Updated By Mike August 2022
A big factor for many folks is whether or not a product is made in the USA or China. So, are PK grills made in the USA or China?
If you’re interested in buying a PK grill and want to find out more about the company’s history and where it manufactures its units, then keep reading as we discuss the answers in detail to help you make up your mind.
Purchasing a high-quality charcoal grill calls for investing a significant amount of money, which makes you want to make sure that you’re getting a grill that’ll serve for a long time.
This is why a lot of customers who plan on buying from PK grills often wonder about its construction; where they’re made and what they’re made of.
This brings us to today’s question: are PK grills made in China or the USA? Let’s hop in!
- Interior ash containment and airflow management
- Custom aluminum wheels with rubber tires
- More shelf space
- Ultra high-quality cart construction
- Temperature probe access door
- Reengineered cooking surface with removable fuel door
- Optional Tel-Tru thermometer
August 2022 Updated Information
I had to update this article because one of our readers Ken recently emailed me and pointed out that his new PK300 had a sticker on the box that read, well, I’ll just show ya:
Email from a Reader: “Appreciate all the info available on your site. I recently read your article about where PK grills are made. I just purchased the all new original and noticed the Made in China on the box. I thought you would want to know. Thanks, Ken“
So, as it seems, PK Grills are now made in China. I don’t know when this changed as my two personal PK Grills (the PKGO and the PK300) were floor models purchased from stores so I never saw the box or this sticker.
To be honest, I’m bummed. I like spending more for a quality product made in the USA.
Why? Because I understand it costs companies more to pay local workers with benefits and source local materials. However, I’m willing to help offset that by paying higher prices in support of this.
BUT, this begs the question “If they are made in China, then why in the heck are they still so expensive?”
Thats a darn good question and one I’d love to hear an answer from PK if they ever read this.
With all of that said, PK Grills are truly great grills that are super versatile, work well, last a lifetime, and don’t rust.
So, am I bummed? Yes. Am I going to buy another? No.
I could complain all day to their management, the execs, and my politicians but we all know what matters at the end of the day, so I will vote with my dollars.
If you are looking for a quality grill still made in the USA at a more affordable rate, check out Weber Grills, yes, THE Weber Grills as they still manufacture excellent grills at half the price of a PK.
Where are PK Grills Made?
As per the official website, PK grills were once manufactured in the United States of America, more specifically in Arkansas, but are now manufactured in China.
While most buyers feel at ease regarding the quality of this company’s grills when they receive such information, we should also mention that PK grills come with a generous warranty of 20 years.
You can tell that the company stands behind its grills, so even if any issues arise with the grill, your investment will be in good hands.
Why Are PK Grills Made in China and Not the USA?
Well, only the suits over at PK Grills can explain that one. But, like many manufacturers of grills nowadays have their units made in China because you guessed it, the costs are less.
This allows them to reduce the production expenses and simultaneously increase the profit margin.
As such, PK Grills that were once made in Arkansas USA, are made in China as of 2022.
When and How did PK Get Started?
PK grills go way back in the day, more than 70 years to be more exact.
It all started in Tyler, Texas, where Hilton Meigs designed and built a charcoal grill and smoker using cast aluminum material.
He named his creation “Portable Kitchen” and started selling the grill all over the mid-south region.
This happened in the middle of the 20th century, and by 1960, Lewis Hamlin had bought the company and transferred the production to Arkansas in Little Rock.
Unfortunately, production stopped around 1975 because of a fire at the company’s manufacturing site.
However, an incredible thing took place about 20 years later when a local lawyer by the name of Paul James in Little Rock, Arkansas discovered one of the PK grills — it was still in perfect working condition despite the age and weather elements. Paul found an Original PK charcoal grill in 1998 at a garage sale and was hooked immediately.
Fascinated by the grill’s durability, simplicity and effectiveness, he decided to put his enthusiasm towards grills to use and revive this classic grill.
Paul bought the brand rights and started manufacturing new aluminum grills based on the design and construction of the original unit he found.
Fast forward to nowadays, PK grills are widely popular and still offer that excellent performance with outstanding quality we have all come to love.
What are PK Grills Made of?
PK manufacturers their grills out of cast aluminum. The charcoal grills are built to withstand harsh and varying outdoor elements from rain and wind to ice, snow, and salt air.
PK grills are meant to last for decades. They’re designed to effectively output a reliable performance and deliver impressive results every time you fire them up.
PK grills won’t ever rust thanks to the aluminum that forms an oxide shell on the surface upon exposure to oxidizing agents in the atmosphere.
This shell stops further reaction, protecting the below layers of the metal.
This is because aluminum oxide doesn’t allow the elements to pass beyond the surface shell, preventing the rusting of the grill. If something disrupts the protective aluminum oxide shell, it’ll spontaneously fix itself.
Additionally, PK grills feature temperature-resistant paint that undergoes the final step of the curing process when you use your unit for the first time.
How Long Can a PK Grill Last?
A PK grill could easily serve you more than 50 years. It can last your family for up to 80 or even 100 years as long as you keep up good maintenance.
PK offers its customers the type of charcoal grills that they can pass down to their children with total confidence that the grills will perform with the same quality and efficiency throughout the years.
PK grills are a great choice if you’re looking for a charcoal grill/smoker to stand the test of time.
Wrap Up
So, are PK grills made in China or the USA? Well, No, PK Grills are manufactured in China as per their labeling on their grills. While they once were made right here in the USA, that seems to have changed.
If you are looking for a quality grills still made in USA at a more affordable rate, check out Weber Grills, yes THE Weber Grills as they still manufacture excellent grills at half the price of PK.
