be less common on Gen 2 of the PBC.

Has anyone else seen this on their PBC? Should I ask Noah? On the one hand, I expect something like this to last longer than three years, but I don't want to seem unreasonable if the community believes this is within the "norm".

[fzxdoc]

My PBC is coming up on 1.5 years old. I'd be sad to see a hole in it. I'm with you: it should have a longer lifespan than 2.5 years.

Kathryn

[Huskee]

It wouldn't hurt to mention it to the good folks at PBC. I see your plight on the mixed feelings issue. It's great to know they preemptively corrected the issue with sturdier steel and better coatings, but the Gen 1 PBCs were a little cheaper priced too.

[Jerod Broussard]

After 60+ briskets and countless pork butts, if I do have any holes, I'm pretty sure they are sealed up with a lipid-amino-carboxylate matrix.

[HC in SC]

After a little over one year I have noticed some surface rust on the outside of the bottom and some rust where I dropped the lid on concrete and had to re-form it using the top rim of the PBC as the dolly.

Mine has been kept coverd and under a roof in a screened porch.

I agree though, the new ones seem to be have thicker steel in the bottom and a much more durable finish than the 1.0s, but for the price point they beat anything else out there given the amount and types of food you can cook on it.

As far as exterior surface rust, I have touched up with the (allegedly) 2000 degree grill paint. I wouldn't use it internally though.

For a hole in the bottom you may have to welderup - like Huskee notes, a call or email to the PBC Co wouldn't hurt.

I expect mine to go at least another year or longer before I look at replacing it, but when I do I'll be glad to get the new and improved version as Noah @ company explore and implement continuous quality improvement on their product.

[Powersmoke_80]

supergas6 How do you maintain the ash buildup? Do you clean ash after the cook or prior to the next cook? Ash is acidic and with moisture could cause premature corrosion when left for longer periods of time.

[Johngtr67]

Actually alkaline as water filtered through ash produces lye.

[Powersmoke_80]

Johngtr67, Thanks for the correction! But am I at least still correct that this is corrosive?

[pittkappasig]

If you have never contacted PBC before, they are insanely good at getting back to you personally, ASAP both via email and phone and they seem sincere. I had 2 problems with my order 2 years ago and they accommodated me in a way that only a small business can. I never expected a call back from Noah's wife... Granted they have gotten much larger since then, however I suspect you would find the same results. They even threw in a a random PBC cover which i did not expect. Since you have a legit problem, give them a call and let us know. My barrel is seeing some rust spots at the bottom and the bottom of the gen 1 coal basket is starting to come detached... I would be curious how they address your concerns.

[BigBear]

A replacement barrel and lid is available on the PBC website for $169. That is a lot of money but includes the latest generation product and beats paying $299 for a whole new unit.

[Jon Solberg]

Get some foil tape. Patch that baby up and keep on smokin! : )

[JPP]

That's what I'll do if the time comes.. I'm using mine as is until it crumbles into dust...

[supergas6]

Thanks for the feedback. I live in Florida, so while my PBC is not exposed to "the elements", it is humid (especially in the summer). My PBC has never had water in (or on...) it, and I clean the ash out after every cook by dumping into a metal trash can. Can't say I do it immediately afterward--sometimes it is a day or two later, but it never sits any longer than that.

I spoke with Noah at length. Always offers great support, and last thing I want to do is take advantage of the company. I ordered an ash pan, which should protect the bottom of my PBC and get me another couple of years or so out of it, at which point I'll probably upgrade to a shiny new model.

[Jerod Broussard]

I had an ash pan made. It bit the dust soon after the original charcoal basket. I may see about getting their ash pan after the 1st.

[rjhohne]

It never hurts to contact the PBC folks. They will do the right thing (whatever that may be).