In the early 1950’s, Hilton Meigs of Tyler Texas made what many consider the perfect charcoal barbecue grill. He designed and manufactured a cast aluminum grill and smoker calling it the “Portable Kitchen” and sold it around the mid-south out of the back of his car. In 1960 the company was bought by Lewis Hamlin and manufacturing moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where it remained until a fire and business issues stopped production in the mid-1970’s. The somewhat legendary durability of this charcoal grill ensured that thousands of them still existed in perfect working order by the end of the 1990’s when a local attorney found one in Little Rock, AR.

In 1998, grill enthusiast Paul James discovered a Portable Kitchen Charcoal Grill and Smoker at a yard sale. His interest sparked, he purchased the Portable Kitchen name and began producing sparkling new aluminum PK grills from castings of the original product. After a twenty year hiatus, PK was back in business in Little Rock. Over 60 years since its inception, the grills today are nearly identical to the one Hilton Meigs made all those years ago.

Versatile Charcoal Grill & Smoker. The PK is a world class grill and smoker. There is no need to choose between these two important functions or purchase separate equipment. Whether you intend to grill at high temperatures for short periods, like burgers and hot dogs, or at low temperatures over longer periods, like pork shoulder and beef brisket, the cast aluminum PK will make you a backyard hero because it nails the landing on both. The nickel-plated steel hinged grid makes refueling for long smokes easy without having to remove the cooking surface or move the food. Get the best of both worlds with a new PK.

Unbeatable Temperature & Air Control. Aluminum conducts heat more efficiently than other common grill materials which provides for a smooth distribution of heat around the PK capsule resulting in very even cooking without the need to constantly turn or reposition the food on the grill.

In addition to being a very effective way to direct the flow of flavorful smoke over your food, the PK 4-way venting system (two adjustable vents in the top lid and two dampers under the fire) provides easy and accurate temperature control for every style of cooking without flare-ups from dripping fat.

With the lid closed and the vents open, not enough oxygen can enter the cooker to support a flame. So, whether you are cooking fast with high heat or slow with low heat, close the lid and the PK's venting system naturally suppresses scorching flames to ensure your BBQ comes out brag-worthy time after time.

Superior Heat Retention. The edges of the heavy top and bottom castings of the PK grill are worked by hand to ensure a tight seal against heat and smoke. Because of the physical properties of aluminum, the 1/4-inch-thick casting of the PK allows it to perform as much like an oven as an outdoor grill, distributing heat very evenly and allowing you to cook your barbecue low and slow with great coverage until the meat falls off the bone and begs you to eat it.

Durable & Rustproof. Because aluminum is inherently rustproof, this could be the last grill you ever buy. The PK is the smart choice for lake houses, camps, coastal applications and wet climates. The hinges won't rust and bust because they are molded into the grill with a unique design that allows the top to lock on for cooking or lift off easily for cleaning. This near-legendary durability is why many 1950’s era PK’s are still turning out great BBQ today!

Built for Home & Adventure. Take the PK charcoal grill and smoker anywhere and don't sacrifice the quality of your food. We know that you want to bring your grill along with you on barbecue adventures which is why we made the PK super tough and portable. It cooks like an egg-style cooker (a.k.a. Kamado), but one person can lift and load it without a crane. The oven detaches from the carriage without tools for easy cleaning. Camping and tailgating are the PK's best friends. Fantastic BBQ on the go, anytime.

Poured by Hand. Enough said? The aluminum we use to cast our distinctive charcoal grill and smoker is hand-poured into individual molds. From there we grind and balance the edges and shape the vents to ensure a tight seal on every one which means more consistent cooking for you and more flavor in your BBQ. We take as much pride in your unique hand-poured PK Grill and Smoker as you do.