It’s really hard to find people who don’t like hamburgers or sausages. They are widely available foods. But there is a certain fun element in grilling your own meat. Grilling in the summertime is one of the best activities one can do.
But today’s topic is not about regular grills. It’s about the best hibachi grills. Although hibachi grills are not very popular in general, they offer some great features that conventional grills cannot. We’ll learn all there is about hibachi grills in today’s article.
Table of Contents
Best Hibachi Grills – Comparison
| Picture | Product Name | Power Source | Dimensions ( in) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Lodge L410 Pre-Seasoned | Charcoal | 19 x 8.25 x 10.25 | Check Latest Price |
 | Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit | Propane | 16 x 16.5 x 13 | Check Latest Price |
 | Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere | Charcoal | 12.2 x 21 x 14.5 | Check Latest Price |
 | Fox Outfitters Quick | Charcoal | 13 x 13 x 8.5 | Check Latest Price |
 | Cajun Classic Round Seasons | Charcoal | 15 x 8 | Check Latest Price |
 | Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned | Charcoal | 21.7 x 13.5 x 9.9 | Check Latest Price |
 | Mr. Flame Son of Hibachi | Charcoal | 13.4 x 10.3 x 6.3 | Check Latest Price |
 | Update International (HG-35/CI) | – | 4 x 4 x 6 | Check Latest Price |
 | Kole Imports OC864 | – | 1 x 1 x 1 | Check Latest Price |
What are Hibachi Grills?
You might not know the name ‘hibachi’ grill, but you’ve certainly seen one. They are medium-sized grills with no lids. Hibachi grills are powered by charcoal and they offer amazing flavors. Hibachi grills are perfect for cooking hamburger patties, sausages, wings or even steaks.
They are really known for their simple design and portability. The best hibachi grills are mostly made from cast iron or aluminum. Cast iron grills are better from a durability perspective. But they are heavy and takes longer to heat up.
Aluminum hibachi grills, on the other hand, can really take things furthers. They are lightweight and heats up very easily. It means that they cool down quickly as well. It’s great for portability. They are more expensive in general, but the price is worth it.
Advantages of a Hibachi Grill
For starters, the hibachi grills are really inexpensive. The charcoal needed for the best hibachi grills are also cheap and easily found. They don’t come with any fire hazards as well. You can set a hibachi grill literally anywhere.
There are no flames that might burn your meat while cooking. They can accommodate a wide range of food depending on the size. It’s a wonder that such a simple setup can do so much.
You can adjust the height of the grill by setting it at different positions. Cheap models might not offer this feature but it makes things easier for you.
Disadvantages
Despite being a great addition to your inventory, even the best hibachi grills come with some disadvantages. For starters, we can take the space limitation. While the best hibachi grills are great for small arrangements, you really can’t scale it to a big party where you need a lot of grilled food.
The amount of heat generated is directly related to the amount of charcoal used. You cannot physically adjust the heat as there is no flame. The more charcoal you put, the more heat it will produce. It might take a few tries to get the heat just right.
Most of the hibachi grills won’t come with any lid. The absence of a lid means a lot of heat will escape into the air. So, big chunks of meats like whole hams, lambs or chickens won’t cook properly. You cannot smoke veggies and meats as well.
Safety Measures
The safety part is entirely dependent on you. You should not play with fire and keeping these safety measures in mind is crucial for every grilling session. These measures go for the best hibachi grills as well.
- Keep the hibachi grill away from any flammable element
- Make sure that the surface under the hibachi is inflammable
- Refrain from touching the sides of the hibachi grill with bare hands
- Keep children, elderly and disabled people away from the hibachi
- Keep a bucket of water/hose nearly in the case of a fire emergency
The Review
By now, you should have a pretty good idea about hibachi grills. But only knowing about them doesn’t do you any good. We’ve also taken the liberty to find out the best hibachi grills available on the market for you.
Best Hibachi Grills – Reviews
1. Lodge L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill
It’s undoubtedly one of the best hibachi grills of our time. It’s high quality and it’s effective. It’s not cheap but it’s worth every penny. It has a three-way adjustable grill that allows for plenty of options while cooking.
If you don’t want to worry about cleaning the setup afterward, this might the perfect choice for you. The grills are very easy to disassemble and you can wash the grill with hands. There is a draft door at the bottom that can actually control the air flowing through the grill.
The cooking grates are seasoned out of the box so you don’t have to worry about seasoning either. There is a flip-down door through which you can control the coal and move them as required.
The seasoning is performed with vegetable oil. Vegetable oil is probably the best choice when it comes to seasoning cookware as vegetable oil doesn’t contain any salt. Salt is responsible for premature corrosion on cast iron grills.
The best part is, it’s made in the USA. All the materials are very high quality and you can really feel the difference. It’s a relatively expensive model in our list but you should understand why by now.
The manufacturer has over 100 years of experience in making grills so they know what they are doing. Lodge is known for its craftsmanship and quality all around the world. Their seasoning is also very famous and it gets better with each use.
What We Liked:
- Very high-quality material
- Easy assembly
- Pre-seasoned
- Height adjustable grill
- Draft door to regulate airflow and heat
- Flip door to access the coal easily
- Portable
- Easy cleaning
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive
- Needs regular maintenance
- Relatively heavy
2. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill
It might not be charcoal powered, but it does contain all the other characteristics of the best hibachi grills. It’s compact, it’s portable and most importantly, it can grill. It’s powered by liquid propane gas. You can either buy screw-on tanks from your nearest convenience store or buy the large tanks.
This hibachi grill has about 145 square inches of cooking space which is enough to feed a group of 3-4. The legs are foldable which makes it ideal for carrying around. It’s a perfect unit to take to camping trips in the woods.
As this model from Cuisinart is powered by propane, you don’t have to worry about starting the charcoal first. All you have to do is connect it to a tank and light the fire with a lighter. It has a very nice and thick handle that gives the hibachi grill a ‘briefcase-like’ appearance.
The cooking grates are coated with porcelain so they are made to last. You don’t have to switch any parts frequently.
What We Liked:
- Foldable legs
- Lightweight and portable
- Briefcase style handle to easier carrying
- Gas-powered to add the modern touch
- Porcelain-enameled grates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Burner quality not up to the mark
- The plastic portions of the body let the heat escape easily
3. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
The name might not contain hibachi, but this grill from Weber works as great as the best hibachi grills available on the market. It offers a decent 160 square inches of cooking area with enough space to put charcoal at the bottom.
The lid has a nylon handle on top so it won’t become hot while cooking. There are 2 separate dampers and 3 air vents to allow the charcoal enough oxygen. The grills won’t rust as well because the grates are porcelain-coated.
The legs are pivoting design and they fold up when you need them. This little monster can cook up to 4 steaks on top of the grill. The grill is very easy to clean and everything comes off fairly easily. There is nothing complicated to assemble so the whole process is a walk in the park.
Once assembled, this best hibachi grill is ready to roll and you can just put on the back of your car. It’s so clean that you can even start cooking inside the card. The lids seal off perfectly so there will be no gunky residue.
What We Liked:
- Decent cooking area
- 3 air vents for maximum breathing
- Porcelain-coated cooking grates
- Nickel coated grills for easier clean-ups
- Very lightweight
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not very durable
4. Fox Outfitters Quick Grill Medium
The design of this hibachi grill is so simple that it doesn’t even look like one at first glance. There is nothing to set up. It’s made from good quality stainless steel. Although you’ll be missing the awesomeness of cast iron, it’s no less than the best hibachi grills.
The best part is it doesn’t constrain you on anything. You can use charcoal, wood or anything else that burns for this grill. The grill area is 144 square inches which is enough for any backyard party. It weighs almost nothing. The weight is listed at 4.5 pounds. We wouldn’t care even if it was a couple of pounds heavier.
Although the grill itself is not made of cast iron, you can put a cast-iron skillet or pan on top of it to mimic the feel. It’s a very durable and sturdy unit that won’t break even under double the rated weight limit.
What We Liked:
- Allows both wood and charcoal
- Very sturdy design
- Made with premium stainless steel
- 144 square inches of cooking area
- Allows pots or pans on top
- No complex assembly required
- Wind resistant funnel-shaped grill
What We Didn’t Like:
- Doesn’t reflect the classic hibachi-style
- No control over the heat
5. Cajun Classic Round Seasons Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill
If the traditional Japanese hibachi was to be found today, they would look like the Cajun Classic. It’s a circular Japanese-styled cooking grill with a 15-inch diameter. You can cook up to 9 standard burgers.
It’s made with cast iron, but that doesn’t compromise the portability. It’s still very compact in size and can be carried on trips with ease. As storage space is very limited in these trips, having a small-sized hibachi grill would save you from a lot of trouble.
When it comes to the material the best hibachi grills are made of, there is nothing that can compete with cast iron. Yes, they are heavy. But they can retain heat and flavor like no other metal. Cajun Classic is made of cast iron so you can rest assured that you’ll be using every BTU of heat with this.
What We Liked:
- Compact size to fit space limitations
- Cast iron build to retain maximum heat
- Large cooking surface to feed a medium party
- Very durable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Weighs about 40 pounds which might be an issue while carrying
- As it originated in China, the cast iron quality is not the best in class
6. Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Hibachi Style Grill
This hibachi-style grill is very identical to Lodge 410. But the Bruntmor hibachi grill costs less. This one also offers over 150 square inches of space for convenient cooking. It has draft doors at the bottom that allows air to flow.
There is also a lowering door that enables the users to add charcoal as they need. It’s made in china with cast iron. It’s ideal for backyard picnics, camping trips, and birthday parties. It’s very portable and lightweight that makes it ideal for home use.
This grill is perfect for cooking all kinds of meats, seafood, and vegetables. The manufacturer allows you to clean it with mild soap but we discourage using soap. Soap will strip the seasoning from the grill.
The ventilation is amazing and the lowering gate is a nice touch that increases convenience. You don’t have to remove the grill every time you need to add some heat. The handles are made of cast iron as well which might cause problems while handling.
It’s quite heavy compared to the other models in the same vicinity. It weighs over 30 pounds which might be a problem for some people. But overall, the cooking experience is going to be amazing on this hibachi grill.
What We Liked:
- Inexpensive
- Ventilation is adequate
- A gate for easier coal handling
- A great model for beginners
What We Didn’t Like:
- Cheap material
- Cast iron handles that get hot while cooking
- Prone to cracking if left under the sun
- Relatively heavy
- No adjustable grill height
- Prone to rust
7. Mr. Flame Son of Hibachi Portable Vintage Grill
A vintage design to trap as much heat as possible. The manufacturer calls it the blast furnace concept with the chimney effect. It has almost 170 square inches is cooking surface with a convertible roasting oven.
It’s a very powerful grill that has the ability to cook anything put on it. From hamburgers to whole chickens, everything is possible to cook with this amazing hibachi grill. It’s a very efficient model that saves the charcoal for later use.
Once you are done with the cooking, the hibachi will turn into a self-cleaning oven and self-extinguishing barbeque. It’s a 1980’s model that packs all the good things from that time. But there might be some rush on them as well. As it’s used a lot during this period, the seasoning is going to be out of this world.
Mr. Flame Son of Hibachi is made of carbon steel and features cast iron cooking grates for maximum efficiency. The handles are very ergonomic and turn into legs once opened. The weight is very much under the radar which makes it an awesome portable unit. It weighs only about 17 pounds.
What We Liked:
- Very sturdy and durable
- Cooking grates have amazing seasoning
- Self-cleaning and self-extinguishing
- Not very expensive
What We Didn’t Like:
- Really old design
- Might have rush issues
8. Update International (HG-35/CI) Cast Iron Hibachi Set
If you are a man of culture who also likes to cook, this is a great choice for your inventory. It kind of looks like the original hibachi that were used in Japan. It’s made of cast iron and size makes it ideal to fit in congested places.
It looks like a piece of art with a black cast iron body and a wooden base. The cooking area is not very big but it certainly holds some cultural value in the design. It does the job very nicely for small parties.
The size is so small that you can almost carry it in your backpack. It weighs only 2.25 pounds which is unbelievable for any hibachi grill. It also comes with a dragon set that features aluminum construction and an amazing brass finish.
What We Liked:
- Ideal for pu pu platters
- Available in two variants
- Great for making Asian appetizers
- Very lightweight
- Affordable
- Great for personal use
- Great for traveling
What We Didn’t Like:
- Food might stick to the surface
- Prone to rust
- Small cooking surface
9. Kole Imports OC864 Hibachi Grill
It’s a beginner-friendly hibachi grill that offers the same level of functionality as the best hibachi grills on the market. It weighs only 2.6 pounds! You can image how basic the design is! It very affordable and a great option for people only entering the grilling scene.
The Kole Import’s hibachi grill is ideal for cooking in a limited space like a balcony or the back of a truck. The handles are not the best in class but considering the price, it’s really worth it. Moreover, it offers both wood and charcoal as fuel. You can choose whichever you think fits your needs.
What We Liked:
- Very lightweight and compact
- Great for beginners
- Measures only 9.5×17 inches
- Amazingly affordable
- Great for small balcony parties
What We Didn’t Like:
- Handles are wobbly
- Build quality is not premium
10. Marsh Allen Hibachi Charcoal Grill
This is one of the best hibachi grills at this moment with adjustable cooking grills. You can cook your meals perfectly with this one. It offers over 150 square inches of space which is enough to cook medium meals for a few people.
The grid handles are made of wood which is a great addition to the mix. Wood doesn’t heat up during cooking and makes it easier to handle. It comes with two air vents to allow you absolute control over the charcoal burn rate.
The highest position of the grill sits a little below the edges to keep your food in the place. It’s not bulky and weighs around 16 pounds. It’s perfect for outdoor parties and camping trips in the woods.
It’s made of cast iron which adds great flavor to the cooked food. Cast iron is great for seasoning. But remember not to wash it with soap. It’s one of the cheapest hibachi grills you can get your hands on. It’s a perfect choice for the newcomers in the grilling paradigm.
What We Liked:
- Very affordable
- 3 step grill height adjustment
- 2 air vents
- Large space for cooking
- Wooden handles
What We Didn’t Like:
- Build quality not up to the mark
- Complex assembly
Storing a Hibachi Grill
It’s very unlikely that you will use a hibachi grill on a daily. Proper care and maintenance can prolong the life of any machinery and hibachi grills are no different. Even the best hibachi grills need some sort of maintenance to serve you in the long run.
As the hibachi grills in our list are made from cast iron, it’s crucial to follow the rules. Cast iron items like pans, grills, and pots require seasoning and cleaning to keep them safe from rust.
Start by cleaning it with warm water and scrubbers. We’ve said it plenty of times and we’re going to say it again, don’t use soaps to clean cast iron grills. Once you think the grill is clean, let it dry. Air drying is the key to preserving the best hibachi grills.
Once your hibachi is dry, coat it with cooking oil. It can be vegetable oil; it can be olive oil or it can be food-grade mineral oil. Store the hibachi grill somewhere safe. Keep it away from direct sunlight. The area should also of adequate airflow.
Seasoning is the only way to increase the lifespan of any hibachi grill and keeping the food from sticking to the surface. For the best results, you can use a grill cover.
Conclusion
Hibachi grills hold certain cultural values in them. For some reason, even the best hibachi grills are not very common in households. They offer amazing efficiency and they are just the right size when it comes to grills.
Not everyone needs the commercial-grade monsters to grill things like sausages or hamburger patties. Hibachi grills are almost always the right course of action for grilling enthusiasts. Our goal is to make hibachi grills accessible to people who are not sure whether to get them or not.
To summarize, Lodge L410 is hands down the best hibachi grill of our time. There are other budget picks that get the job done pretty well. If you are thinking of getting one yourself, be sure to go through the best hibachi grills above.