Hibachi, literally translated from its Japanese origin, means “fire bowl.” Traditionally, it's a round, heat-proof bowl that holds fuel to cook food. Today, hibachi grills usually refer to any type of small and portable grill, no matter the shape. It can also refer to a Japanese-inspired American restaurant where the chefs cook your food in front of you in an entertaining way.
However, some of the best hibachi grills are simple, straightforward cooking devices that are highly portable. The best hibachi grill is the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, thanks to its portability and performance.
The best way to find the right hibachi grill for your needs is to look at its cooking surface. Surface areas typically range between 125 and 250 square inches.
You may need to adjust this size depending on what foods you’re cooking and the typical portion sizes for your household.
Some hibachi grills have round or oval shapes, but most come in rectangular or square forms.
Manufacturers usually make hibachi grills out of aluminum, stainless steel or cast iron.
The best hibachi grills have adjustable grates that let you choose how far away the flames are from your food, offering more precise cooking. Most only have one or two heights to choose from, but some have up to four.
The best hibachi grills also have vents that help regulate how much heat your food is exposed to. Vents also make it easier for airflow to reach your fuel source, which keeps it burning.
Hibachi grills typically cost between $20-$120, mainly depending on the material. Most aluminum grills cost less than $40 with some costing as little as $10-$15. Steel grills usually cost $20-$70, while cast iron grills cost $40-$120.
A. There are three main reasons to use a hibachi grill over standard grills.
A. It might be possible, but you won’t get anywhere near the same results as using a proper smoker. Stick to grilling smaller, thinner foods instead.
A. There are several safety precautions one should take.
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
What you need to know: This hibachi grill is easy to transport and cooks perfectly.
What you’ll love: It has a 160-inch cooking surface. The lid comes with vents so you can easily control the temperature. It also locks in place when closed and has a solid handle for easy portability. It’s made of porcelain-coated cast iron for durability and easy cleaning.
What you should consider: You need to put it all together when you first get it. Some consumers had issues with rusting.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill
What you need to know: This is a good grill for the occasional outdoor trip.
What you’ll love: The grill can collapse and fold down flat for easy travel, and it’s made of painted alloy steel for durability and rust resistance. It comes with one charcoal and one grill rack, both of which are made of stainless steel for easy cleaning.
What you should consider: It’s thin and lightweight enough that it can feel flimsy. There’s no lid to control the temperature.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Home Depot, Kohl’s and Wayfair
Bruntmor Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Portable Grill
What you need to know: This beastly grill is better suited to stationary cooking rather than traveling.
What you’ll love: The heavy-duty cast iron material is incredibly durable, and it comes pre-seasoned, so you can start cooking immediately. It has a 153-inch cooking surface that’s large enough to feed four people. You can use either charcoal or wood as fuel.
What you should consider: It’s heavy, making it impractical for traveling. The wire handles don’t make it easy to carry either.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
