PK Grill: Accurate Grilling Perfection With PK360
Last Updated on August 30, 2022
Why do so many grill enthusiasts from novice to professionals love the PK Grill?
If you like to smoke and grill meat on a regular basis this PK360 Grill is a life changer.
Now a PK Grill is loved for its many unique features and is known to be one of the best-engineered charcoal grills out there, setting them far above the market competition.
PK Grills PK360 Outdoor Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combination Rating: 4.6/5 Reviews 119  | *Quick Overview:* # The PK360 is made from thick cast aluminum material |
Specifications | weight: 80 lbs | height: 42.9" | width: 54.2" | grill area 360sq" | 10yr Ltd.warranty |
If you’re short on time you can go directly to PK Grills and check it out, or read our full review below to see if it’s the right grill for you.
This review will closely examine the content and effectiveness of the PK360 Charcoal Smoker from PK Grills.
This is what you’ll learn:
| Note: Product prices may fluctuate from time to time due to Manufacturer’ special deals and offers. |
Read on to find out if this PK Grill might be a good choice for you.
What’s in the Box?
- PK Grill thick cast aluminum capsule with Tel-Tru thermometer
- Marine-grade stainless steel cooking grid
- 304 stainless steel grate
- Marine-grade stainless steel kit hardware
- Control Tower™ stand
- High heat removable side shelves
Setting up the Grill
Setting up the PK Grill 360 Combo is fairly easy, but can take some time to put all the components together, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time.
There’s an instruction manual and a video below to help you further with assembly.
The owner’s manual provides clearly written instructions and picture diagrams to help you.
Features and Benefits.
This PK Grill offers unique versatility and excels at both hot and fast cooking for grilling and low and slow for barbecue cooking.
4-point venting system
The large capsule and the new 4-point venting system allow precision air control and heat management making your cooking experience a real pleasure.
Amazon verified buyers comments:
“Versatility: This was one of the primary reasons that I chose the PK360 and it has not disappointed me. The multiple cooking modes (direct, 2-zone, and low-and-slow) and the precise and very configurable combustion air controls have enabled me to cook things that I never even considered cooking on my old side-draft. All those options and controls do present a bit of a learning curve (which I’m still climbing) but that’s half the fun and the resulting cooking versatility is nothing short of amazing. Get yourself a good digital meat thermometer, watch a few how-to videos, load it up and let the fun (and good eating) begin!” |
Durability
The PK360 Grill is made from thick cast aluminum material allowing exceptional heat conduction for your hardcore cooking needs.
It’s proven not to rust and is practically indestructible and may even become a family heirloom.
The cooking surface is made out of marine-grade stainless steel, which is the highest-grade stainless steel.
Amazon verified buyers comments:
“The materials are bombproof and this thing will outlast me and probably my sons too. It should never rust, and the exterior is very easy to keep clean. The marine-grade steel grates are amazing.” |
Mobility
The 360 Pk Grill is designed with portability in mind, the stand is easily removable from the capsule, which makes for easy packing and storage.
Detachable shelves make the PK Grill 360 ideal to take with you virtually anywhere, beach parties, tailgating, or camping and is just as much at home in your backyard.
The pedestal bottom is both sturdy and detachable. The base has two heavy-duty bolted wheels, making it easy to move around.
Just tip your smoker grill combo up onto the wheels and move it to where it needs to go.
From floor to the tabletop in an instant: Transform your PK Grill into a tabletop grill at the push of a button.
Use the quick release knob to remove the capsule from the stand, and voila, you have a Tabletop Grill.
Temperature Range
The easy-to-use temperature management system provides you with a heat-efficient cook chamber, two charcoal zone set-ups, four vents, and multiple controls to ensure the heat distributes evenly and holds the temperature steady between 180-750F.
The Tel-Tru thermometer is accurate to + or – 1 degree.
Cooking Surface
The PK Grills’s large cooking surface offers 360 square inches to prepare your best meals.
This allows you to cook large cuts of meat like full racks of ribs and whole salmon.
You can even include an entire chicken standing upright within this capsule.
The PK Grill has a massive cavity underneath the lid and offers 3400-3600 cubic inches of space inside.
The offset smoker feature can be used as a small grill when you are not planning on cooking up a huge meal.
Grill and Smoker Performance
All PK Grills provide accurate grilling perfection, and the PK360 is no different.
When grilling chicken, duck, ribs, or steaks, the grill marks are even, and the sear is perfect.
The option to flip up the grill or even remove a portion of the grill to adjust the temperature provides a convenient way for you to cook various foods simultaneously.
The high heat helps prove a perfect sear, whereas the low temperatures allow for a low and slow smoking process.
It is super easy to gauge and change the temperature throughout the cooking process.
Opening up the top vents allows for ample airflow to heat the charcoal.
When considering any sauces, rubs, or injections, the temperature control helps keep them from burning.
Rear Utility Hooks.
Great for hanging your shelves, bbq tools, or an ash bucket.
Clean Up
To keep your grill in the best possible working order, you need to maintain and clean it regularly.
Luckily, this is easy to do with the PK360 Grill Combo.
The ash management system has two ash ribs that help to contain the ash in the capsule.
The high tubes help to keep the ash from getting into the air intake.
Once the ashes are cool, remove the plug, and then brush all of your ash out through the bottom of the capsule into a metal bucket.
For thorough cleaning, you can remove the capsule from its base and hose it out thoroughly.
What Buyers Liked
- Buyers refer to this grill as a game-changer for versatility and durability.
- All cooks love the immense size and the standing height.
- The unique features offer accessibility and convenience.
- The two-zone heating element provides manageable heat distribution for both direct and indirect cooking method
What Some Buyers Didn’t Like
- This PK Grill with smoker takes quite a bit of time to put together, but once it’s set up, it works like a charm.
- A high-end Pricey PK Grill and smoker, but will last for years to come.
Useful Tips
- If you choose to use the PK Grill as a portable unit, be sure to place it on a non-flammable tabletop or surface to ensure safety.
- Never burn charcoal grills in an enclosed area. You need a well-vented space as charcoal grills release carbon monoxide and can be very dangerous.
- You can fit a Weber starter chimney inside the capsule by removing the two-piece cooking grate and closing the lid; this prevents sparks from flying and is much safer.
- Always make sure your PK Grill is on a level surface and that your barbecue is secure.
- Do not try to move the grill or the ashes when it is hot; this may cause injury.
- You should always wear fire-proof barbecue gloves when cooking and adjusting vents due to the high temperatures.
- The classic silver color option is painted; the graphite might be a better choice as it’s more durable.
(FAQ)# Questions and Answers
# How long does lump charcoal burn when doing low and slow cooking?
If the outside temp is 60-70F lump charcoal should last 3-4 hours.
# How do I clean the PK360 Charcoal Grill Combo?
Remove Charcoal Grate and plug, hang a bucket on the back of grill under the plug hole and use a 6″ dry paintbrush to sweep ashes into the bucket.
If you are going to use a vacuum make sure it is an ash vacuum they don’t block up like the standard vacuum.
# Can I cook a turkey on my PK Grill?
Yes, definitely the cooking grid is 7 inches tall and will hold a 15-pound turkey.
# How many burgers can I cook on the PK360 grill?
If you’re cooking on the side grill about 8-10, if you’re doing direct grilling approx 15-19 Bubba Burgers.
# How do I add fuel while slow cooking?
Your PK Grill Charcoal Smoker Combo has a hinged grid to allow for refueling without removing food.
Place your food on the fixed portion of the hinged grid.
When you need to add more fuel, just raise the hinged portion of the grid and place the charcoal into the fire using long tongs. Remember to wear heat-proof gloves too.
# Can I place charcoal on the bottom of the PK Grill?
No, Charcoal should never be placed on the cast aluminum surface as it will damage it. Always place the charcoal directly on the charcoal grate.
Waterproof Cover
The PK Grills Company has included a waterproof cover that can double as a carrying bag. (Very handy)
There’s also a Heavy Duty Cover (described below) available to purchase separately that provides all-weather protection.
Color Options
With the PK360 Grill, there are two color options available to choose from, either silver or graphite to meet your aesthetic needs.
Product Accessories
There are quite a few product accessories to complement your PK Grill.
These are not necessary but can make your grilling and smoking experience easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Heavy-duty PK360 Cover
This heavy-duty grill cover is made of oxford polyester with a water-resistant PVC coating to protect your grill smoker throughout all types of weather.
The Velcro straps allow for a tight fit to prevent it from blowing off. Be sure to check to make sure it fits your grill before purchasing.
Heavy-Duty Charcoal Basket
The heavy-duty, steel charcoal basket can hold a lot of charcoal, fits perfectly in the lower portion of your grill.
It helps to minimize ash loss and assist with clean-up. As well as contain your heat source, whether that is wood chips, briquettes, or charcoal.
It has inward folding handles for a convenient fit.
A Helping Hand From the BBQ Expert Aaron Franklin
Revealed, the inside secrets on how to create a truly great barbecue with the most celebrated pit-master in the country Aaron Franklin, winner of every major barbecue award there is.
Now you too can become a grand-master bbq chef with the Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto Cookbook.
Covering everything from finding and curing the right wood, sourcing the best meats, to cooking sumptuous barbecue you never knew was possible.
Warning; everyone will keep coming back for more. This is more than a cookbook it’s an education.
This high-quality PK360 aluminum-cast charcoal Smoker Grill Combo ranks very high with grill master chefs such as
Aaron Franklin and others who compete in worldwide competitions, proving its accurate cooking ability and reliability.
Due to its large capsule, innovative and sleek design, it is one of the best charcoal grills with smoker combinations on the market for cooking a variety of different foods.
This PK360 Grill Combo is best for skilled grillers and smokers who know how to manage and regulate indirect and direct heat.
Whether you are cooking for a small family gathering or a large party, the PK Grill takes care of all your grilling and meat-smoking needs.
If you only intend to use the grill only now and again it’s an absurd luxury.
If you’re like us and your grill combo hardly gets time to cool down before your lighting it up again, then it makes sense to get the best you can afford.
Warranty:
| PK GUARANTEES ITS ALUMINUM CAPSULES AGAINST BURNOUT, RUST & BREAKAGE for 20 years limited warranty. (see full warranty below) |
♦ Cast Aluminum Bowl & Lid 20yrs
♦ S/Steel Cooking & Charcoal Grates 3yrs
♦ If constructed of other material 1yr
♦ Plastic Components for 3yrs
♦ All Other Metal Parts and Accessories 2yrs
♦ Grill Covers 2yrs
♦ Temperature Gauge 1yr
| Before we finish up there’s something I need to mention, as this could be a concern for you and affect the decision you make. |
I hope the information below will help solve your dilemma and simplify your decision.
Some people may not be comfortable with the fact that the PK360 is not made in the US, in fact, it’s made in China while the original PK is made in the USA.
If this is a concern for you, but you still crave a PK Grill, the PK Original Cooker could be an alternative for you. It’s made of the same thick cast aluminum material and maintains heat well but, there are some differences:
The Original PK lacks the Tel-Tru Thermometer, the high heat shelves, and the Control Tower™ stand,
310 sq inches cooking space 50sq. inches is smaller than the PK360 but still sufficient for a regular size family. Sliding vents as opposed to radial vents.
Height: 27-inches, which’s 15-inches lower than the PK360 a consideration to take into account if you’re 6 feet plus.
It’s still a high-quality, Portable Charcoal Smoker Grill Combo that’s built to cook and built to last for many many years. The price is attractive too as it’s almost half the PK360 price.
Conclusion
| If for some reason you feel the PK360 Grill Combo or the Original PK Smoker are not for you, we have listed three more alternative Combo Grills that may be a better fit for your circumstances. |
Alternative Combo Grills
- Ultimate Flame Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker 8 in 1 BBQ Grill
- Auto Temperature Control
- Total 600 sq. inches cooking area,
- 330 sq. inches main grilling area,
- 270 sq. inches Smoking/Warming Rack providing
240 sq. inches more cooking space than the PK360 Grill and you won’t have to dig so deep in your pocket. (If that’s more suitable for your needs)
Sale Price (Limited Time) direct from Z Grills
Royal Gourmet CC1830sc Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker + Cover from Amazon
No-Fuss – No Frills, what you see is what you get.
- Bargain Basement from Amazon.
- Lid-Mounted Temperature Gauge
- Temperature up to 400F
- Easy ash clean-out
- Total 810 sq. inches cooking area
- 442.7 sq. inches porcelain-coated steel wiring grates
- 184 sq. inches chrome-plated warming rack
184 sq. inches offset smoker. Read our full Royal Gourmet Review for more information or check it out on Amazon.
There you have it. We hope we have helped you choose a Smoker Grill Combo that’s the perfect fit and price for your family’s needs and enjoyment.
Happy grilling days ahead.
If we can help you further please contact us we would love to hear from you.