PK360 Accessories?

[Spacecase]

I am leaning towards pulling the trigger on a PK360 in the next couple days. I noticed that when you order, they give you a price break on several of the accessories. One of the accessories they offer a break on is the cover. Since the PK is aluminum, is a cover neccessary? Do the plastic side tables need to be protected against UV light or other elements? My gut says "No", but would love to hear from some PK360 owners. Thanks.

[Cheef]

Definitely necessary in my opinion. The top vents will allow moisture in if left uncovered.
Mine will get a few drips inside even with the cover on and the vents closed. Not enough to create any problems but it is there.

[Attjack]

Covers can also attract condensation and trap moisture in. If you store it out of the rain like under an awning or something I would not use a cover.

[Cheef]

Yep--drips with the cover on. I bought the top cover and the grill sets on the back porch out in the open. It definitely lets water in. Not much but you can see it.

[JGo37]

I think that would be more the nature of aluminum responding to humidity, not a fault of the cover.

[Polarbear777]

I made my own cover because I hate dealing with fabric covers, but you will need something to keep rain out.

This thread has has lots of ideas about covers:

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/grills-and-smokers/charcoal/522311-water-in-my-pk-360-need-help

i don’t use any of the pk grill add ons. I got the rib rack but others hold more. I got the charcoal basket but didn’t like it and made my own. I got the grill grates, but searing on the standard grate works better. I do like their beefy tongs though.

[au4stree]

Polarbear777, I've looked but cannot locate your charcoal basket. Can you help a brother out?

[Polarbear777]

Post #5 here:

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/grills-and-smokers/charcoal/322179-pk-360-update

Post #19 here:

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/grills-and-smokers/charcoal/288652-pk360/page2

[au4stree]

Polarbear777, thank you!

[Max Good]

The charcoal basket is a nice addition as well.

[Spacecase]

Thanks, Max. I read your review of the PK 360 again and I noticed that the AmazingRibs PK360 deal appears to still be valid. I think that is the route I will go. Basically get the charcoal basket for 1/2 price.

[Larry Grover]

I only use the cover when storms are expected, and maybe if I think I won't use it for awhile. It has a really nice fit and slips on/off easily. And you can open up the intakes for circulation with it on. Unlike my Weber gas cover that is so tight it immediately started ripping. I also like the lighter color (black widow spiders love black covers.)

The black end tables have not faded in the sun so I dunno about UV exposure long term. Moisture not a big deal for me, if its extra misty or foggy I close the top vents, open the intakes and put a couple empty foil pans inside.

GrillGrates: I also dont use them on the PK but turned out they were pretty much a perfect fit for my Genesis gas grill so they found a home there.

Charcoal basket: great quality, built like a tank but you can't stack coals up to the grate.

Tongs & Spatula: Big and super durable. Recommended.

Rib Rack: didnt like it so bought a MAK.

[Spacecase]

Thanks, Larry. The standard covers are out of stock, so I am going to go coverless for awhile at least.

[Polarbear777]

The mak is the one I have too. It’s quite nice.

[JGo37]

I've had really good luck buying less expensive, round covers for fire pits from Amazon and eBay. Very nice alternatives.

[Spacecase]

Thanks for all the input folks. I just placed my order for a silver PK360 with the charcoal baskets. They have a $100 off Labor Day special which made it all the better. Looking forward to trying this thing out.

[Larry Grover]

Good choice. PK had a video (from a steak champ) on how to cure a new grill but it's no longer available. Basically you lay down a couple chimneys with several wood chunks and let it run on low heat overnight. When you wake up it will smell great & the lid will be a nice copper color.

[SmokeyGator]

In my opinion, a cover never hurts.

I have a cover for my boat. Think about that. A boat. Something I have no problem putting into salt water. But rain is like acid? It must be covered? Come on, it’s fresh water falling from the sky!

But yea. Boat is covered.

[Spacecase]

So the PK360 cover arrived today. And like clockwork, the Florida sky delivered a thunderstorm. Before I put the cover on, I placed a saucer under each of the top vents and closed each vent. I am interested to see if or how much water drips through...

[EdF]

Smart man!

[Spacecase]

After a brief shower that delivered a little over half an inch of rain, the plates were dry. So my take away from my very unscientific test is that a brand new cover will keep the PK360 dry from a short soak. Time will tell if it continues to do so as the cover gets older and whether it holds up to a longer soaking. But I won't bore you folks with that.

[Polarbear777]

Ok fine but it’s too clean. Get to cooking something. :-)

[Spacecase]

Polarbear777 Totally agree. I have a couple NY Strips, mixed veggies and some KBB teed-up for the weekend.