Which Charcoal Grill

[jlazar]

My gas grill is getting ready to give out and when it does I plan to replace it with a charcoal grill. Right now I am leaning towards the PK Grill or a Weber with the SNS (for searing). I have a Chubby G2 for smoking so a smoking capability is not required. What are your thoughts on the PK vs Weber. Or which other grills should I consider? Really don't want to go above $400. Appreciate any and all comments.

[Troutman]

Both are very good charcoal grills, I suppose you could toss a coin on which one is better. I'm a confirmed Weber guy, own (4) differing models so you can guess my choice. You definitely want the SnS option with the Weber kettle, that makes it very versatile.

[Attjack]

As a weber guy I say screw it. Get the PK.

[Eugene A]

I'm biased in favor of anything with the Weber name. So, I'd recommend the Weber Kettle, 22". Weber's customer service is very quick to respond to general inquiries, as well as requests for help. I don't know anything about the PK Grill. The reviews here for the PK Grill are positive. When all else fails, flip a coin.

[CandySueQ]

I like the old model PK, but I've got Weber Kettles!

[ComfortablyNumb]

I have a PK360 and I find it to be the best grill. Solid cast aluminum, it won't ever chip or rust. It comes with a hinged grate so adding coals is easy. Draft tubes are easy to open and close. Ash does not fall out while cooking, it is contained in the base until you open a plug in the bottom and sweep the ashes into a bucket you hang from the base. It comes with side shelves. It is easily portable and can be used without the base, which is very sturdy. The lid can be lifted up and removed, or tilted back on a hinge. Watch the video on the PK360 and the one on the AR review. If you go with it, it will be the last charcoal grill you will have to buy, and your grandkids won't have to buy one. Questions/pictures, just ask.

[BBQCentralShow]

I don't have a PK360 myself, but I agree with ComfortablyNumb on this one. Buy the best an only cry once!!

[LA Pork Butt]

I cook on a Kamado and have cooked on Weber’s which I have always enjoyed. But, the PK with its rectangular shape is attractive to me. It appears a two zone fire is easy. The only thing I would consider is how much cooking area is needed. I typically grill for my wife and I only and when I cook for a larger group I either smoke or roast which your Chubby would do if that is your cooking style for guests. But if you plan to grill for a large group the Weber 26 may be your best choice.

[Polarbear777]

The pk is roughly the same capacity as a 22” kettle. I hope they make a pk720 which is 2x as deep so it’s a big square. Capacity is really the only limitation on the PK360 and it can smoke rock steady with the best of them.

[Sgt Tyree]

I have older Weber kettles that have achieved "statesman" status but if I had to buy a new grill today i'd seriously consider the PK due to the build quality. It just seems the new Weber grills in the kettle, WGA, and Smokey Joe lines have diminished somewhat in quality lately. Just my view from the saddle.

[Polarbear777]

If you aren’t going to smoke on the new grill the Weber with SNS is probably the way to go as it is 3x less cost and is easier to clean.

The PK360 is slick and lives for smoking (see graph test run with no interference or added coals) and 2 zone cooking and will look cooler and last nearly forever, but you pay for all that.

For standard grilling, either one will work great and net you equivalent results.

[jfmorris]

Based on your stated budget, only the base PK fits your budget, and not the PK360. The Weber 22" kettles offer you a little more grilling space, and within your budget, you could get a nice one like the Weber Performer Deluxe for $399 a lot of places. I cannot say enough good things about having propane assist to get a chimney of charcoal burning really fast. Having the large side table for working space, and the charcoal storage is great too.

[kmhfive]

The PK looks cool and will last forever. But the Weber will grill equally well. I do have 4 of them, though.

[jlazar]

Sorry, I should have been clearer. I am looking at the PK grill not the PK360. PK on Amazon runs 369 before tax. Weber Kettle and SNS would be about 250. PK costs more but seems like it would last longer. Is it worth the difference in price?

[Polarbear777]

In that case for grilling I would go for a 22” Weber with an SNS. Primarily for ease of cleaning ashes. It’s hard to beat the rotary sweepers vs scooping in the original pk.

[Troutman]

Good point about lasting ability. Having said that; however, I have only owned (3) Weber kettles two of which died because of abuse, not the fact that they wore out. That enamelized metal lasts for decades as well.

[RonB]

One other thing to consider. The Webers are so popular that there are a lot of companies making replacement parts and accessories for them. I don't have a PK, but I doubt that the options are a good as with a Weber.

[jfmorris]

This is a really big consideration. Weber has so many accessories available. Not just the SnS, but 3rd party grates, rotisserie, and so on.

[jlazar]

Good point.

[JeffJ]

The ease of adding cool accessories and the ease of finding replacement parts would tip the scales in favor of the Weber for me. Also, if you are going to only have 1 grill (and 1 excellent smoker with the chubby) I'd push you to the 26. The capacity is excellent and the standard (and cheaper) sized SnS works perfectly well in it. The 26 + SnS puts you right at $400. I have 4 grills and 3 smokers (plus a lot of accessories), but if I could only keep 1 it would be the 26 + SnS.

[jfmorris]

That is what I’ve told a few people myself lately. I’ve got 4 grills/smokers, but if push came to shove, and I could only keep one, it would be the Weber Performer Deluxe with SnS and Grillgrates.