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Earn Your Stripes!
The PORTABLE KITCHEN Charcoal Grill & Smoker

Portable Kitchen Smoker
The Portable Kitchen Cast Aluminum Grill and Smoker holds a special place in the fond memories of many older folk, who grew up with a father who would occasionally treat them to a delicious meal prepared on the trusty old PK. Happy days indeed.

First created in 1952, production of the PK was halted in the mid-70s, and many of these units fell into disuse simply because their owners could no longer find replacement grids.

When Paul James and his sister, Martha, resuscitated the PK in 1998, people were delighted to learn that they could dust off their old griller, find a replacement grid and resume using it. After all, the main cooker was constructed out of solid aluminum and was not ready to give up the ghost so easily! Operating out of Little Rock, Arkansas, PK is still making a thriving business replacing parts for these older units.

With its reputation restored, constant new users are discovering the magic of this durable griller & smoker. Cooking evenly due to the heat reflecting within the unit and thus all around the food, moisture is retained within the food because the heat is indirect. Cooking times are greatly reduced and charcoal usage is very efficient. This method of cooking makes a rotisserie unnecessary. Overall, a sure recipe for success!

TIMELESS RETRO

Built in the original style - nowadays quaintly called "retro" style - and from the same thick cast, rust-proof aluminum as in the olden days - the PK is as reliable as ever, and as much-loved by its adoring owners.

Cooking temperature is controlled by means of vents and dampers, allowing a substantial range of heat: closing all the vents will suffocate the fire and opening them fully will cook your steaks in quick time. Remaining charcoal can simply be kept over for your next cookout.

When the lid is closed, even with all the vents open, there isn't enough oxygen supply to generate flames. Yet, cooking above the direct heat will give you around 400°F. And because there is no flame, no flare-ups will occur.

Tip: Set the bottom vent to the desired setting before starting your fire. The PK is built quite low to the ground and it may be difficult to change it afterwards. You may also get a few hot ashes on your hands, if you are not wearing bbq mitts as recommended. Otherwise, you have to get down low and use a pair of tongs to make the adjustment.

The hinged cooking grid allows you to easily add charcoal when necessary.

Semi-pneumatic rubber wheels allow for handy maneuvering.

And of course, you can easily dismantle the PK from the carriage and take it on your camping trip, to your holiday home, to the big game, anywhere. A vinyl cover is available to protect your smoker against the elements.

Grill or smoke any meat, poultry, seafood or vegetables to your liking. Some buyers use it purely to bake in. Very versatile!


PK enlisted
The PK "served" in the Army!

Click image to read more...

(Image: Brian Chilson, Arkansas Times)
SIZE OF THE FIGHT

Some lively debates have been engendered in the online forums about the size of the PK. It may be wise to consider very carefully the number of diners you will be feeding on a regular basis before investing in this griller.

For a small- to medium-sized family, it is ideal. For larger gatherings, you may well find yourself disappointed and frustrated at its compactness. Basically, you are OK to cook any amount, as long as the lid can be closed! This means at most a 15-pound ham or 12-pound turkey.


PAIN IN THE ASH

Another talking point is the optimum way to clean out the ashes from the PK, since no ash pan is provided for. Many diverse ideas have been put forward, for example:

  • remove the bottom grid and push (or hose) ashes out through the vents
  • remove the lid and grids, undo the lugs and then lift the bottom out
  • use a trowel to scrape the ashes out
  • clean it with a shop vacuum cleaner
  • place heavy foil, disposable aluminum trays or pan on the bottom before cooking
  • lift the entire cooker and dump the ashes
       ☺


WHAT THEY SAY

"I've been BBQ'ing for over 40 years and I've had some nice grills... This is the best grill that I have ever had."

"It cooks very evenly and has superb temperature control."

"...simply the best and most versatile charcoal grill ever built..."

"Easy to assemble, solid construction, and most importantly.....cooks wonderfully."

"This is a lifetime go-to grill."


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