Question For the In-House Scientists

[hikerman]

Which PBC will outlive the other?

While the new and improved PBC looks great and cooks great. How long will it last in comparison to the original PBC?
Lost Arrow has stated a Weber kettle's life expectancy is 10 years, and it being porcelain-coated like the new PBC's, would that be the expectation for the new PBC?
    I am a very happy owner of the original powder-coated PBC. If I maintain I it well, and sand and touch up whenever needed, wouldn't the powder-coating version last longer?

[drholly]

Interesting question... I'm guessing they'll both outlive me...

[hikerman]

Interesting question... I'm guessing they'll both outlive me...

Let's hope not David! I'd much rather buy another PBC! 

[Pappymn]

10 years on a Weber kettle? Me thinks LA is a bit hard on his grills

[drholly]

Interesting question... I'm guessing they'll both outlive me...

Let's hope not David! I'd much rather buy another PBC! 

Me too - but that thing is well made!

[smokeasaurus]

There are Weber grills out there that are 30 years old. Keep in mind LA might be basing a Webers life span if you are down near the humid bayou rather than a covered patio in Los Angeles........

I think if ashes and moisture are not allowed to accumulate in the bottom of a PBC, it will last much longer than 10 years.

[LostArrow]

10 years on a Weber kettle? Me thinks LA is a bit hard on his grills

Ouch!
Here's the deal
High heat with corrosive material rusts through steel.
Wet ash is pretty corrosive.
Porcelain coated steel is very corrosive resistant.
With very high heat the porceloin coating developers micro cracks due to differential expansion between the steel & the porceloin.
If you want your weber kettle to last longer use a charcoal ring or basket keep the coals from contacting the cooker wall.
Regarding the PBC with the basket keeping the high heat burning coals from contacting the walls the weak area is the floor.
Coat the floor with HD foil, & clean out ashes before they get wet & it'll last a long time.
The new PBC will last longer because it's a heavier gauge steel.
The porceloin coating is on the outside of barrel & will help appearance but not longevity.
Either should give many years of service unless you let sit with wet ashes for months at a time.

[Pappymn]

Makes sense to me LA.

[hikerman]

Thanks for responding gentleman.  I guess I was leaning on the can powder-coated last longer if it is maintained. A bit of sanding and some manifold paint when needed. As opposed to the porcelain-cos ted which I guess is maint. free. I'm speaking outside and bottom.

[teesquare]

I think I agree with LA's assessment - a along as we are talking about the steel/porcelain Webers - not the aluminum ons.

The inherent weakness in any design where big thermal changes in relatively short timeframes is differing coefficients of expansion and contraction.

Porcelain and steel expand and contract at different rates - and different rate of speed. Inevitably, the micro cracking and subsequent rust occurs.

[hikerman]

So powder-coated if given tlc/ sanding and spot painting, should last longer. No?

[teesquare]

So powder-coated if given tlc/ sanding and spot painting, should last longer. No?

No, I would not say it will last longer....It really is up to the weather and cook to determine the lifespan of any cooker. But - one thing of note: Powder coatings are often polyester based. Which makes them extremely non porous as - they are a true plastic coating. That property of extremely low micro-porosity also makes it more difficult to get new paint - of the kind you will normally find in a hardware store/in a spray can - to stick to them well.
So, surface preparation is critical. It will be best if when you decide to touch up your PBC - that you power sand and epode clean metal. Remember that all paints are nt created equal, so find a high temp primer if possible, and a companion high temp top-coat for it.( Rustoleum and Krylon probably both have these in their product line.)

[hikerman]

Understood.  Thanks Tim!

[LostArrow]

Don't worry , with a minimal care either should last many years.
The new porcelain coated one will look purdy for years longer but theirs no need to upgrade for lifespan.
I like pretty shiny things & would probably upgrade

[hikerman]

I guess I see it as powder-coated needs occasional tlc and the porcelain-coated is more maint. free.
I believe most of the wood burning off-sets are powder-coated and thought they would be more maintainable for longer life span. Not a big deal but was curious.