Hibachi grills have become a popular choice for grilling lovers because of their affordability and portability. But what makes these grills so unique? Keep reading to find out the best of these grills for home.
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What Is An Hibachi Grill
A Japanese hibachi grill is a small cooking grill that uses charcoal. However, you can also get one that uses gas or electricity. These grills are easy to use when cooking your favorite veggies and meat.
Hibachi charcoal grills date back to the golden age of Taoism, Buddhism, and the reign of Fujiwara. During the time, the country was experiencing an economic crisis. It was the winter season, and people used paper to make houses.
Making open fireplaces was not an option. The Japanese placed hot charcoal in open-top fireproof containers. The heat from coal made the houses warm and had the benefits of burning for long and without smoke. This was the birth of the hibachi.
Hibachi in Japanese means fire bowl. The traditional cast iron hibachi grill took the form of a box-like or round open-tipped container with a heatproof lining. Modern variations are large enough to build a two-level fire, allowing grillers to make one side hotter.
Since food remains closer to the flame, the hibachi charcoal grill is best for cooking seafood, small strips of meat, or kebabs. It imparts a distinctive charcoal flavor to the food.
Type Of Hibachi Grills
Hibachi grills originated from Japan and have taken on significant variations in places like Australia and North America. As a result, they are available in numerous styles and materials. Today, grilling enthusiasts have access to different types from which they can choose their preferred hibachi home grill. They include:
Charcoal Hibachi Grill
This small, portable hibachi grill places a cast-iron grate over a charcoal base. Cheaper versions use cast aluminum instead of cast iron, clay, ceramic, or diatomite, though they fail to deliver the same character or quality.
Most charcoal hibachi grills have bottom vents for heat control.
Gas Hibachi Grill
Gas hibachi grills use materials like stainless steel and cast aluminum. They bear a strong resemblance to the standard griddle or barbecue and use propane gas as their heat source. Though convenient, your food will lack the smoky charcoal flavor.
Electric Hibachi Grill
Modern hibachi grills, especially for homes and restaurants, are electric. An electric hibachi grill indoor is ideal for guests who want to sit around the grill and view the chef’s skills as they grill beef, pork, chicken, and seafood.
What Features To Look For In A Hibachi Grill
The ideal hibachi grill for the home will depend on your priority of features and your needs. Here are some of the elements you need to consider:
Convenience Of Use
One of the factors to consider when choosing an in-home hibachi-style grill is the ease of use. Many beginner-friendly models are available for novice grillers. Some users would also like to relax when grilling; thus, models with less complicated features are ideal.
Size
The size of your grill will depend on two main factors. The first one is portability. A small hibachi-style grill is convenient to carry around. The second is the amount of food you want to prepare. If you like hosting parties, then a larger one is ideal.
Budget
Hibachi grills are available in different sizes, designs, and prices. There are cheaper grills, but you would have to compromise on the features. You should find a balance between your preferred features and the cost.
How Do You Maintain A Hibachi
Cleaning and maintaining your hibachi grill is key to ensuring its longevity. Maintaining and cleaning up also ensure that your grill operates normally. But before you begin, ensure that you cut off the power.
Begin by cleaning the surface of the steel plate. Clean from the stainless steel suction port and remove any accumulated oil. Check whether there is any dirt blocking the flue.
Is A Japanese Grill Worth It?
A hibachi grill is easy to use, portable, and ideal for grilling small food portions. You only need a few minutes to cook meat and veggies without keeping your family and guests waiting.
Due to its size, a hibachi grill at home is a worthy appliance. It is portable and hence ideal for apartments, outdoor grilling, and even camping. Space is never an issue if you are using this type of grill.
The food is close to the heat source, which is another significant benefit because it will cook faster and capture the natural taste.
Best Hibachi Grills For Home
With so many types and designs of hibachi grills, choosing the best for home use can be challenging if you are a novice griller. However, we have compiled a list of the best to make your work easier.
Giantex Cast Iron Hibachi Grill
This portable cast iron hibachi grill has a fire gate, double-sided grilling net, and an air regulating door. It is perfect for family meals or friend gatherings in the backyard or park.
Giantex’s outdoor hibachi grill for home uses charcoal which helps maintain the flavor and adds a smoky taste to your meat. The grilling net is large enough for friends and families to use.
Cuisinart Portable Hibachi Grill
This is a portable tabletop hibachi grill with foldable legs and a 145 square inch grilling area. You can cook eight burgers, eight steaks, four pounds of fish, or sit to ten chicken breasts.
It uses propane gas on a stainless steel burner and an even-heating porcelain-enameled grate. You can easily set up a hibachi grill outdoor grilling area in no time.
Blackstone Hibachi Grill
You can have a restaurant-cooking style with this hibachi grill at home. This propane-fueled grill eliminates the hassle of charcoal, kerosene, and matches. Moreover, it features a battery-powered ignition button.
This grill is large with a 470 square inch flat cooking surface. You also enjoy two side shelves for food preparation and storage and a bottom shelve. A removable griddle top, fold-up legs, and caster wheels make it easy to transport.
Backyard Japanese Hibachi Grill
This propane-fueled backyard grill offers a generous cooking space with a 693 square inch hibachi grill table. It features an easy-to-clean stainless steel drip pan that is also dishwasher safe.
A cast-iron spark adjustable burner with full heating coverage and a laminated wood top makes it ideal for lifetime use.
IronMaster Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Hibachi Grill
IronMaster’s cast iron hibachi grill is portable and perfect for outdoor camping. It has a detachable cooking grate with two adjustable heights. Additionally, a 13-inch BBQ cooking surface makes it for various meals.
It uses charcoal, and a draft door makes it easy to add coal. The door also helps in adjusting the grill’s temperature.
Uno Casa Small Hibachi Grill
The Uno Casa is made of cast iron; thus, it is built to last and will make delightful memories. It uses charcoal and is ideal for everything from steak and fish to burgers. A water-resistant nylon cover helps keep it safe and dry when not in use.
Apart from being small, affordable, and portable, hibachi grills are perfect for a novice griller. They are also ideal for small families and for fixing a quick meal.
FAQs – Best Hibachi Grills For Home
Not everyone has a backyard or deck capable of accommodating a full barbeque grill. If you are one of these people, then a hibachi grill is the ideal choice if you want to grill meat or vegetables. Hibachi grills are also easy to transport. This makes them great for camping or RVing. Coming in both gas and charcoal-powered versions, these grills are convenient for everyone.
Yes, you can use a hibachi inside but. But, it is important to consider a few things like having enough ventilation. It is not recommended to use charcoal-fueled grills indoors. It’s preferable to use electric grills to ensure safety.
No, they are not. Hibachi grills are generally made with slotted ribs. Griddles are generally flat-tops. This is the main difference. Both can be used to cook a wide range of foods including meat, fish, and vegetables.
Like any purchase, what’s important to you is the most important feature to consider. This is true of cars, TVs, and hibachi grills. That said, there are some features that most hibachi grill owners say are important to look for before you buy. These include the size of the grill, does it have adjustable racks, and what material it is made from. Additional features to consider include if it’s gas or charcoal fired, does it have a bottom vent, and of course cost.
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