The Coolest Pieces of Gear We Tested This Week

The PK grill might be the best charcoal cooker to come out over the last few years—and this version makes it easier take along. Out of the box, we’re huge fans of the retro 50s era minimalist styling, but this grill doesn’t have may shortcomings when we fired it up over the start of the tailgating season. Cast from rustproof aluminum, the PK has a flat bottom which makes it easy to bank coals to one side for two-level grilling or smoking (and if you’re not cooking over two zones are you even really grilling?)

The PKTX is the same grill body as the original, but nestled into a folding stand. Outfitted with nearly five-inch wide wheels, the PKTX rolls over most terrain—including anything your backyard or a paved parking lot can throw at it—although very rocky trails could be an issue. Pop the sand up and the grill’s grate is at around 36 inches high, which is a comfortable working height. Collapse the stand and you can stash a bag of coals on board as you pull. With few moving parts, the grill feels solid and cooks very well with the proper attention to the four vents that let you dial in hot and fast for burgers and lower heat for true barbecue. Our only nitpick is we’d rather see a solid slab on the side table, which can never be too roomy, instead of losing space to a dedicated cup holder. —Sal Vaglica, Senior Editor

[$400; pkgrills.com]

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