5 Best Hibachi Grills
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Hibachi grilling is becoming more and more common in America, and for a good reason.
It’s a fun way to get the crowd laughing, and it’s an easy way to create authentic Japanese cuisine. And, because Japanese cuisine is so famous, there’s a wide range of choices for hibachi grills.
In this post, we share our top picks for the best hibachi grills available. We explain why these are the best choices for you, and we go into great detail about the pros and cons of each grill.
5 Best Hibachi Grills
- Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill
- Uno Casa Hibachi Grill
- IronMaster R36
- Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
- Marsh Allen 30052 Cast Iron Hibachi Charcoal Grill
Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill
Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Lodge Sportsman’s Pro hibachi grill is a long-lasting and flavorful option for outdoor cooking.
You can grill various tasty things without burning anything or using quite a lot of charcoal after getting it set up.
High-quality, pre-seasoned cast iron sets this grill apart from any other in its category. This cast-iron skillet is a must-have for both beginner and professional cooks.
Your steak and veggie skewers will be delicious when grilled on this grill. The grill itself can save you money in the long term because it retains a lot of heat.
Even though this grill is called “pre-seasoned,” you will still need to season or sauce your meal if you like the taste. The more you cook, the better your meals will become over time.
The grill is just right for a road trip in terms of size. It is compact, portable, and simple to assemble and disassemble.
The Lodge Sportsman’s Pro is an excellent option for tailgating and camping because it’s portable and robust, making it ideal for those who don’t have a lot of outside space.
Pros
- Durable
- It retains heat well.
- Easy to clean
- Steel hooks and carry handles are included.
- It is made in the United States.
Cons
- Heavy for its size
Uno Casa Hibachi Grill
Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Uno Casa Hibachi Grill is a classic hibachi charcoal barbecue.
It features a new design that makes it more stable and gives you better control over the temperature.
It has a large enough grilling space to feed your family. You should be able to put steaks and several veggies on the grill at a time.
At the same time, it’s small enough that you won’t have a problem storing it in your garage or at home.
Compared to other hibachis, this one has a convenient access door for adding more charcoal.
Despite its compact size, it’s great for RVing, camping, tailgating, and even small patios or balconies. Cooking on a hibachi grill is fun, even with a large charcoal grill.
It is a little heavy for a portable barbecue, but the advantages exceed this minor drawback.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Two handles and one grate hook.
- Rain cover included
- You can easily add more charcoal with an access door.
Cons
- As a portable grill, it is a little heavy.
IronMaster R36
Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The IronMaster R36 is built in the traditional Japanese circular shape. It has a 13-inch diameter cooking surface.
With this shape, you get more cooking space to cook larger dishes than you would on traditional hibachis, which is convenient.
You can control the airflow through a front vent, making it easier to regulate the temperature.
It’s not the most versatile, but it’s more than adequate for charcoal grilling.
Consider this product a fun addition to your backyard barbecue or BBQing on the road.
Pros
- Detachable cooking grate
- Easy to adjust the temperature.
- Two adjustable heights.
Cons
- The fire door is a bit too small.
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the best things about the Weber Go-Anywhere is that it has almost all the same features as other hibachi grills for half the price.
For example, it heats up quickly and evenly and has enough space for two to three people. It has a solid base and a long-lasting construction that ensure its sturdiness.
You can use it to grill chicken, hamburgers, and sausages and enjoy the tasty results.
Compared to others, it performs exceptionally well in terms of heat retention. You won’t have to replace it for a long time because it’s composed of high-quality materials.
Cleaning is also a breeze because mild soap is all you need to do.
Grilling vegetables, seafood, meat, or any other type of cuisine on this hibachi-style barbecue will be an enjoyable experience.
Pros
- Compact and portable.
- You can easily control the temperature with dampers.
- Outstanding warranty and customer service.
Cons
- The cooking grate is not cast iron.
Marsh Allen 30052 Cast Iron Hibachi Charcoal Grill
Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Marsh Allen 30052 is a charcoal hibachi grill made of cast iron. It has 157 square inches of cooking space, enough to simultaneously cook for two to four people.
The distinctive grate design distinguishes this hibachi from others in the marketplace. The cast-iron cooking space is separated into two similar grids.
You can set each one in four different places with the attached handles.
It is a terrific option if you want to prepare two different dishes simultaneously.
A steak can be seared on one side and then finished on the other side. Alternatively, use one pan for meat and the other for vegetables during cooking.
You can find a heat control vent on each side. It’s impressively well-designed for a grill of this size.
It’s easy to carry with wooden side handles, and it weighs about 16 pounds. It’s just the right size for a grill or picnic at a campsite.
This grill has a few issues that need to be addressed. First, it takes a long time for food to cook because the grill plates are too far from the charcoal.
Second, because the grill’s legs are too short, the heat from the grill’s base might damage the dining table. Third, the grill grate handles are flimsy.
In our opinion, it isn’t the best hibachi grill you can have. But for the price, it’s hard to find a better deal.
If you’re looking for something small and compact, the Marsh Allen 30052 hibachi grill is a great option.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Three adjustable cooking grates.
- Two air vents
Cons
- Grill grate handles are flimsy.
- Cooks slowly
- Grill’s legs are too short.
What Is a Hibachi Grill?
Hibachi grills are usually charcoal barbecues that are compact and portable. In Japanese, the word “hibachi,” which means “fire bowl,” refers to this particular grilling approach.
Instead of relying on electric igniters and other high-tech components, they use hot coals in their bowl.
Hibachi grills are now commonly used to cook a wide variety of meals, many of which have a unique charcoal flavor.
Because cast iron is known for its durability and heat retention, most hibachi grills are cast iron.
In a hibachi, the cooking surface is an open grid, and the food is cooked directly over the charcoal, usually just a few inches above the heat source.
Keeping a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby in an emergency is a good idea. If you’re just getting started with a hibachi or charcoal grill, you may need to be able to extinguish the flames swiftly.
Why Should You Buy a Hibachi Grill?
You’ll want to think about why someone might choose a hibachi grill before buying one.
Hibachi grills are very efficient at getting the most heat and flavor out of your coals. It is how authentic BBQ should be done: over high, direct heat.
You will get a completely different flavor profile because the food is cooked closely to the heat source. The meal’s closer to the heat source, the faster it cooks.
Hibachis are lightweight and easy to transport, ideal for outdoor activities like camping. You may easily store them away if you have limited outdoor space and prefer to barbeque at home.
Barbecue fans will appreciate these barbecues, which offer a genuinely unique cooking experience.
What Can You Cook on a Hibachi Grill?
For this type of grill, thin meats such as chicken breast pieces or small steaks are excellent options.
Thin pieces of meat are very suitable for preparing on a hibachi grill. There is no need to worry about overcooking these slices because they’re the perfect size for most hibachi grates.
However, you’ll want to avoid cooking larger chunks of meat on hibachi grills.
Because there is no lid to keep the heat in, you can’t roast a more significant piece of meat well. It’s best to choose meats that are thin and cook very quickly.
Some hibachi grills have grates that are too large to cook little veggies. Other foods that might slip readily into the coals beneath the grilling surface should also be avoided.
Fish and other foods that need to be smoked should be prepared elsewhere because hibachi grills don’t produce smoke.
Hibachi grills don’t usually have as much surface area as a traditional charcoal barbecue. For this reason, cookouts for larger families aren’t always practical. Hibachi grills are perfect for portable cooking because of their tiny size and lightweight.
A Buyer’s Guide for Hibachi Grill
We’ve compiled a checklist of the most critical features when shopping for a hibachi grill to help you make an informed decision.
Materials
Cast iron is the most popular material used to manufacture hibachis. You’ll also find aluminum and stainless steel variants available.
When it comes to portability, using these lighter materials is advantageous.
If you’re looking for a traditional hibachi grill, go for one made primarily of cast iron. Using cast-iron hibachi grills will improve the taste of your meal over time as well.
Cast iron is unbeatable in heat retention, distribution, and durability. When it comes to grill grates, cast iron is an excellent choice because it retains heat and cooks evenly.
The main drawbacks to cast iron are that it is heavier than aluminum and requires more maintenance.
Although aluminum hibachi grills are available, they are less durable and require more frequent cleaning to prevent corrosion and wear and tear.
On the other hand, stainless steel is more robust than other materials, but it does not distribute heat well.
Cooking Space
Before buying a hibachi grill, be sure the hibachi grill you’re considering has enough cooking space to accommodate your needs. The surface area limits how much food you can grill at one time.
Some hibachi grills with more giant charcoal bowls include separate compartments.
It is possible to have varying heat levels in different parts of your grilling area by stacking or removing charcoal in these areas. Using such a set-up, you can sear some dishes while warming others.
The cooking surface is the most important dimension to consider.
Portability
Many people buy hibachis to enjoy charcoal-grilled food when they’re not at home. The weight of the hibachi grill has a significant impact on how easy it is to move around. Lightweight hibachi grills are popular.
Consider where you want to use your hibachi grill and how you want to use it.
Try to locate one with handles so that you can easily carry it.
You can carry a hibachi grill on camping trips or to a friend’s house for a barbecue, one of its most significant benefits.
Side handles are significantly more comfortable for your hands than bucket-style handles. Your cast iron hibachi may not be carried as far or as often if it has a basic wire handle.
Investing in a heavy hibachi grill isn’t always a good idea.
You’ll be able to buy a standard gas or charcoal grill. More food can be cooked on a larger surface than a traditional hibachi grill while maintaining the same weight.
Price
Hibachi grills come in a wide range of price points, much like any barbecue. Because they are less expensive than other grills, they are a good choice for people on a budget.
If you don’t plan to use the hibachi often, you may get the most value by purchasing a less expensive model. However, if you’re willing to spend a little more, you’ll receive more usefulness and longevity.
If you want to use it frequently and cook various foods, you should purchase a hibachi. You’ll enjoy your hibachi for many years and learn a lot from experience.
There isn’t a right or incorrect answer to this question. Spend what you can afford and what makes sense to you.
Maintenance
Some hibachi grills may be challenging to maintain because of their materials. Some rust quickly, while others are difficult to clean.
When making a purchase, you should keep these two things in mind.
Cast iron gas grills have the advantage of being low maintenance. You only have to season them after each usage to keep them from rusting.
Tips for Cooking on a Hibachi Grill
These grills deliver heat in a relatively small package despite their compact size.
Cook a smaller steak on these grills, so the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is done. If you’re looking for a new way to eat, try kebabs. Because of the intense heat, these small barbecues are ideal for searing foods.
Consider purchasing a hibachi grill if your current grill does not have a searing burner for the novelty value it provides.
When you use one of these grills, you need to be careful because they can get very hot.
While it may be tempting to let your kids be grill masters while you cook, they must understand the dangers of such a hot item before they come too close to the flames.
Since the entire grill gets quite hot, this isn’t precisely like grabbing the handle of a gas grill to open it.
Because a hibachi grill may be accidentally knocked over, it’s good to have a bucket of water nearby before lighting the grill.
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between a Hibachi and a Grill?
Unlike slow-cooking barbeque grills, Hibachis do not release smoke and do not have a lid. You can cook steaks, kebabs, and pork tenderloin on this grill and other thin cuts of meat and veggies.
What Kind of Grills Does Hibachi Chefs Use?
Hibachi grills are made of cast iron and are small and portable. In Japan, they are called shichirin. These grills have open grates and are usually heated by charcoal. Modern hibachis in U.S. restaurants are electric, allowing them to cook food indoors.
Is a Hibachi Grill Worth It?
Hibachi grills have a small footprint, making them excellent for those who have little outside space. It is generally one of the most cost-effective charcoal grills available.
They’re lightweight and portable, making them an excellent choice for road trips, camping trips, and other outdoor activities.
What Is the Difference Between a Hibachi Grill and a Teppanyaki Grill?
The difference between a tabletop teppanyaki grill and a hibachi grill is significant. The hibachi grill is compact, portable, and has barbecue grills, whereas the teppanyaki grill has a flat griddle or plate. A hibachi is a Japanese open-top charcoal-burning heating bowl.
Why Are Hibachi Grills So Popular?
The best thing about these grills is their compact size, ideal for smaller living spaces, beach barbecues, and travel. They are versatile and ideal for small gatherings because they can prepare anything from veggies to meat.
How to Season a Hibachi Grill?
You may need to season a cast-iron grilling surface of the hibachi grill before using it.
The grill should be clean before beginning this process. After that, brush the grill with a thin layer of olive, vegetable, or food-grade mineral oil.
For seasoning, avoid using any bacon fat or similar substances. The salt in those chemicals may corrode the cast iron.
Then, put the hibachi grill in a regular oven at 350°F for one hour. Set it aside to cool once the heating process is complete, and the seasoning is finished.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an authentic charcoal grilling experience, nothing beats a good old-fashioned hibachi.
Everyone has their preferences, so we encourage you to read the reviews above and make an informed decision before purchasing.
Have fun with your new hibachi grill.