I ordered the new PK360 and have had it a couple of weeks now. I've done three cooks on it so far but I'm still learning to use it to some degree. It does have some features and aspects that I like over the original PK.
The first thing that I like is that it is quite a bit taller than the original grill. While i"m not a tall guy(5'4") I still felt like I am bending down quite a bit with the original grill. The pedestal stand is actually pretty nice and once you get the base tightened to the round post, it is very sturdy. I know that this was a concern with some of the people on the PK FB page but this thing doesn't feel like it's going to tip over at all. The wheels are small so this grill doesn't roll as well as the wheels on the original PK cart so that could be considered a small negative. Though I haven't done it, I don't see someone rolling it through the grass or rougher terrain. If you need to move it to somewhere other than on a fairly smooth surface, I would just lift the grill off of the stand and move these two pieces separately.
The cylindrical lower air tubes are unique and make it fairly easy to dial in your temps, especially with the included thermometer. They only have a 90 degree range of motion and the plastic piece on the end of the tube has a marking on it so you know where the opening is. When the mark is straight up, the vents are fully open. 90 degrees to the right and the vents are fully closed. If you use this grill without the stand, the vent tubes are still fully functional so that the grill doesn't have to be elevated on anything to get good airflow.
The fact that the ash and embers stays inside the grill bottom is a huge plus, especially if you are grilling anywhere where you are not over concrete or other non flammable surfaces. That is my one concern when using my original PK on anything other than the concrete carport surface on which it mostly sits. Plus you don't have ash falling out everywhere making a mess. The grill has a big plug in the bottom that you take out to sweep ash into a bucket that you can hang off of the hooks that are on the back of the grill. All of the lower hooks and lower vent tubes are removable for replacement in case one gets broken somehow.
I really like the two large removable tables. That is one thing that is lacking on the original grill. It's table area is very small. My grill has the limited edition Ironwood shelves but the regular production 360's are coming with a black plastic composite type shelf. Long term I don't know which will hold up better but I think mine looks better than the black ones but that's just my personal opinion.
I personally like that the lid opens front to back vs from the side on the original grill. I guess it's probably because I'm more used to that way.
While this grill is larger than the original, it is still manageable to carry though I would take the lid off first because it is heavier than the original grill. The two side handles do make it easy for two people to carry it if you prefer that way.
As far as grilling surface size, it is not much bigger than the original. Less than two inches wider and longer. Here are my approximate measurements of the grilling grates for both grills. The original: 21 7/16" L X 14 1/8" W. 360: 23 1/8" L X 15 5/16" W. For those that want something much bigger than the original, this is not it. The lid and bottom of the 360 is each about 1 1/2" deeper than the original grill. The distance between the charcoal grate and the cooking grate is the same on both grills at about 4 3/8".
The cooking grate on the 360 sits slightly below the upper edge of the bottom casting so that food falling off when trying to remove it is not as much as a concern as it is on the original. The cooking and charcoal grates are more heavy duty than the original grates though the new SS grate for the original grill is more heavy duty than the original PK grate.
Overall it's a very nice grill. Whether or not it's worth the asking price is up for debate. Most people may say no if you are just looking at the grilling room between the two. I personally think a better price point would be about $600-650 but I'm sure the new castings plus the quality of the materials used is what may have helped bring the price up to where it is at. Plus they are comparing this grill to the BGE and other Kamado's so that may have something to do with it also.
I don't have many photo's but here are a few. AlanZ posted quite a few and his are very good. If you have any questions, just ask.
Here are both next to each other so you can see the height difference.
Here are both with the lids up so you can see the approximate difference in grilling surface size.
A picture with my PK charcoal baskets inside.
My ironwood shelves. Mine are slightly different colors but it makes it unique.
My first cook on the new grill.
finished product. Grilled indirect to 135 degrees and then grilled direct for 2 minutes per side. Very tender and flavorful.
