Sesquipedalian Posted September 11, 2007 Report Share Posted September 11, 2007 Anybody in colder climates have the tiled KK? How does it hold up and does it require maintenance often? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firemonkey Posted September 11, 2007 Report Share Posted September 11, 2007 Lots of colder climate KKs out there. A couple in Switzerland, a couple in Salt Lake, Porkchop in Chicago and Fetzervalve in Iowa come to mind. There are pictures around here somewhere of them covered in snow and ice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbower Posted September 11, 2007 Report Share Posted September 11, 2007 There are pictures around here somewhere of them covered in snow and ice. I wonder where they're hiding... I guess it also depends on what you mean by cold - for FireMonkey it's anything below 70F Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish Posted September 11, 2007 Report Share Posted September 11, 2007 Porkchop has a black textured....the manly man's BBQ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNakedWhiz Posted September 12, 2007 Report Share Posted September 12, 2007 Hey Trish, I've got one of those manly black textured cookers too. And the weather is nicer than where Porkchop lives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish Posted September 12, 2007 Report Share Posted September 12, 2007 Hey Trish' date=' I've got one of those manly black textured cookers too. And the weather is nicer than where Porkchop lives. [/quote'] Whiz I knew you were a manly man....that barrel in the avatar doesn't fool me. You stood the wrath of RJ with dignity and integrity..I salute you. Do you think Porkchop's BBQ turns just a little bluish during the winter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sesquipedalian Posted September 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2007 Actually my original interest was a textured but it is my understanding they are on hold because of cracks in the textured surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sanny Posted September 12, 2007 Report Share Posted September 12, 2007 Whizzy's had cracks, but he bought it as a "second." The cracks were around the latch, and were a result of careless handling during shipping and customs. They had nothing to do with manufacturing. LeadDoggy has a mustard (bein kind there) yeller one. And I've not heard that Nugget has cracks. I'm sure he'd not be silent over something like that. Dennis is probably improving the finish on it, beyond what could be detected by mere mortals. Wouldn't want a textured to be less fabulous than the tiled, after all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fetzervalve Posted September 12, 2007 Report Share Posted September 12, 2007 Here's mine in a late season ice storm - chuggin' away. I have had it nearly a year and no known weather related problems. I would recommend covering it, just to be sure. If it is in the open (can get wet) and you have freezing weather, I would not take any chances, you simply can't be sure you can keep the water out and freezing water is very powerful. Here's how mine spent the winter...when it wasn't being used. The KK opened up a whole new season of cooking options not available to the Weber thin-tin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish Posted September 12, 2007 Report Share Posted September 12, 2007 It is my understanding that the textured coating is getting an improvement also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sumrtym Posted September 13, 2007 Report Share Posted September 13, 2007 From my conversation with Dennis, the textured was on hold because of the different materials (refractory vs insulated) used around the internal bands. Because the refractory material expands at a different rate, and it's a harder material used entirely in the band area, cracks in the exterior develop on the textured because of this different expansion rate. I'm still waiting for Dennis to comment on the actual tile ratings as last time we conversed back on 7/24 he didn't know. Tiles are rated by 4 degres of moisture absorbtion. Non-Vitreous tiles have a water absorbtion rate of 7% or greater (wall tile) and is suitable only in an indoor environment. Semi-Vitreous tiles are rated at more than 3% absorbtion but less than 7%, and this makes them suitable for indoor applications only as well. Vitreous tiles are rated with water absorbtion of less than 3% moisture, but more than 0.5%. Vitreous are refereed to as frost resistant tiles but can not be used in exterior areas where freeze / thaw conditions could cause the tiles to crack. Impervious tiles are tiles that have less than 0.5% moisture absorbtion (think porcelain tile as an example). These tiles are frost proof and can be used in exterior areas, or on the outside of buildings. My concern about the tiled units is on longevity over time as I'm not certain what is being employed on the KK's. I also passed on some info regarding grouts, the other point of possible exterior failure. Epoxy grous are strong, highly water resistant, and require no sealing. Silicone rubber grout is water-resistant and elastic, but the silicone properties make them unsuitable for food-handling areas. Dry-set grouts, nonsanded, are suitable for grout joints not exceeding 1/8" in width. Sanded grouts are suitable up to 3"8". Latex additives can be added to make them stronger and more waterproof. At the time, I suggested to Dennis that the best choice for KK construction would be glass tiles with epoxy grout. I don't believe the glass tiles would add significant, if any, higher cost, although epoxy grout undoubtedly would. For one, glass is completely non-porous and will take ZERO moisture, and through-body colored glass tiles are acid, alkali, and chemical resistant and will not fade over time, unlike glazed porcelain. They also will not stain. It does not decay or deteriorate with exposure to the elements. Glass tile is hygenic, non-allergenic, and will not support the growth of mildew, mold, or bacteria. It is frequently being used now in swimming pool construction. Epoxy grouts are becoming popular with the use of glass because many of them have a chemical composition that resists stains and breakdown. They are non-porous and non-absorbant, thus elminating all maintenance concerns regarding moisture. When mixed with antimicrobial products, they even inhibit the growth of mold or mildew, which is a commmon occurance in regular cement grout. It also results in a stronger product. Anyway, those two options to me would make the KK the best cooker and relieve the biggest concerns over time with the cookers. As I said, the glass tiles should not add to the cost significantly as I found them priced on the web as low as $1.75 per 1.15 square feet (less than $100 in material cost for tile per KK). Epoxy grout does run higher but will save purchasers the additional cost in reduced maintanence, cleaning, and sealent over their years with their cooker. Just my suggestions / concerns regarding current materials and the unknown ratings on presently used tiles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firemonkey Posted September 13, 2007 Report Share Posted September 13, 2007 Silicone rubber grout is water-resistant and elastic' date=' but the silicone properties make them unsuitable for food-handling areas.[/quote'] Can you elaborate on this?? I am confused, as silicone utensils and bakeware are commonplace? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sumrtym Posted September 13, 2007 Report Share Posted September 13, 2007 Silicone rubber grout is water-resistant and elastic' date=' but the silicone properties make them unsuitable for food-handling areas.[/quote'] Can you elaborate on this?? I am confused, as silicone utensils and bakeware are commonplace? Sure, there is some silicone products rated as food safe, and some that is not. Silicone rubber grout typically falls into the latter and it's use is constrained to bathrooms, not kitchens or food prep areas. There are, of course, food safe liquid silicone grout sealers on the market and we're all aware of the current influx of silicone utinsels. However, just like tiles, all silicone is not created equal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeDJ16 Posted September 14, 2007 Report Share Posted September 14, 2007 Re: Silicone and glaze.. I don't use the outside of my Komodo as a food preparation surface. At least I've never thrown meat on the outside of mine.. -=Jasen=- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotwood Posted September 14, 2007 Report Share Posted September 14, 2007 I dont think most tiles are going to be affected by water to much extent. my parents have quarry tile over their concrete stoop on their front vestibule they live in chicago and this get snowed/rained on all the time. been 24 years, the only crack is with one tile and its due to settling and its not even an epoxy grout just a sanded grout with additive(probably latex) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeDJ16 Posted September 14, 2007 Report Share Posted September 14, 2007 This website seems to contain very similar information as mentioned above. http://www.floorfacts.com/flooring-guid ... itions.htm But then when you look at the definition of glazed tile, you get this information. Glazed – The most common style today in floor and wall tiles, as well as for residential and commercial applications. A liquid glass is applied to the body of the tile and fired at high temperatures. The glazing becomes hard and non-porous resulting in a flooring that is: Stain Resistant Scratch Resistant Fire Resistant Doesn’t Fade from Sun Light Slip Resistant Easy to Clean So I imagine as long as you keep your grout sealed or use waterproof grout, there would be little issue of water absorption. I know for a fact, there are some of the other tiled grills in very cold climates (and some of these) and never heard of a tile cracking. So I think there is nothing to worry about with the glazed tiles being used. As for grouts, my money is on silicone grouts. Epoxy based grouts are very hard. This grill has to be allowed to expand and contract with hot/cold cycling, no way around it. If you use a very hard grout, the next weakest area is going to have trouble. So a grout that is water resistant and flexes fits the bill way better. -=Jasen=- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Salt Posted September 15, 2007 Report Share Posted September 15, 2007 Geez, y'all should do the sensible thing and just move someplace warm Sanny honey, you know when we see minus 20 temperatures here in So Cal? When we look at that photo you posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeDJ16 Posted September 15, 2007 Report Share Posted September 15, 2007 Geez' date=' y'all should do the sensible thing and just move someplace warm [/quote'] I'm already there! hehe Actually it is usually freakn hot here in Ga. If we are real lucky (hehe), we might see a few snow flurries once or twice a year. -=Jasen=- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulR Posted September 15, 2007 Report Share Posted September 15, 2007 Nah, move further South and emigrate to Oz... nice weather down here... Snow??? huh??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fetzervalve Posted September 15, 2007 Report Share Posted September 15, 2007 Nah, move further South and emigrate to Oz... nice weather down here... Snow??? huh??? Sure, laugh it up.... make fun of the fat kid in the snow belt. I'm already trying to figure out how to get the KK to Panama when I retire. Can I just by a plane ticket and put it in the seat next to me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...