Honest Review Of The All New Original PK300 Charcoal Grill! / Unboxing, Assembly And Review!

[@jimcrookston2776]

Thanks Tom! I had an original PK and that cooker made great pork butts! I only sold it because I needed something bigger at the time. I agree the ash was always a problem. Will be interesting to see if those bottom vent covers will clog and I'm wondering if they should be taller. I would think an ash pan underneath would be a better overall.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Jim! Used it twice now with no plugging. It definitely is a huge improvement

[@kalvli]

Tom walks in the store realizes that he has more bbqs in his garage than any store. Walks back out

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Kalvin! Walked out with a grill! Lol

[@edwincarpenter6017]

Tom, do you think that the new bottom vent covers on the 300 have lowered the temp on direct cooks (compared to the Original)?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Edwin! Good question! I haven’t really noticed that however the handles of the new design are flimsy and prone to breaking

[@AdamS-nv5oo]

Took me second to realize this was new model, couldn't figure out why it's 130 more. Thanks for the review. Looks like they have another new model coming this partnered with Franklin

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Adam! You are correct

[@BigLewBBQ]

Loved my old 1969 model year PK. This new one seems to make many well designed and useful upgrades. Thanks for showing it off Tom.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Big Lew!

[@ManCaveMeals]

That 'side port' is for electronic temperature probes... I am gonna buy the Aaron Franklin model whenever I'm able to get my hands on the graphite version of that one. I'm gonna sell my PK360. I love these grills.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! They are awesome!

[@ManCaveMeals]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ one other thing I forgot to mention.. it doesn't appear that the pk300 gives you an easy way to clean out the ash short of removing the capsule and just dumping it

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

You are correct, or you could vacuum it out the day after

[@ralphb4012]

Some aluminum foil should help with an easier cleaning of the ash.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Ralph! Good idea!

[@TM-je7nf]

Looks like you could use the top as a second open grill like the pkgo

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! Never thought of that

[@MrT6bill]

I want something that will handle 10 or 12 steaks at one time. I like to bring them up to 120 degrees slowly, then sear 'em. What does the master of the grills recommend?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Bill! The Char Griller Gravity 980 would work well for that application

[@bradmann3075]

Been a weber kettle guy for years and years. Thoughts of this in comparison to the kettle? Ive always been intrigued by the pk as its aluminum. My gas grill is a aluminum mhp which is great as well. Keep these great vids coming. Thanks!!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Brad!

[@BBQPITDOG]

PK's are the best. Thanks for showing the ins and outs of it Tom!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Rob! Yes they are!

[@rickcormier9160]

Thank you for the review. I am also liking the PKGo. Can the PK300 be portable without the stand. The lid looks to be taller than the original. Is it tall enough for a 5 pound beer can chicken? Another question. Isn’t aluminum a good conductor of heat. Wouldn’t that make it inefficient for low and slow? I wonder if being cast aluminum would make it efficient…

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Rick! They don’t have the small stand available like the old style did, sure it’s in the works. The lid is the same size. Cast Aluminum works very well for low and slow and evens out the cook. Thanks again for Watching!

[@ericbowers71]

Why would they put the thermometer port over the charcoal door? I guess you could flip the grate around. Seems a bit backwards.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Eric! Good question

[@lornemalvo9269]

What model is the temp gauge you installed? Great review BTW.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! It came with the grill, it’s a Tel-Tru

[@BonkersGameplay]

I have one of these and could never quite dial it in using lump charcoal. It required two chimneys to make the thing even hot enough to grill and then with two burgers right next to each other you'd have one raw and one overcooked. I never had that problem even with the cheap 20 dollar grills from walmart.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Daniel! Works very well for me, PK is one of the most widely used grills on SCA competition circuit. Because it gets very hot and it’s very consistent. I’m not sure what’s going on with the one you had

[@tman6495]

Trying to figure out, just where to hang the BBQ Tools.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! Yes

[@jaybooth4815]

You’re gonna need a bigger garage Tom! Ooh man that new PK is a winner. Very well built. You can see why bbq comp guys use the PK. Great review Tom, and as always, thanks for sharing!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Jay! The PK is awesome!

[@markroach69]

Have you ever cooked on a PK 360? Just looking for a comparison between this one and it.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Mark! I have not

[@markroach69]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ Time for a new grill. They're on sale 😉

[@johnaverett7291]

very good video. I have the PK360 and it's the best grill I have ever owned. those grill grates work great for steak. where can I get one of those cutting boards?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching John! Got it a couple of years ago. Can’t remember where

[@kssaint6290]

Just one observation. Tom......you had the charcoal basket placed on the same side where the temp gauge hole is.....which made me rethink the whole setup of the grill. The opening of the grill (where the plastic handle is) is on the opposite side of the hole they had drilled for the temp gauge, therefore the fire box should be on the opposite side as well. OK then, just move the firebox to opposite side, and that would solve the problem, right? Well, not so fast.....when you open the grill, the heat from the firebox hits you first, and that is not a pleasant feeling especially in those hot summer days when the outside temps are close to triple digits....I think the hole of the temp gauge is on the wrong side, they should have put it on the opposite side, that way the firebox should be exactly on the side you have placed it originally, so when you open the lid you will face the cool side of the grill, instead of the hot side... OK, enough of my rant....love your videos, you and Heavy Metal BBQ are my favored youtubers.....

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! I agree on the temp probe placement, Thanks for watching and supporting!

[@billw192]

Great observation. I would drill a hole on the other end so I could have my thermoworks probe on either side.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Bill!

[@Mike-fb4rl]

Did the gap between the lid and lower become an issue? I ordered one and mine came in the same way. Mine has a gap on both sides. It's tight at hinge and handle area. But gaped everywhere else. I haven't had a chance to fire it up, as they didn't include the hardware for the handle. I was curious if once it got hot if it would flex some and seal?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Mike! Found out that its actually the guide pins that were holding things up, if you adjust it correct it will work and I found after a couple of cooks that it was sealing just fine. The original definitely sealed better

[@lopezlawntreecare6477]

Great video. Where did u find the grill grates I just order my pk300 and I can't find the grill grates for it anywhere. Thanks

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! These are the older ones for the original, they fit but are loose

[@lopezlawntreecare6477]

Thank you sir

[@smokingtarheel3003]

That's nice Tom and I certainly like the new vent system.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! Did the burn in this afternoon, worked very nicely

[@jazz37rio]

Is the cooking surface and volume different from the original?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! It’s just a tad bigger, that’s why the grill grates for the original are a bit loose

[@Sauce1977]

Can this new version be removed from stand to take camping?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! Yes it can be removed from the stand

[@daveoaks4444]

Tom, great vid as always. KCBS is adding steak comps for next year. I expect to see many of these new 300's at events in 2022. Couple of things of note- a thermometer would be great to have out of the box- but they opted not adding some el cheapo, inaccurate piece of junk. That optional Tel-Tru thermometer is a quality product, but carries the quality price with it. As for the stock grates- you have to go deep in the weeds to find it, but- they are plated. Just as is the case with the thermometer, PK opted to use plated to keep it more affordable. They do look to be of above average quality though.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Dave! Appreciate the information! KCBS steak comps, separate event or tied in with the normal 2 day comp. Thanks again Dave!

[@daveoaks4444]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ They intend to offer both separate and combined. I am awaiting the judges certification release and will be judging for sure. I may compete in a couple of contests also.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks Dave!

[@atambomb2376]

What grill grates are those? The ones for the original say they don’t fit the 300 on their website

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! Good catch! They do fit, but not perfectly, waiting on Grill Grates to make ones that do fit perfectly

[@seansim68]

Does a full size foil hotel pan fit in the PK?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! I don’t know what size that is

[@Rbouch]

Nice assembly video Tom!!!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Robert! Pretty nice grill!

[@gregbrown4136]

Can you show how to set it up for low and slow? Also, how many racks of ribs can you fit on that feller?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Greg! Will do!

[@chadmortenson79]

Did you purchase this grill or was it donated?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Chad! I purchased it.

[@gregorymkoss]

Made in the USA like the Original PK or ?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Gray! Nope, made in China

[@stephenfarrell6794]

Did you consider the PK360 at all?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Stephen! I’ve had the original, so when the new original came out, I had to have it! The 360 is cool also!

[@perlaguadian2213]

Nice video! Thinking of joining the PK club. Is this worth the $130 more than the original? I want one real bad but unsure if I should spring extra $$ for this model.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! In my opinion yes, the ash guards on the bottom vents and the handles on the bottom vent are awesome! The bigger foldable side shelf and the new grate with the removable section over the charcoal are awesome! The cart also sits taller than the original. It’s definitely worth it

[@wisconsinlife3971]

When are you gonna have a garage sale? This will be my next purchase once my weber rusts away

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! Lol!

[@mikecha1957]

This is pretty sweet Tom. Steak cooking machine for sure.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Yes it is! Thanks for Watching Mike

[@gregory2709]

I clearly need to take the trip from Fond du Lac to check out BSC!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Greg! Yes you should!

[@1marMusa]

Hey Mike, what kind of fridge do you have behind the counter bud?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Ummm Mike? Fridge?

[@1marMusa]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ the shop you were in, Mike who you said is the owner.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Ok.. sorry about the confusion. Mike owns Barbecue Supply Company which is where I bought the PK. His email is [e-mail]

[@TheMicloose]

Thanks for watching! Fridge is from Best Buy.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks Mike!

[@EricPetersen2922]

Nice store! Nice grill Thx for a nice video😀

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Eric!

[@Mike-fb4rl]

Nice upgrade model. Wish they would have put the temp probe on the other side where the meat would be, instead of it directly over the hot coals.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Mike! I’ve questioned that myself although I am starting to get use to it this way. It does make tending to the coals more convenient

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Nice overview of the new PK300. Loving mine so far.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Louis! Doing the burn in right now! Lookin forward to smoked meatloaf tomorrow

[@CasaDeGomez]

Great video. My question for you is which grill grates did you choose? When you go to their website they are not offering them yet? Did you get the grates for the original PK and if so are those are what in your new grill?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! Those are from the original

[@4MzBBQandGRILL]

Nice addition to the Land of Grills 👍👍👍

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks Michael! I appreciate you watching!

[@TexasRanchu]

Agreed..500 and no thermometer. That's a deal breaker solely on principle

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Thomas!

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

I'm putting my wheels and legs into car dollies for some extra height.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! Great idea!

[@dmproske]

Maybe its just me but 500 seems like a lot for a little charcoal grill that comes in a box.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the feedback!

[@WeberEnthusiast]

Great video Tom , nice unboxing and review 👌👌👌👌

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! More to come!

[@WeberEnthusiast]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ love your channel, I think I’m going to need a bigger garage though with all your reviews 😂

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Lol! I have a 3-1/2 car garage, I’m running out of room! Lol!

[@PAPATexas]

Yea, you needed a new grill. God explaining it Tom

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching PaPa! Yes I needed a new grill…..

[@BBPB-1984]

I was lucky enough to be a recipient of one of the stickers!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Michael! Thanks for the support !

[@beers-jackofbbq]

Nice review Tom! I don’t need any more grills, but this one has always interested me. Maybe I will talk Jack into this one and then we have some more options at his house! LOL This is Craig, the Beers part of our channel! Cheers!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Craig! It’s an awesome cooker, great for indirect!

[@SleeperBBQ]

cant wait to see more feed back on the new toy

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! More to follow…

[@mdees88]

The PK story is a great one but you left out a very important part. The part where the new leadership starting forging the PK360, PK GO, and this grill in CHINA without mentioning it anywhere on their website, even in the FAQs.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching!

[@user-xh5pi2nf9q]

I agree. Part of what originally attracted me to PK was made in the USA, but as I dig deeper I found that it’s not anymore…

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! It is a great story, manufactured in China seems to be the norm in the bbq grill industry

[@user-xh5pi2nf9q]

@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ I think Big Green Egg is made in Mexico. You decide if that’s better or not.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

I’m not sure where it’s made, but even most of Weber products aren’t made in the US. If you look at there boxes it will say “Made in the USA with Globally sourced material “. There are still some manufacturers like Mak grills and a handful of small custom manufacturers that make and assemble here in the USA. But the prices reflect it. Tariffs could be raised to make it a more even playing field, but then allot of us wouldn’t be able to afford

[@jeffmorrison579]

Looks like the one Alton brown uses on his you tube home vlog .

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Jeff!

[@poppamonk]

American made? or cart parts made in china?

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Michael! I believe China…

[@bullmangotti]

Makes me want 1

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Adam! They are cool!

[@MadHorseBBQ]

Now that’s an awesome grill! Wanna trade? 🤪🤣

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Lol! Haven’t even used it yet! Thanks for Watching!

[@MikeHoncho884]

What a beautiful grill but not worth $500!!! I bought an older model for $150 from a garage sale!!! I would love to have one of the new ones!!! Just too much money right now!!!

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Jedi Griller! $150 was a great deal!

[@4seasonsbbq]

Hey hey 1st. Anyway enough with the stupidness. Great little grill Tom. Pretty soon you're gonna have to park your vehicles outside. Another great video brother.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching! Lol! It’s definitely getting tight….

[@jtlbb2]

I’m really puzzled about what’s so special about this grill. It seems way over priced for what it is. And it seems too small to really be all that useful as a smoker. Seems like the only thing it would really excel at is direct searing but it’s way too expensive to get just for that. Maybe someone can enlighten me.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching! Your right on the size that’s why it’s called Portable. Since it’s 100% aluminum it will last forever. It’s indirect cooking does very well regardless the weather it dials itself in 225 and holds it very well. I agree that it’s not for everyone but those that have it are very loyal to it. Hope this answers your question. Thanks again for watching!

[@williamgriffith7935]

Need to get your facts right grills started in 1952 grills under new ownership out outsourced China now

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching William!

[@stephenshanebeaty]

Was considering this until i realized it didn't have an ash catcher, poor design in my opinion.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Lol,, Thanks for Watching

[@jeffwills2869]

From what I can see online the cost of aluminum and porcelain coated enamel are about 1:1 - 1:1.5. The Weber Kettle weighs 32.3 lbs. The PK300 weighs 35lbs. Yet the PK300 is priced 350% higher. You can load up the Weber with accessories to match the PK's shelf and charcoal basket and still be under $200 or you can buy the Performer Premium for the same price as the PK300. The Weber has more cooking area and undoubtedly better suited for smoking. I mean, I'm not a Weber homer, but this thing is a joke at that price. If it was around $250, then maybe I could say it was worth buying. Oh, and another thing to consider. Aluminum melting point 1,221F. Steel melting point 2,500F.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching Jeff! Appreciate the feedback! You are correct, it’s a matter of choice.

[@tgarry100]

Nice, but...I’m starting to worry about the mental state of your Webers. They appear to be lonely and forgotten. Are you concerned that your neighbors might call CPS? (Cooker Protective Services).

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Lol! You are correct, therapy is definitely needed! Thanks for Watching!

[@rhinomite5203]

$500 needs a thermo come on PK 😂😂😂

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickstevens3027]

It’s been a week since I’ve got a new grill. LOL

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for watching Rick! Lol!

[@redstone5149]

Made in China

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Thanks for Watching!