The PK360 charcoal grill consistently receives high praise for its versatility and performance, excelling in both low-and-slow smoking and high-heat searing. Its unique two-zone design allows for precise temperature control, making it suitable for a wide range of cooking styles and recipes, from tender brisket to perfectly seared steaks. This review delves into the strengths and limitations of this popular grill, highlighting its exceptional features and providing insights into its overall cooking capabilities. For those exploring the world of barrel charcoal grills, you might find our comprehensive guide on selecting the best one helpful – check out this resource for a deeper dive into various models and their features.This in-depth review examines the PK360, a highly-regarded charcoal grill known for its exceptional two-zone cooking system and precise airflow control. We'll explore its capabilities in detail, covering its performance in smoking, searing, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned barbecue enthusiast or a beginner looking for a versatile grill, this analysis will provide a thorough understanding of what the PK360 offers. If you're interested in other high-quality charcoal grills, be sure to consult our guide on choosing the ultimate barrel grill, available at this link.
Pros And Cons
- Smokes meat beautifully
- Creates beautiful sear marks
- Two-zone cooking capability allows for temperature control and different cooking styles (e.g., smoking one side, searing the other)
- Easy to control temperature by adjusting vents
- Versatile; can cook various meats (brisket, ham, chicken, tri-tip, steaks, burgers, chicken wings) at different temperatures (low and slow, or hot and fast)
- Produces incredible bark on meats
- Difficult to fit a full 18-pound brisket
Read more: Weber Master Touch Review After Several Months of Use
Smoking Capabilities
The PK360 excels at smoking, delivering beautifully smoked meats. Its two-zone design allows for precise temperature control. You can easily adjust the vents to regulate airflow, creating a perfect balance of smoke and heat.
I particularly appreciate the ability to place wood on one side and hot charcoal on the other. This creates a fantastic bark while allowing the smoke to escape gracefully. The results are consistently impressive, from tender brisket to succulent holiday hams.
While capable of handling smaller briskets exceptionally well, larger, 18-pound briskets present more of a challenge due to the grill's size. However, smaller cuts are perfectly suited for this method, consistently producing mouthwatering results.
Two-Zone Cooking Versatility
The PK360 shines with its adaptable two-zone cooking system. Unlike many charcoal grills, its multiple vents provide superior control over airflow.
This feature enables efficient reverse searing. Sear your meat quickly over direct heat, then move it to the indirect heat zone for even cooking and a perfect crust. This versatility is evident in perfectly cooked tri-tip and steaks.
The elevated grate accessory, sold separately, enhances the two-zone functionality, further elevating the cooking experience and allowing for precise temperature management.
High-Heat Cooking Performance
Beyond low and slow smoking, the PK360 handles high-heat cooking exceptionally well. This is perfect for searing steaks, cooking chicken wings, or grilling burgers to juicy perfection.
The grill’s ability to reach higher temperatures ensures a delicious crust, while maintaining internal doneness. The precise airflow control allows for a perfect sear every time, adding that extra layer of flavor.
This versatility allows you to expand your cooking repertoire well beyond traditional barbecue, easily accommodating a variety of dishes and techniques.
Overall Conclusion
After five years, the PK360 remains a top-performing charcoal grill. Its two-zone design and precise vent controls make it incredibly versatile. Whether you're smoking low and slow or searing hot and fast, the PK360 delivers consistently excellent results.
While larger briskets present a challenge, its performance with smaller cuts, along with chicken, steaks, and burgers, is superb. The build quality is excellent and the ability to create beautifully smoked meats is a stand-out feature.
If you are looking for a versatile and high-performing charcoal grill that excels in both low-and-slow cooking and high-heat searing, the PK360 is a fantastic option that I highly recommend.
