Buying guide for best hibachi grills
There’s something unbeatable about the flavor of foods cooked over charcoal, but if you have limited space in your yard or need a travel grill, a hibachi grill is your best bet.
Ideal for camping, tailgating, and other road trips, a hibachi grill is a small portable grill that uses charcoal to cook meat and other foods. It usually features a main container with legs that holds the hot coals and a grate, which sits over the charcoal. A hibachi grill usually doesn’t have a lid, though there are handles on the sides to make it easy to carry.
If you want to get the most from a hibachi grill, you have to choose the right one. That means deciding what material is best, what size cooking surface you need, what shape you prefer, and what other features will make grilling your favorite recipes as easy as possible.
Key considerations
Material
Hibachi grills are made from a variety of materials, which can affect their overall performance:
Aluminum hibachi grills are extremely lightweight, so they work well for camping and travel. They can also effectively distribute heat across the grill. However, aluminum models aren’t particularly durable.
Stainless steel hibachi grills are a more durable option, though they weigh more than aluminum, which can be an issue for travel. They don’t distribute heat as well either.
- Cast-iron hibachi grills are generally considered the best. They are much heavier than aluminum or stainless steel models, but they’re extremely durable and distribute heat well. Cast iron can be prone to rust, though, so it’s important to season the grill after each use.
Cooking surface area
Hibachi grills are usually fairly small and compact, but there is some variation in terms of how much cooking space they provide. The cooking surface area for hibachi grills generally ranges from 125 square inches to 250 square inches, so you can choose a model that best suits your needs.
For one to three people, a hibachi grill with 125 to 150 square inches of cooking surface area is usually sufficient. For three to four people, a grill with 150 to 200 square inches of cooking surface area can work well. If you’re cooking for four to five people or want to fit your meat and veggies on the grill at the same time, opt for a model with 200 to 250 square inches of cooking surface area.
Shape
Traditional hibachi grills have a round, pot-like shape. But a hibachi grill can provide similar results no matter what shape it is. Some cooks find it easier to arrange meat and other foods on a hibachi grill that is rectangular or oval-shaped.
Features
Adjustable grates
The closer your food is to the coals in a hibachi grill, the more heat it receives. For the most control over how your food cooks, choose a hibachi grill with adjustable grates. Most models have a set number of heights that you can place your grate at. For the most versatility, opt for a hibachi grill with three to four height options.
Wooden handles
Many hibachi grills have handles on the sides to allow you to easily move the grill. It’s best to choose a model with wooden handles because the wood is more likely to stay cool during the grilling process. Metal handles, on the other hand, have a tendency to get hot.
Airflow vents
Some hibachi grills feature vents at the bottom, which are designed to help you adjust the heat. While a hibachi grill’s open design always allows plenty of air to reach the burning coals to maintain the fire, air can rise through the grill via the vents and increase the heat further. You can also close the vents to cool the fire when necessary.
Hibachi grill prices
Inexpensive: Hibachi grills vary in price based on their materials and size. The most affordable hibachi grills are usually made of aluminum. They typically cost between $12 and $40.
Mid-range: For $21 to $70, you’ll find hibachi grills that are typically made of durable stainless steel.
Expensive: The priciest hibachi grills are usually made of cast iron. They typically cost between $30 and $120.
Tips
Always set up your hibachi grill on a heat-proof level surface to ensure that it won’t topple over.
For safety reasons, it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby when you’re using a hibachi grill.
You’ll have an easier time lighting a hibachi grill if you use a charcoal chimney starter. It also helps you avoid using lighter fluid, which can give your food an unpleasant flavor.
Allow your hibachi grill to cool completely before emptying the ashes and cleaning it.
Always clean your hibachi grill promptly after use to prevent food from sticking and improve the grill’s durability.
FAQ
Q. What benefits does a hibachi grill have over other charcoal grills?
A. A hibachi grill is one of the most compact types of charcoal grills, so it’s ideal for anyone who has a small backyard or patio. It’s also highly portable, which makes it easy to take with you when you’re camping or tailgating. Hibachi grills are also one of the most affordable charcoal grill options, making it an excellent choice if you’re on a budget or don’t grill that often.
Q. Can I use a hibachi grill for smoking meats and other foods?
A. Most hibachi grills don’t produce much smoke and don’t have a lid, which means you can’t effectively smoke foods. Instead, they’re best used for grilling thinner cuts of meat, kebabs, burgers, pork chops, pork tenderloin, and vegetables.
Q. What safety measures should I take with a hibachi grill?
A. As with any type of grill, it’s important to take proper safety precautions when you’re using a hibachi grill. In addition to being flat and stable, the surface that you place your grill on should be heat-resistant. Setting it up on bricks or rocks can work well, but make sure that you place it so it’s not touching any walls or other items that might catch fire. Move any flammable materials away from the grill, so there are at least four feet of safe space around it.
When you’re operating the grill, make sure that you have grilling gloves or oven mitts on hand because the sides of the grill can get extremely hot. Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby in case a fire breaks out, and keep children and pets away from the grill when the coals are lit.
