5 Best Yakitori Grills

Yakitori is a Japanese cuisine that consists of skewered meat served on a yakitori grill.

Yakitori grills are small tabletop grills that are simple to use. Other than their Japanese heritage and intended usage, these grills can be used outdoors and indoors because they are lightweight, portable, and available in electric and charcoal types.

Follow this guide to find one of the best yakitori grills. Then, you’ll be ready to try Japanese grilling.

5 Best Yakitori Grills

• YAK Grills Charcoal Grill
• Bincho Grill Yakitori Tabletop Charcoal Grill
• Fire Sense Yakitori Charcoal Grill
• Zojirushi EB-CC15 Indoor Electric Grill
• ISUMER Portable Charcoal Grill

YAK Grills Charcoal Grill

Last update on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The YAK Grills Charcoal Grill is a simple yet stylish yakitori grill for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The grill is constructed with 100% stainless steel, so you can use it for years and years without worrying about rust. 

It is built to withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit while also using airflow to keep your outdoor table or grilling surface safe and cool.

You can cook everything from burgers and steaks to kebabs on the Yak Grill because it can cook at such high temperatures.

The YAK Grill’s body and internal components are stainless steel, making them easy to clean. Because there are no moving parts and nothing to break on the YAK, you’ll be able to use it for many years. 

All body components are covered by a 5-year limited warranty, while the grill grate and any YAK accessories have a 1-year limited warranty.

Pros

• 100% Stainless steel components
• Pre-assembled
• Tabletop safe

Cons

• It’s not easy to clean up all the grease.

Bincho Grill Yakitori Tabletop Charcoal Grill

Last update on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With a stainless steel top and a wood base, the Bincho Grill Yakitori Grill is stylish and durable. 

It is made of high-quality stainless steel and designed for grilling with binchotan charcoal and all other charcoals, including Thaan Thai style charcoal. 

Please note that the skewer bars and stainless steel cooking grates are not included in the package, so you will need to purchase them separately if required. 

An additional aluminum insert provides insulation in this grill, which exceeds even the most advanced yakitori grills in heat retention and insulation.

You can put it on a wood, metal, or even glass table. The thick aluminum insert and robust construction will keep the table safe.

If you’re looking for a unique Japanese-style yakitori grill manufactured in the United States, look no further than this one. 

Pros

• It is manufactured in the United States.
• It is made of heavy gauge stainless steel.
• Superb heat insulation.
• Two adjustable windows for airflow

Cons

• Pricey
• The skewer bars and grate are not included.

Fire Sense Yakitori Charcoal Grill

Last update on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

There are many options for cooking on a tabletop barbecue, but the Fire Sense yakitori grill stands out.

The base of this model is made of hand-molded clay, so it should always be dry. It functions as a heat barrier.

The base has two adjustable vents that you can use to regulate the temperature. It boasts an easy-to-clean chrome-plated cooking grate.

You might use it on your patio or apartment balcony because of its 17-inch by 10-inch surface space.

Pros

• Ceramic construction
• Adjustable ventilation
• Stand with handles included

Cons

• Not waterproof

Zojirushi EB-CC15 Indoor Electric Grill

Last update on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Yakitori and other Japanese BBQs work well on the Zojirushi EB-CC15 indoor electric grill. 

This indoor electric grill’s 12 1/2 x 9 1/4-inch non-stick surface makes it ideal for grilling various foods, including chicken, steak, seafood, and vegetables.

It has a drip pan for removing excess oil and fat. You can also use aluminum foil to help prevent the drain pan from becoming saturated with oil and grease. So, you don’t have to clean it every time you cook.

The BBQ grill’s handles and base are cool to the touch for safety. It makes it easy to move the grill from one place to another. In addition, it has a temperature range of 176°F to 410°F.

It’s simple to keep our indoor yakitori grills clean thanks to the dishwasher-safe drip tray and the ceramic non-stick grilling surface.

Pros

• Ceramic non-stick cooking surface
• It’s easy to disassemble for cleaning.
• Dishwasher-safe drip tray

Cons

• It’s not hot enough for thick steaks.

ISUMER Portable Charcoal Grill

Last update on 2024-07-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The ISUMER Yakitori Grill has four detachable legs that make it easy to move. It might be a good grill for a party or camping. 

Stainless steel is used in the construction of this traditional yakitori grill. It is long-lasting and straightforward to operate with lump charcoal to cook any food you want.

The charcoal grate is located on the lowest level of this stainless steel barbecue. It’s simple to put together. 

The grill is easy to carry because it has a handle on each side. 

With side ventilation, you can easily control the temperature.

Pros

• Portable design
• Stainless steel materials
• Easy assembly
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• It is not suitable for large items.

What Is a Yakitori Grill?

“Grilled chicken” is known as “yakitori” in Japanese. 

Grills for grilling small pieces of chicken skewered on sticks and basted in a flavorful sauce are known as “yakitori grills.” However, you may also use it to skewer various meats and veggies.

Yakitori grills are small, portable, and can be used on any surface. It’s possible to find larger yakitori than the typical ones. 

Yakitori grills don’t work as a typical charcoal grill does. These grills are made to cook small dishes and thin slices of meat that don’t need much heat or time to cook well.

There are a few key characteristics of a yakitori grill. 

You’ll want to make sure your grill is rectangular but compact. When prepping your skewers, use a rectangle shape to maximize the available surface area. 

Tabletop yakitori grills are ideal because they are small enough for a small gathering.

Because they are small and use charcoal, you can use traditional Yakitori grills indoors without sacrificing flavor. 

Use your kitchen’s hood or a well-ventilated room to expel any charcoal carbon emissions. Using a charcoal barbecue indoors is not recommended. 

To use your yakitori grill indoors, you’ll need to invest in an electric grill. An electric tabletop grill will make indoor cooking more convenient and clean. 

Why Should You Buy a Yakitori Grill?

Anyone who wants to cook food in the traditional Japanese method should use a yakitori grill.

Tabletop grills are great for those who prefer to cook at home or go. Grilling with them is a breeze for those who don’t want to fuss. 

A gas grill or high-end smoker may not be the best fit for them. In addition, they are often intended for smaller gatherings.

If you’re planning on grilling for a large group, this isn’t the grill for you.

A Buyer’s Guide for Yakitori Grills

It can be challenging to choose the best yakitori grill. Making the best decision for yakitori requires careful consideration of each grill.

Here are a few things to consider before purchasing a yakitori grill.

Materials

The following materials are available for yakitori grills:

Ceramic

Because ceramic is an excellent heat retainer, we favor ceramic Yakitori grills. 

Despite its fragility, a tiny porcelain Japanese-style grill will not rust and last for many years. 

A ceramic kamado grill is a good example. Ceramic is a heat-resistant material with an excellent ability to retain heat.

Clay

When it comes to cooking, clay is an excellent medium for absorbing and radiating heat. 

You may have an authentic Japanese grilling experience using a ceramic and clay grill. 

Consider setting up clay or ceramic grill to give your kitchen a more Japanese feel. In addition, clay can withstand high temperatures.

Metal Alloys or Stainless Steel

Metal and stainless steel grills work well, but they are more likely to rust and get scratches, and they don’t do as well as ceramic grills when cooking low and slow. 

Moreover, metal or stainless steel grills will last longer than other materials if you want to take your grill traveling or camping.

Size

Yakitori is traditionally grilled and served at the table, so a large grill isn’t necessary. 

While the cooking surface area of some of these grills may be limited, be sure to check the size specifications to ensure that the grill’s size is appropriate for your needs.

Grilling yakitori is all about having a good time. Let everyone grill the skewers the way they like, and then serve the ones you’ve already made. 

Some yakitori grills have wire mesh instead of the usual cooking grate.

Cooking Space

When using your yakitori grill, it’s critical to think about the cooking surface.

It is recommended that a tabletop Yakitori grill be capable of cooking for two and four people simultaneously.

Because yakitori grills are mainly used for skewers, I prefer long and narrow yakitori grills over square or round ones because they fit skewers better. 

Choose a grill based on the type of food you plan to prepare and ensure it has enough cooking space.

Temperature Control

Yakitori is best cooked at a temperature between 200 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. So, you don’t need a grill with high heat output.

The purpose of the air vents is to control the flow of air and the distribution of heat. It is possible to partially or entirely plug the air vents on some Yakitori BBQ grills, but this is not always possible. 

Air vents are a must if you plan indirect or two-zone grilling. As a result, seek a grill with movable air vents whenever possible.

In addition, unlike other BBQ grills, the traditional Yakitori grill does not include a grill lid. 

Portability

You’d be wrong if you think it’ll be easy to move these little barbecues or even bring them to the beach. It would be best to handle grills constructed of clay or ceramic with caution. 

If you plan to take your grill with you on activities such as camping or hiking, steel is an excellent material to consider.

Safety

Because most Yakitori grills are tabletop, there should be a fair gap between the grill’s bottom and the surface on which it is placed. 

To be safe, look for heat protection shields on the grill. Consider whether or not the grill’s exterior is heat-resistant before purchasing.

Handles are the second most crucial aspect of safety. You should use rubber, nylon, or another heat-resistant material for the handles. 

Long metal clamps come with some Yakitori grills for adjusting the charcoal during cooking. You can easily control the lump charcoal’s temperature without putting on heavy gloves. 

Warranty

Products with warranties demonstrate a company’s confidence in their product’s durability. 

Some yakitori grills have varying warranty policies and terms for different parts. So, before anything else, check the manufacturer’s warranty. 

It’s good if they offer a warranty on the essential components, such as the cooking grate and the firebox.

Price

A high price does not always equal high quality. Moreover, think about your needs before spending money on a high-ticket item.

Finding a pricey, feature-rich product that does not meet your demands is possible.

As a result, begin by identifying the things you do and do not require, and only then should you begin to limit your choices.

FAQs

How To Cook Yakitori At Home

Japanese kabobs of grilled skewered meat are known as yakitori. 

An excellent yakitori recipe begins with chicken, soy sauce, and seasoning, which can be as simple as salt and pepper. You can also make your sauces.

A good yakitori grill is excellent to start when perfecting your yakitori-cooking skills.

What Can You Cook on a Yakitori Grill?

Although the Japanese word for “grilled chicken” correctly translates as “yakitori,” it does not limit you to cooking only chicken. You can find pork yakitori and other meats on the menus of Japanese restaurants.

Additionally, you can use yakitori grills in many ways. You can use it for cooking steaks, chicken breasts, hamburgers, and other items that don’t include sticks.

What Kind of Charcoal Is Used in Yakitori Grills?

Binchotan is the most widely used type among the several materials available. Cooking at high temperatures is possible because it can get quite hot. 

If you choose a gas or electric grill, you won’t have to worry about this, but you can get Binchotan charcoal for the most delicious taste if you prefer charcoal.

What Skewers Should I Use for Yakitori?

Metal and bamboo skewers are standard and practical tools for skewering meat and vegetables. The length of the skewer is critical to the yakitori grill you select.

Can I Use Yakitori Grills Indoors?

Yes, if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it, you can use a yakitori grill indoors. However, using a charcoal barbecue inside the house is not good because the smoke might be toxic. 

When cooking indoors, it’s best to use an electric grill. 

Conclusion

Yakitori is a popular Japanese meal to eat. You can find everything from veggies to fish to meat in yakitori recipes.

If you’ve never had Japanese barbeque, a yakitori grill is a great place to start.

We hope this guide helped you figure out the best yakitori grill for your needs.