New PK360 Happiness

[Polarbear777]

Found a few more

[Polarbear777]

[Cheef]

Where did you get that charcoal tray? I have the PK version but don't use it--unhandy for me.

[Polarbear777]

I made it. See the linked posts near the beginning of this thread for better shots. I contacted pk and abc and neither had plans to make any improved charcoal device for the pk360, so I had to make my own. Its 4” wide steel with some bolts, all stainless. Allows me to run low/slow from 12-20 hours unattended with a fan controller.

[Polarbear777]

Link to charcoal basket details. Post 19 + here:

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

[Cheef]

Took me a few cooks to warm up to mine because I am a dedicate Egg Head. BUT!! It is now a close -- REAL close second to the Egg.

[Polarbear777]

I looked a long time at ceramics but since this thing is indestructible, that sealed it.

[RonB]

Congrats. It looks like your dog is happy to see it too.

[Thunder77]

I love it. I want it. I just can't justify the cost.

[holehogg]

Is it ok to say I'm jealous.
Have fun.

[3DJ]

I got one last fall, I love it. I feel really spoiled with it, my 22”WSM and a PBC. I got it to replace my old Weber gasser and am thrilled with how it cooks and food tastes great!

[jmwaldhelm]

Congratulations!

I really like what I read, hear and see about this cooker.

it is definitely on my short list for my next acquisition.

Enjoy and keep us posted on what you think about it!

[Onez]

You will love it! I got my PK360 about a year ago and find myself using it at least once per week. As others have said, it holds temps really nicely (especially relative to Weber kettles) given the thicker walls. Responds really well to vent adjustments, as needed. Also, a searing machine when you want to dial it up to Warp 10. I also have the GrillGrates for it, which are nice. The PK360 is just the right size for what I use it for.

If I had to knock anything, it'd be that it is a bit of a pain to sweep out charcoal ash. And that is relative to the Weber kettle, which is as simple as can be. The PK360 just requires a few extra minutes with an old paint brush to clean out the nooks and crannies. Just a very minor gripe I have.

It's an impressive show piece. Neighbors/friends will look at it, ask what it is and you get to give them a nice tour.

[ComfortablyNumb]

I don't worry about the nooks and crannies, it can hold a lot of ash before it affects the intake.

[Polarbear777]

It's not bad to clean, just make sure you put aluminum foil down to catch grease, because if the grease mixes with the ash, the sludge is a pain. If it's just dry ash, a paintbrush works well.

[Onez]

Yessir. I make sure to use foil to catch drippings and such. I always sweep out ash a day or two after a cook so its clean for the next go-round. Just my habit. I certainly appreciate the hooks on the back to hang my ash bucket!

[Bkhuna]

My dad bought one of the original PK's when he was in Vietnam. He used it for at least 25 years. I remember his chickens best. He used a simple vinegar/chili powder rub and baste He got the recipe from a fried in his unit. I've been unsuccessfully trying to replicate the for several decades.
.

[Larry Grover]

Smoking up some pork butt steaks. Ready for a little char then dunk them in a BBQ sauce, beans & beer braise.

[dshaffes]

I own a PK360 and love cooking on it. I've got the PK charcoal basket tray and find it works great for me. However, here are a few links to after market baskets that sell to PK owners:

https://dancingfire.biz/uglycheapcharcoallightingbasket.aspx

and this is a Facebook link to another:

https://m.facebook.com/SmokinHotBbqs/posts/1919630698085309

[Larry Grover]

dshaffes I dont use PK's charcoal basket. I took apart a $14 Weber char-basket and it's a perfect fit for a divider. I think you get better air circulation to the coals this way. This is my setup (heavy cast iron grill humidifiers keep the divider in place.)


Lots of options with these basket parts, you can flip it around for optimal air...

[Larry Grover]

dshaffes For super hot searing you may want to protect the aluminum, so you can use the other Weber parts like so (char-baskets come in a pack of two).

First option: one panel raised up with a couple of coals...



2nd option: interlocking two panels together with side tabs. You can put coals up to grate level with none touching the aluminum. Note I haven't even used this setup yet, but if you're like PolarBear and use a BBQ Dragon to get the temp 1000 degrees then you'll want to protect that aluminum.

[Larry Grover]

More PK porn. Front angle view shown with & without grate. Humidifiers are also sold in a pack of two. They are stacked together here & weigh over 5 pounds (without liquid or sand added.)