PK Grills PK360 vs Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT
Quick take: The PK Grills PK360 costs $899 less; the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT offers more cooking space (1,260 vs 360 sq in); the Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT reaches a higher max temp (NaN vs NaN°F).
| Spec | PK Grills PK360 | Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$900 | ~$1,799 |
| Rating | — | 4.6★ (145) |
| Type | Charcoal Grill | Charcoal Grill |
| Cooking Area | 360 sq in | 1260 sq in |
| Max Temp | 750°F | 700F°F |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Charcoal (gravity-fed) |
| Build Material | Cast Aluminum | Dual-wall insulated steel with porcelain interior |
| Hopper Capacity | — | 18 lbs |
| Burners | — | — |
| WiFi / App | No | Yes |
| App control | No | Yes |
| Meat probe | No | Yes |
| PID controller | No | Yes |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 54 x 24 x 43 in | 61 x 33 x 52 in |
| Weight | 90 lbs | 199 lbs |
| Warranty | Lifetime (capsule) | 3 years |
Pros & cons
PK Grills PK360
- ✓The thick cast-aluminum capsule is rustproof and basically indestructible - these grills are heirloom pieces that get passed down
- ✓The four-vent design gives unusually precise airflow and temperature control, making both hot searing and low-and-slow smoking easy
- ✓The capsule shape creates a natural two-zone setup, so you can sear over direct heat and smoke on the cool side simultaneously
- ✓Cast aluminum heats evenly and retains heat well while staying cooler to the touch on the outside than steel
- ✓It excels at both grilling and smoking, making it a true do-it-all charcoal cooker in a compact footprint
- ✓360 sq in is nearly 40% more cooking area than a Large Big Green Egg, useful for the price and size
- ✓It's relatively light at 90 lbs for its capability, and the capsule lifts off the stand for tailgating or transport
- ✓Marine-grade stainless grates and a passionate owner community give it a premium, well-supported feel
- ✗At ~$800 it's expensive for a charcoal grill, costing far more than a Weber kettle of similar size
- ✗360 sq in is on the smaller side, so big-crowd cooks require batching
- ✗Cast aluminum doesn't retain heat as massively as a ceramic kamado, so very long overnight smokes need more fuel tending
- ✗It has no thermometer built into the lid on the base model, so you supply your own probe
- ✗The narrow capsule shape can make fitting large items like a full packer brisket a tight squeeze
- ✗Charcoal management and the usual lighting/ash cleanup apply, with the inherent learning curve
- ✗It's a niche brand without big-box presence, so most buyers order online sight-unseen
- ✗The open-cart design offers no enclosed storage and limited prep shelf space
Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT
- ✓Real charcoal flavor with pellet-grill-style automation
- ✓700F sear capability with reversible cast iron grates
- ✓Massive 1,260 sq in capacity - 16 rib racks or 20 chickens
- ✓Dual-wall insulation makes it fuel-efficient and cold-weather capable
- ✓Four probe ports and solid WiFi app monitoring
- ✓24-hour hopper runtime covers overnight briskets
- ✓3-year warranty triples the old Gravity Series coverage
- ✗$1,799 is premium pricing for a brand with a budget reputation
- ✗Electronics (fan, lid switch, board) remain the long-term failure risk
- ✗199 lbs and a lengthy two-person assembly
- ✗Charcoal ash cleanup is still messier than any pellet grill