Looking for a nice charcoal barbecue? You’ve probably considered the Original PK Grill and Weber Kettle, but which one is superior?
Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all, shall we? Let’s have a look at the Original PK Grill vs Weber Kettle Grill to see who wins.
If you want to improve your steak game, a charcoal grill is the way to go.
Cook with more control and get more results than wood pellets, while still making juicier meat with a distinct flavor!
If you’re searching for a good charcoal grill, you’ll hear a lot of suggestions and recommendations, but perhaps the most frequent are the Original PK Grill and Weber Kettle, so which one is better?
To assist you make a more informed decision, I’ve compiled this comprehensive comparison of the Original PK Grill vs Weber Kettle that compares the most important features of a grill.
Let’s look at what they have to offer in detail.
What Are the Different Types of Gas Grills?
One thing you should be aware of is that the manufacturer of a grill can tell you a lot about it. As a result, let’s begin this guide by taking a look at the backstory of these two popular grill manufacturers.
PK Grills
Hilton Meigs created the first BBQ grill from cast aluminum and dubbed it “Portable Kitchen Grill” in the early 1950s.
The design was a huge hit, and it has continued to be so due to the rust resistance and heat retention qualities that eclipse most other cookware materials today, making it one of the greatest outdoor grill surfaces available.
The original PK Grills’s durability and flexibility allowed it to endure as an industry standard for decades, despite the fact that the firm also creates some well-known versions such as the PK 360 and the PK TX.
Weber
Weber has been in operation since 1893, although the first charcoal grill was created by Weber in the early 1950s. So, just like PK Grills, they have over 70 years of expertise making grills.
BDT Capital Partners, on the other hand, acquired a majority stake in the firm in 2010.
Weber has also expanded its horizons, with gas, wood, and electric grills all available.
The German-made Weber Kettle tradition began with the introduction of their first charcoal grill in 1933.
The company’s line of grills includes large grills like the Genesis and Summit, as well as tiny charcoal grills such as the Weber Q barbecue.
Weber Kettle vs. The Original PK Grill: Which Is Better?
It’s time to look at the two specific models in question today now that you know a little more about PK Grills and Weber as a company.
The ideal method to choose a superior grill is by comparing the two products in terms of the features you should look for while purchasing a charcoal grill, so let’s see how the Original PK Grill and Weber Kettle stack up against each other:
Build Quality
The most significant difference between the Original PK Grill and the Weber Kettle is that the latter is constructed of steel. The cast-aluminum body of the PK grill is one of the most durable types of grills.
Aluminum is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, so you may leave it out without having to worry about the weather harming it.
Not only that, but aluminum is also extremely light, allowing you to transport the grill with ease. But more on this later.
The original Weber Kettle, for example, is composed of porcelain with steel handles and legs. While porcelain is more resistant to rust and corrosion than aluminum, it isn’t as sturdy or light.
Furthermore, owing to the weather, the handles and legs of this grill are at risk of rusting, making it a superior choice for individuals who value durability.
Heat Retention and Distribution
Aluminum’s conductivity and distribution, in particular, make it an ideal material for grills.
The Original PK Grill, as a substance that is four times more conductive than porcelain-lined steel, enables you to cook faster and more effectively while maintaining even heat distribution.
The Original PK Grill’s innovative direct heat transfer technology enables it to produce a variety of heat zones across the cooking surface.
It also allows you to cook multiple types of meat or in a variety of ways and stages at the same time, which is ideal for barbeque buffets when you’ll be grilling a variety of foods at once.
Size and Design
A grill’s design has more than one purpose: it not only looks good, but it also serves as a functional component when it comes to ventilation and heat retention.
For example, despite the fact that I prefer the design of the Weber Kettle over the Weber Kettle II, it is clearly superior in terms of cooking.
When the temperature inside the grill rises above that of the surrounding environment, a sealed medium is created automatically to maintain it stable.
The Weber Kettle is considerably larger, measuring in at roughly 22 inches in diameter, however it has a far smaller cooking surface area of around 363 sq in.
Temperature Control
The weber is a lot easier to use when it comes to temperature control.
This is due to the fact that the Weber Kettle includes a built-in thermometer in the lid, which lets you know when your food is cooked.
The bottom of the firebox has a vent that allows you to regulate the amount of air coming inside the grill and, as a result, its temperature easily.
While the PK grill lacks a thermometer, it’s simple to determine its temperature with a probe thermometer or a PK thermometer (here’s a video on how to install it).
You may also utilize the charcoal’s vent system to regulate the amount of air entering it.
Ease of Assembly and Intuitiveness
When it comes to putting these grills together, both of them do an excellent job at making the process simple.
On the other hand, the Original PK Grill comes with an official instructions manual to assist you in putting it together.
However, owing to its popularity and how simple it is to use, there are a plethora of video guides available that can guide you through every step of lighting it up correctly, such as this one from PK.
The Original PK Grill also has a small side table, which is lacking in the Weber Kettle, to make it simpler to apply rubs and transfer steaks to plates with ease.
However, one disadvantage of the Weber grill is that it takes longer to put together because of its complexity.
The company did, however, make it much easier to build thanks to the free 3D interactive installation software “BILT.”
Maintenance and Cleaning
The Weber and PK grills are both very simple to clean, with the exception of the Weber grill’s clever bottom ash collection tray, which is easier to empty when compared to the standard PK grill procedure.
Portability
The Original PK grill is 16 x 35 x 35.5 inches and has a double wheel assembly, weighing approximately 45 pounds.
The Weber Kettle also has a twin set of rear wheels, however the grill is significantly lighter at 32.3 lbs and measures 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches, as shown in Figure 3 (left).
To summarize, they’re both relatively light and simple to move around.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Original PK Grill and the Weber Kettle?
The Original PK Grill has a unique capsule shape and is made of thick cast aluminum, which makes it more durable and better at retaining heat than the Weber Kettle.
The Weber Kettle has a more traditional round shape and is made of porcelain-coated steel.
Which one is better for grilling?
Both grills are great for grilling, but the Original PK Grill is better at retaining heat, which makes it ideal for searing and cooking at high temperatures. The Weber Kettle is better suited for low and slow cooking.
Which one is more portable?
The Original PK Grill is more portable than the Weber Kettle because it has a lightweight aluminum body and can be easily disassembled for transport.
Which one is easier to clean?
Both grills are easy to clean, but the Weber Kettle has a removable ash catcher that makes cleaning up ash and debris a breeze.
Which one is more affordable?
The Weber Kettle is generally more affordable than the Original PK Grill, which is a premium product.
Which one is better for smoking?
The Weber Kettle is better for smoking because it has a larger cooking area and can hold more charcoal and wood chips.
Which one is more durable?
The Original PK Grill is more durable than the Weber Kettle because it is made of thick cast aluminum, which is less prone to rust and corrosion than steel.
Which one has better temperature control?
Both grills have good temperature control, but the Original PK Grill has better heat retention, which makes it easier to maintain a consistent temperature.
Which one is better for outdoor cooking in extreme weather conditions?
The Original PK Grill is better for outdoor cooking in extreme weather conditions because it is more durable and better at retaining heat than the Weber Kettle.
Which one is better for beginners?
The Weber Kettle is better for beginners because it is more affordable and easier to use than the Original PK Grill, which requires a bit more skill to operate effectively.
Conclusion
That concludes our comparison of the Original PK Grill vs Weber Kettle, which compares the two charcoal grills head-to-head.
Both of these places, as well as others from the list below, have exceptionally high ratings and are known for their quality and dependability in all areas. They are therefore highly popular.
However, if I have to choose between the two, I’ll go with the Original PK Grill over the Weber Kettle.
Although both of them are excellent grills that do a fantastic job of cooking steaks and pork, the build quality of the PK Grill won me over.
This grill is made of cast aluminum and has a beautiful design that not only helps the grill resist corrosion and rust, but also increases heat retention and distribution, ensuring an evenly cooked steak!
