PK300 lid surface deterioration

[Henrik]

Hi all,

I bought my PK 300 1-2 years ago (can't really remember exactly, but less than 2 years). I really like it and have been doing various cooks on it. I've stored it outside all the time, but under a roof, so it's never been exposed to rain or snow. Today I went to check on it, and saw that the lid doesn't look right. It's all bumpy, like there is the aluminum equivalent of rust underneath the paint.

Has anyone else seen this? Doesn't seem right given the grill's price and the fact that it isn't old yet.


There's obviously some dust on the surface, but besides that you can see all the places where the paint "rises".

[STEbbq]

I seem to remember DaveD having a similar issue with a Weber. I think the conclusion was that the coating has been misapplied and some rust had formed underneath the coating. Not sure how that would translate to the PK which I believe is moulded but I assume some kind of coating is applied to create the different colors. Weber, I believe, refused to do anything, but I expect PK would step up with a solution given the higher price and the reputation for durability.

[Jessterr]

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/grills-and-smokers/charcoal/kettle-cookers/1528554-rough-finish-on-exterior-of-kettle-lid

Here’s that Weber string.

[STEbbq]

Michael_in_TX did Weber ever fix it?

[Michael_in_TX]

STEbbq Unfortunately, I haven't contacted Weber yet; I need to do that.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

My PK sits outside uncovered year round, no issues. I would guess either bad coating as suggested by STEbbq or maybe something to do with snow removal chemicals which is where I've seen similar looking coating issues on an aluminum part (though that was on a vehicle)

[Goldenbear]

Mine isn’t that extreme, but after only 1.5 years I’m not happy about it.

[Troutman]

That’s aluminum oxidation. I don’t think it’s a problem just isn’t very attractive looking. I used to have a house on the coast and the saltwater would cause it to happen to any aluminum. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

[TripleB]

I thought PK’s were made with marine grade aluminum that suppose to withstand oxidation.

[Troutman]

I really have no idea, not into PKs myself, but I don’t see anything on their website that claims marine grade. I would think that much would be expensive. All it says is rust proof, which pretty much describes all aluminum.

[Oak Smoke]

I’d have to talk to PK. That’s not the quality level you paid for. There should have been some level of anodizing done to the surface during the manufacturing process. It’s never going to get better. I think I’d hit them up for a new one. If you wanted a cheap looking grill you would have bought a cheaper grill.

[Troutman]

Try mixing something acid or vinegar based water in a spray bottle. That may knock down the chalkiness. They also sell rust inhibitors for aluminum oxidation but it’s probably just some vinegar based product.

[Smoker_Boy]

I wouldn't do anything until you talk with PK.

[JohnPaul]

PK sold its soul to China so who actually knows what contaminates might be in the aluminum. Bummer because I really like my PKO.

[hoovarmin]

Bro I have no idea what that is but it sure is a bummer. Sorry that happened to your PK.

[58limited]

That does look like aluminum oxidation. I live near the ocean on the ship channel and most aluminum I have does this. However, the PK-O I bought in 2020 hasn't done this yet. It sits outside but I have a PK Grill cover on it. I'd contact PK Grills and see what they say.

[RonB]

That sux. As others have said, contact PK.

[Jessterr]

Sorry to see that, Henrik. I bought my PK300 within weeks of introduction, and have maybe a few whitish spots on mine but nothing like that. I do get it on the insides of the vents, but those are uncoated areas, and it just kind of rubs off. I would definitely expect that to fall within the product warranty. Interested to learn what PK has to say about it, so best of success with them and please report back!

[Henrik]

Thanks all, I have now reached out to PK, we'll see what they say. I cleaned it up with a rag and some luke-warm water and took more photos to send to PK.

I'll report back when I know more.

[Jessterr]

Henrik Something just occurred to me. I have a wheeled cart with solid shelves made of high quality stainless steel, which of course would not be expected to rust or corrode. A few years ago I went out to find it covered with black and rust colored spots as an obvious result of corrosion (pitting). My house is located right on the edge of a wooded area, and I concluded that something had blown down out of the trees, settled on the shelf surfaces, and catalyzed the corrosive reaction. I was able to largely clean it up using Brasso and have since kept the cart covered, there has been no recurrence and I do now keep all my grills covered. Whether PK replaces your lid or not (and I certainly hope they will), I highly recommend keeping a cover on it going forward.

[Jessterr]

Hi Henrik. Good point. My career was as a Chemical Engineer specializing in industrially applied coatings. In my experience no coating is perfect, all can and often do fail under certain adverse conditions. PK’s have a relatively rough surface on a small scale. Acidic materials falling from the surrounding environment, sitting for long periods of time in low spots on the surface, in combination with moisture, could well induce failure points in the coating. Regardless, I would expect..(con’t)…

[Jessterr]

…and hope that PK will cover this under warranty, as they should. BTW, love your YT videos, very well done, entertaining and informative, thanks!

[Henrik]

Thanks Jessterr 🙏