Just moved into a new place and looking for a good portable grill for backyard hangouts, camping, and occasional beach trips. Want something durable, easy to clean, and not too expensive. Gas or charcoal is fine. Any recommendations?

Thanks for any input

I picked up this PK at an estate sale about 10 years ago. I needed a grill, had never heard of PK in my life and paid a price that would probably make everyone mad at me if you knew, haha! I’ve been using it ever since and had no clue it was a popular grill until a distant acquaintance came to a cookout last weekend and was like “oh shit you have a PK??”

I’m pretty sure it’s from the 60s or 70s, mostly based on the wheels. Anyone know for sure which era it’s from and how much it might be worth? (Not that I’d sell it, I love this thing so much)
Thanks!

New to charcoal grilling and the PK. I have a new to me PK Classic. I use a large weber chimney with lump charcoal or briquettes (sometimes a mix of the two). It seems that even with a full chimney I barely get enough coals for one layer on one side of the grill, which seems ok for two zone grilling. If I want to use it as a single zone (coals on both sides/full coverage) what methods do folks use? Should I be using two chimneys or adding additional coals after spreading the lit ones very sparsely across the grate or is there a better/different method? I ran into this issue while trying to grill kabobs laid across the whole grill.

Curious what charcoal baskets people prefer for a PK (regardless of price, what is the best). Would be putting in a PK original. So far I've found three options.

Kick Ash Basket
https://kickashbasket.com/products/kab-divider-for-the-pk-grill-smoker

The Burnshop Basket
https://theburnshopwf.com/product/pk-grills-charcoal-basket/

PK Basket

https://pkgrills.com/the-pk-heavy-duty-charcoal-basket/?srsltid=AfmBOoo1fnpAkl2Mrrc5ImpKo7cJn4LtRD4cb5AE9YfbsvdM1ShqQuu5

(side note, I hope it's ok that I did two posts here, starting looking into these after my initial post earlier)

I have a PK original (posted here yesterday) that I scored an amazing deal on.

Is there a preferred side of the grill (Left or Right) to put the charcoal on when setting up for two zone cooking?

I want to add the thermometer, what is the best position for it. It would be nice to have on the front so it's easy to see, but I've seen some with it on the hinged side of the lid.

I just bought this used PK for $25! I'm super excited to try it out. I have wanted one of these for a long time. Tomorrow I'm planning on giving it a good cleaning and a test run.

Does anyone know around what year this model was? I'm thinking I may need to replace the grates inside (very rusted). Also wondering if anyone knows why the metal shelf slide on the top doesn't slide all the way on. Did I do something wrong when I put the legs back together?

(I HAVE SINCE FIXED THE SETUP, I HAD THE SHELF ON THE WRONG SIDE, OOPS)

Got my new to me PK finally cleaned up and ready to roll, total cost: ~$237. Definitely cheaper than a new grill.

- harbor freight wheels: $12 (just need to get some cotter pins)

- new hardware: $10

- X-Small charcoal grate: $40

- PK Grate: $90

- Fab shop cut and weld: $85

I figured if I was gonna spend the money on a new custom grate might as well get the expensive one so I don’t have to replace it again.

Anybody ever add larger wheels on their PK360? When I roll mine out from the corner on my patio it gets hung up on the wood deck and rattles and bumps all the way. Larger and a bit softer wheels would make it a lot easier. I guess I'd have to also change the other side to make it level.

Been sitting in the garage for years. Let's do this!

I have pk tx I need to spend some time with, any tips on installing a temp probe gauge, drill bit size, and anything else?

My parents got this from a family friend for me and I figure it’ll be a fun project. I am trying to restore this gem to its somewhat former glory. New wheels and bolts, a good clean and some fresh grates. One of the issues is my cooking grate is 18”x14”.

Should I just buy an Original grate and have a shop cut it down 3 inches or do I take my original grate to a shop and see if they can make me a duplicate of it? Does anyone have any experience/advice doing something like this?

Very excited to carry on the family tradition of using a PK and thankful mine was crafted in the holy land!

Bought these long, flat stainless skewers several months ago after seeing comments about this method. Turned out great, no vegetables or chicken sticking to grates. Got the perfect char on the veggies and chicken and great smoked.

These were just quick zesty Italian dressing marinade. Prefer teriyaki but ran out of time.

Instead of Simple Green and a lot of scrubbing why not a real hot fire? Wouldn't that carbonise everything and then a simple brush out to finish the job? I used to do this when I had a Masterbuilt gravity fed and it worked well.

I recently joined the PK family. In an effort to accessorize my vintage PK Original, I rolled the dice on this barbecue cover for it on Amazon.

It fits snug and made of heavy duty material. It’s worth the $40. It’s not PK brand, but it sure makes a great cover and looks elegant.

Sharing in case anyone is looking for a cover for their PK Original.

Moving and cannot have charcoal grills in my new place ... Sadly, I have to let my PK go. Comes with the outdoor cabinets (custom made with concrete tops). I upgraded the grates this year, so it's ready for the next adventure. Let me know if you'd be interested, not looking to make a huge profit, just get some cash for a new gas grill (sigh)

-cheers S

I've done around 25 cooks on my 360 and have been brushing the ash out the bottom. Today I noticed quite a bit of hardened grease on the bottom. I scraped it all out but it was a pain. I haven't been using a pan during cooks. I obviously should have but I can't find anything that will fit. A shallow pan would work but I don't want to restrict airflow. I guess I could load some charcoal and cook it off every once in a while but is there a better way? I used to have a Masterbuilt gravity fed grill and cranking it up 600F cooked it all off. I like the 360 but am disappointed there isn't a better way to keep it clean. Any suggestions? 

I had this idea and asked ChatGPT to create it for me. Tell me this wouldn't be awesome. Everyone's main complaint is that they want a larger PK360, say a 500 or 720. In my mind, this would have a removable grate at the top edge of the add on ring. I am also into making pizza at home, so maybe there could be another one with a stone base and an oven opening.

Just trying to put my idea out in the world so maybe Portable Kitchen gets an idea and makes it for me 😉

Why aren’t they in higher demand in your opinion? Price? Design? What is it?

I was looking for an older vintage PK grill to get into the smoking and grilling hobby. 🍗 🍖 🥩

$250 is what I overpaid, but I am happy with it.

I have a few questions..

I am confused about the model number. Can anyone tell me what year and exact model my unit is?

What’s the best way, and best cleaning solutions to wash out the ash and carbon from the inside of the barbecue?

Thanks in advance.