Are you looking for a great charcoal barbecue? You’ve undoubtedly considered the Original PK Grill and Weber Kettle, but which is better?
Let’s put an end to this debate once and for all. Let’s have a look at the Original PK Grill vs Weber Kettle Grill to see who comes out on top.
A charcoal grill is the way to go if you want to up your steak game.
Wood pellets may provide more control over the fire than other fuel options, but they often produce drier meat with a distinct flavor.
If you’re looking for the best charcoal grill, you’ll hear a lot of suggestions and recommendations, but perhaps the most common are the Original PK Grill and Weber Kettle. Which is better?
To assist you in making a more educated decision, I’ve compiled this comprehensive comparison of the Original PK Grill vs Weber Kettle to highlight the most important characteristics of a grill.
Let’s look at each of their features in depth.
What Are the Different Types of Gas Grills?
One thing to keep in mind is that the creator of a grill may provide you with important information. As a result, let’s begin our guide by going through the history of these two well-known barbecue producers.
PK Grills
In the early 1950s, Hilton Meigs developed the first barbecue grill from cast aluminum and called it “Portable Kitchen Grill.
Due to the rust resistance and heat retention features that surpass most other cookware materials today, this is still a best-seller among outdoor grill surfaces.
Despite the fact that the firm also produces well-known versions such as the PK 360 and the PK TX, its exceptional durability and flexibility allowed it to endure as an industry standard for decades.
Weber
Weber began operations in 1893, although Weber’s first charcoal grill was created in the early 1950s. As a result, they have over 70 years of experience manufacturing grills, much like PK Grills.
In 2010, Blackstone acquired a significant stake in BTI and took on the role of lead investor. Since then, BDT Capital Partners has maintained a majority share.
The company has also expanded its horizons, with gas, wood, and electric grills now available.
The Weber Kettle began in 1933 when the company first introduced its first charcoal grill. Grills from Weber include big grills such as the Genesis and Summit, as well as little charcoal grills like the Weber Q BBQ.
Weber Kettle vs. The Original PK Grill: Which Is Better?
It’s time to take a closer look at the two models in question, given your newfound knowledge of PK Grills and Weber.
The best way to pick a great charcoal grill is by comparing the two models based on the features you should seek in a charcoal grill, so let’s have a look at how the Original PK Grill and Weber Kettle compare:
Build Quality
The Weber Kettle is made of steel, as opposed to the Original PK Grill’s cast-aluminum body. The sturdy cast- aluminum body of the PK grill is one of the most durable types of grills available.
Aluminum is naturally rust- and corrosion-resistant, so you may leave it outside without having to worry about the weather damaging it.
Aluminum, like steel and iron, is also a thermoplastic that may be molded as needed. It’s also very lightweight, allowing you to move the grill with ease. But there’s more to it than that.
The Weber Kettle, for example, is made of porcelain with steel handles and legs. While porcelain is more rust-resistant than aluminum, it isn’t as robust or light.
Finally, owing to the elements, the handles and legs of this grill are susceptible to rusting, making it a superior choice for people who value long-term usefulness.
Heat Retention and Distribution
Aluminum’s conductivity and distribution, in particular, make it an excellent material for grills.
As a heat-conductive material that is four times more conductive than porcelain-lined steel, the Original PK Grill allows you to cook faster and more effectively while distributing even heat.
The OriginalPK Grill’s unique direct heat transfer method enables it to create a variety of heat zones across the cooking surface.
It also enables you to cook many types of meat or foods in a number of ways and stages at the same time, which is perfect for barbeque buffets when grilling a variety of dishes simultaneously.
Size and Design
The design of a grill serves more than one purpose. It not only looks fantastic, but it also serves as a functional element when it comes to ventilation and heat retention.
Despite my affection for the Weber Kettle’s design, it is clearly superior in terms of cooking.
When the temperature inside the grill rises above that of the ambient air, a sealed medium is produced immediately to keep it stable.
The Weber Kettle is considerably larger, measuring in at around 22 inches in diameter, although it has a far smaller cooking surface of just 363 square inches.
Temperature Control
The Weber’s temperature control is far simpler than that of the gas grill.
This is due to the fact that the Weber Kettle includes a built-in thermometer in the lid, which informs you when your food is cooked.
The bottom of the firebox has a vent that allows you to adjust the amount of air coming into the grill, which makes it easy to regulate its temperature.
The PK grill does not include a thermometer, but it’s simple to estimate its temperature with a probe thermometer or a PK thermometer (here’s a video on how to install it).
You may also use the charcoal’s vent system to regulate how much air goes in.
Ease of Assembly and Intuitiveness
When it comes to putting these grills together, both of them do a fantastic job at making the process straightforward.
The Original PK Grill, on the other hand, comes with an original instructions guide to assist you in putting it together.
However, because it is so popular and easy to use, there are a lot of video instructions available that can walk you through every stage of lighting it up correctly, such as the one provided by PK.
The Original PK Grill also has a tiny side table, unlike the Weber Kettle, making it easier to apply rubs and move steaks to plates.
One disadvantage of the Weber grill, though, is that it takes longer to put together because of its complexity. The company has nonetheless made it considerably easier to construct due on the basis of “BILT,” which provides a free 3D interactive installation program.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The Weber grill’s unique bottom ash collection tray, which is simpler to empty than the standard PK grill method, makes cleaning the Weber and PK grills very straightforward.
Portability
The Original PK grill is 16.5 x 35.5 x 35.5 inches and carries a twin wheel assembly, weighing approximately 45 pounds.
The Weber Kettle also has a twin set of rear wheels, as seen in Figure 3 (left), but the grill is significantly lighter at 32.3 lbs and measures 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches, as shown in Figure 3 (right).
Finally, both are easy to transport and lightweight.
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 regions, as well as others from the list below, have excellent ratings and are recognized for their excellence and dependability in all areas. As a result, they are quite popular.
However, I’d choose the Original PK Grill over the Weber Kettle if I had to pick one.
The build quality of the PK Grill won me over, even though both of them are excellent steaks and pork grills.
This grill is made of cast aluminum and has a sleek appearance that not only helps the grill resist corrosion and rust, but also improves heat retention and distribution, ensuring an evenly cooked steak!
