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In a hurry? In my opinion, the best Hibachi Grill is the Marsh Allen Hibachi Cast Iron Grill.
While standard, portable grills can be convenient, most don't offer that char-grilled taste you seek from outdoor cooking. That's where a hibachi grill steps into the picture!
These old-style Japanese cooking machines can offer you both that satisfying flavor and the efficiency necessary for an "alfresco" experience. We've gathered up a few that are worth checking out.
An image might come into your mind of a chef behind a piping hot iron plate at a Japanese-style restaurant referred to as "teppanyaki."
It's not quite the same thing, although people often use "hibachi" and "teppanyaki" interchangeably. The former are portable units that resemble your traditional gas grill for backyard cooking or camping.
However, they're usually made from cast iron, fired by charcoal, and come with adjustable height settings. The cooking area on these grills is small, but these grills are powerful. They feature a concentrated surface that sits directly above the coals, offering loads of heat and that grilled taste that everyone adores.
Hibachi grills aren't widespread on the market yet. But that isn't to say they aren't worth investing in if you appreciate life outdoors as much as I do. Amp up your hosting game and watch your friends get envious!
There are a few components that make some hibachi grills better than others, such as adjustable grates. Other specs might depend on your preferences, and I'm here to help you sort things out.
For most of us, a hibachi grill will act as a secondary unit for travel purposes or a fun tool to bust out for backyard gatherings. You might look for a budget-friendly model in this case.
None of these grills will break the bank, but some are friendlier than others. Some cheaper units feature steel grates, for example, instead of cast iron. On the flip side, high-end options don't necessarily mean top-quality materials.
They range between $40 and $100, and you'll want to aim for the best in value overall.
You want to make sure that you can regulate airflow adequately when grilling. This helps manage the temperature and stops you from having to remove foods to rest – or kill the fire completely.
Some grills offer adjustable air vents, while others feature a more straightforward option, such as a draft door. I prefer the second style because there's less to fiddle around with, but it's not a must.
One feature I love in a hibachi grill is the option to have adjustable grates. Without a choice in height, your food will cook at just one temperature, which is limiting if you want to enjoy a varied menu.
Let's use kebabs and chicken breasts as an example. Your beef can cook at a high temperature and close to the flame without drying out. With poultry, though, you're better off with some distance to allow for a slower process, ending with a juicier piece of meat.
Keep these tips in mind when using your grill:
A new hibachi grill can add some fun and convenience to those memorable nights out in nature.
I've gathered up four of our favorites, so let's get sizzling:
This hibachi grill from Marsh Allen offers a ton of versatility. Not only do you get three adjustable height options to choose from, but the grates come divided into two sections.
You won't have trouble deciding what you need to cook when, or at what level. It's an excellent grill for varied meals and when you're serving a bigger bunch of people.
Another plus is that the grates curve up at the sides, providing some security when you're in a rush. (Nothing should slide off the end and into the dog's mouth below.)
There are two air vents that you can adjust, promoting an even cooking process. It has wood handles on each side for easy carrying.
It weighs 18 pounds and looks to be entirely cast iron, aside from the wooden bits mentioned above.
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This popular option – the Sportsman Hibachi – from Lodge is your quintessential, cast iron hibachi grill with traditional appeal. Lodge has been making iron cookware since 1896, so you know they mean business.
The unit comes pre-seasoned with 100 percent vegetable oil, which means it'll be ready to go straight out of the box.
Air ventilation comes in the form of a flip-down door, and there are two adjustable heights for you to choose from, depending on what's cooking up top.
Cast iron is the makings of this grill from start to finish, including the handles. The construction speaks for itself, and it should hold up for years to come.
Despite the quality, it only weighs around 27 pounds, so you shouldn't have difficulty taking it to and from your chosen location.
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Standing out on our list is this Weber charcoal grill. It's the only option that's not cast iron, but there are other features worth mentioning.
Weber is a well-known company in the world of grills, and for a good reason, it makes quality products. This is a budget-friendly model that can hold up to around six burgers at once. The stainless steel cooking grate should be easy to clean and durable enough to last.
It features steel legs and an enamel lid with a "tuck-n-carry" lock for convenience. Speaking of that, it weighs a mere 14 pounds, which means it could be a perfect option for camping as it won't add much to your load.
You don't have to worry about windy conditions either, as this grill features a lid hanger that allows you to rest it on the side of the unit when cooking. It'll shield you from any gusts that could otherwise knock out your fire.
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This Cajun Hibachi Grill makes for an unusual hibachi grill shape option. Instead of your typical rectangular model, it's a circle. I appreciate the design in that it's charming, though you may lose out on the size of your cooking area.
It's 15 inches in diameter and stands around 8 inches tall. Despite the compact size, it weighs more than others at approximately 42 pounds.
On the upside, it comes pre-seasoned and ready to use. As we know, cast iron seasons with time and ages well where taste is concerned. If the grate breaks down over the years, there's a replacement available, sold separately.
Be warned that this model is a little pricier than others on the market. While users enjoy the compact size, some note that the cast iron isn't as durable as you would anticipate for the price-tag.
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There is so much to love about these units, but our top ticks include the looks, convenience, and flavor they offer. The best hibachi grill in my opinion should be easy to use and transport, plus made from cast iron.
In my opinion, the best Hibachi Grill is the Marsh Allen. It exudes versatility, comes with every height adjustment and tweak you need, and splits into two sections. With the Marsh Allen, you'll be able to make whatever you need and have a ton of fun doing it.
