I will have a new PG500 arriving 8/23!!! I am thrilled!

Congrats , the PG500 is a killer unit.

Good for you!

Did you buy the front shelf?

Is the grate in zone 1 still cast iron?

Now that the wheel-set has changed from my 2013 unit, how easy is it to roll around?

The front will stain from smoke leakage.  I recently cleaned mine rather thoroughly and treated it with TopCoat F-11, an automobile paint treatment.  It makes it much easier to wipe clean.  If I bought a new stainless steel pit I'd give it two or three coats of F-11 before I fired it up for the first time.

I also wouldn't bother seasoning it.  My seasoning just builds up until it flakes off.  Seasoning doesn't stick to SS as well as it does to mild steel.  Just do a burn-in to remove manufacturing residue and start cooking.

 Enjoy that PG500! 

Good for you!

Did you buy the front shelf?

Is the grate in zone 1 still cast iron?

Now that the wheel-set has changed from my 2013 unit, how easy is it to roll around?

The front will stain from smoke leakage.  I recently cleaned mine rather thoroughly and treated it with TopCoat F-11, an automobile paint treatment.  It makes it much easier to wipe clean.  If I bought a new stainless steel pit I'd give it two or three coats of F-11 before I fired it up for the first time.

I also wouldn't bother seasoning it.  My seasoning just builds up until it flakes off.  Seasoning doesn't stick to SS as well as it does to mild steel.  Just do a burn-in to remove manufacturing residue and start cooking.

Is F-11 what they use on DeLorean's

Is F-11 what they use on DeLorean's

 
No, DeLoreans get ceramic coatings, like Gyeon Pure.  It's so hard when cured that a ripple has to be ground down.  When done right it looks wet forever.

Thanks everyone for the kind words and advice. I did not order the front shelf as my wife ordered it as a surprise for my BD. But I will look into getting it. My first and only pellet smoker was a little Traeger Tailgater. It will be great to step up to something that is such a fine appliance.

All I can say is wow! What a great smoker!

All I can say is wow! What a great smoker!

Congratulations...

Let us know how you are enjoying your new smoker/grill, preferably with pictures attached..

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I'm getting close to making this purchase also.

You will enjoy it!

We are like twins.  Got mine yesterday too.

Is it accepted practice to ask whether you guys found the best deal direct from cookshack, or did you go with a supplier?

My cousin has a PG500.
Very nice pit.

Is it accepted practice to ask whether you guys found the best deal direct from cookshack, or did you go with a supplier?

BBQ Guys for me.