It’s a fact: Japanese cuisine is one of the top cuisines on the planet and a foodie favorite. If you have a hibachi grill or are thinking about getting one, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your hibachi.
There are three main categories: tabletop hibachi, like the plate-style tabletop hibachi, a grate hibachi (usually larger and more like a commercial grill), and a Japanese cast iron hibachi, a permanent fixture of any Japanese home.
If you’re comparing hibachi grills for your home (or if you’re looking for a new one for your home), we’ll break down the best hibachi grills for the money! Below you will find helpful buyer’s guides for three of the most popular categories of hibachi.
Check out our reviews below:
- Cast Iron Hibachi
- Plate Style Hibachi
- Grate Style Hibachi
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| CUISINART CGG-180T CGG180T Portable Propane | Best Overall |  |
| Cajun Classic Round Seasoned Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill | Budget Pick |  |
1. CUISINART CGG-180T CGG180T Portable Propane
Pros:
- Affordable compared to others
- Large cooking surface
- Mini size
- Powerful burner
Cons:
- Limited temperature controls
- Small distance between burner and the food
- Grill is fragile
- Cooking grates are difficult to clean
(Discontinued by Manufacturer)
It’s a fact that Hibachi grills are everywhere in Japan. They’re all over the place. You can find them in every office, in every restaurant, and in every home. Their popularity is so big it’s no surprise that the best Hibachi grills are manufactured in Japan.
The Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet is a small Japanese Hibachi grill that is designed to fit in Bay windows, kitchen counters, RV, or even a boat. Weighing less than 10 pounds, it’s easily portable, and comes pre-assembled. The grill performs the same functions as a full sized grill, but on a smaller scale.
2. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill
Pros:
- Local blacksmith makes these
- Cast Iron makes it durable
- This is a well-built grill with a premium cover
- Blowers are included for easy lighting
Cons:
- Prices are on the higher side
- Grill is a bit heavy
- The grates are a bit thin
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill is one of the most popular and most-recommended hibachi grills available today.
It’s manufactured with high-quality cast iron and coated with a traditional black finish. The construction of the Sportsman’s grill is simple yet durable, which means this grill can last you for years without the need for replacement.
It includes a handle that is die-casted and attached to the body of the grill, so you don’t have to worry about it coming off. There are also additional forked legs included if you need to use them for additional stability.
3. Cajun Classic Round Seasoned Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill
Pros:
- Heats up quickly
- Easy to assemble
- Portable
- Top-notch customer service from the manufacturer
- Excellent heat retention
- It’s the classic grill you’d expect it to be
Cons:
- It’s a bit tricky to clean
- The top handle is a little weak
- The slightest bump can cause the grill to topple over
- The handle doesn’t fold
What makes the Cajun Classic an absolute must-have when talking about Hibachi grills is its durability and affordability. It is a great table-top option that can fit a small family or party of two with a couple of good friends.
The grill is made of solid cast iron and the heating element is made of genuine pressed-steel. It is naturally heat-resistant so you won’t have to worry about ashes and other debris getting into the heating element.
The Cajun Classic also has a removable ash pan to contain ashes and other debris.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best hibachi grill?
Hibachis are tabletop grills that originated in Japan. The most common hibachi grill in the U.S. looks a lot like a kettle barbecue or a portable smoker. There are two basic types of Hibachi grills: charcoal and gas. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and we’ve already discussed the best charcoal grills above. In this section, we’ll focus on the best gas grills of 2022.
Do they still make hibachi grills?
YES they still make hibachi grills. And interestingly customer feedback suggests these grills are more sought after now than ever before. Here are a few of the most important reasons:
- Hibachi grills are easy to use, and also very visually appealing which make them perfect for entertaining. You would have a blast cooking up a feast and enjoying it with your family and friends. For years, many homeowners and restaurants have been using hibachi grills instead of bulky outdoor kitchen sets to get a taste of summer, anytime of the year.
- They are sized perfectly to cook for 1 to 2 people at a time. You can also use your hibachi grill to create more than just a great piece of steak. You can grill nearly everything one that you want, weather it is your veggies, meat, seafood, or pizza…
What kind of grill is used in Hibachi?
Hibachi grills use natural gas or propane. You’ll find an outdoor burner with a long pipe, a pair of long handled iron tongs and a square hibachi grill.
This square hibachi grill has raised grill/grates made of wrought iron that cover the kindling. There’s also a small hole at the base of the grill that allows the fire to breathe in oxygen. To extinguish the fire, a plug gets pulled to seal all the holes.
What is the best all around grill?
For the right size and for everyday use, the best outdoor grill will be a compact hibachi or kettle grill. If you want one that is perfect for a smaller space or for those who want to be able to take their grill with them when they move, then a small hibachi grill is the one for you.
For those who want to go bigger with their grills or who need a grilling solution for feeding a larger crowd, then you will want the all around best grill, the hibachi grill on wheels.
These can come in sizes of 3 to 6 burners and are great for a barbecue party, thanks to their size. If you don’t want to store a big piece of furniture, if you want something you can take with you, or want something with a little more grilling space, then a hibachi grill will work really well for you.
Conclusion
With a quick search on Amazon, you will find over 70 Hibachi grills to look through. However, due to the complex nature of Hibachi grills, we recommend you look through the safety features, the size, storage, and the reviews on the different Hibachi grills.
After thorough research, our recommendation for the best Hibachi grill is the Big Boss Hibachi Charcoal Grill.
It is a well built, quality grill at a very reasonable price. It has very good technology to ensure the meat is cooked evenly and thoroughly. It's a grilling hibachi to consider.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| CUISINART CGG-180T CGG180T Portable Propane | Best Overall | |
| Cajun Classic Round Seasoned Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill | Budget Pick | |