Best Hibachi Grills of 2021 – (Portable, Round, Cast Iron Top Picks)

| Last Updated: January 7, 2022

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If you’re looking for a versatile and straightforward grill, Hibachi grills are the place to start. They are simple in design, easy to use, and great for different settings. While the grills themselves are pretty straightforward, sifting through the options to find the right model for your needs isn’t always easy.

That’s why we’ve already done the research on some of the top models for you.

In this article, we’ll be going through the most important features of a Hibachi grill and comparing some of the best options so you can find the best product for you.

Comparison of the Best Hibachi Grills

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • 15-inch grate can grill up to 9 burgers at one time
  • At just 8-inches tall this model is more compact that you would think
  • Full cast-iron model ensure it is built to last
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  • 170-square-inches of grilling area
  • Carry handles are designed to fold down and double as legs
  • Carbon steel and cast-iron construction is extremely durable
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What is a Hibachi Grill?

First, let’s go into more detail on what exactly a Hibachi grill is. The Hibachi design originated in 8th century Japan as a charcoal-fueled container used for both cooking and heating homes in the winter.

Nowadays, the most common kind of Hibachi grill has a large container to hold the hot charcoal, usually bowl or box shaped, and a grill placed over the top.

One of the best things about them is their simplicity. Once it’s set up, there aren’t many adjustments you need to make or other factors you need to worry about, like flames or liquid gas. You can just put the food on the grill and start cooking. Instead of gas or electricity, Hibachi grills are fueled by hot charcoal.

Traditional Hibachi Grill (source)

Using charcoal as fuel is both affordable and safe. It is also important to note that Hibachi grills do not come with a lid, so they can’t be used as a smoker.

They are small and very versatile. It’s a grill that is designed to be portable, so they’re perfect if you want something you can use both in your backyard or out on a camping trip.

Qualities of a Great Hibachi Grill

Now that we know the basic components of a Hibachi grill, let’s talk about the most important features to consider when picking the model that’s best for you.

Portable

Hibachi grills are meant to be portable, so it’s important to find the right size. You want to look for an option that is easy to transport but still big enough to grill a good amount of food.

Mr. Flame -Son of Hibachi Fold Up Grill

Of course, because of the portable design, the amount of food you can grill at once is going to be more limited with Hibachi models than with other types of grills.

However, there are still great options that are both easy to carry and provide enough grilling space.

Design

The actual design of the individual grill is also very important. If it is too bulky or poorly designed, it won’t be as easy to move it from one place to another.

Many Hibachi grills fold up or have built in handles that make them much easier to carry and transport.

Material

The material of the grill is another factor to consider. Some grills made of steel may be less expensive, but they won’t last as long and will likely rust.

Metal handles and legs are okay, but the best material for the grill itself is cast iron. It is durable and won’t rust as easily, so you can use them outside without having to worry as much about wear-and-tear.

Willy's Top Picks - Best Hibachi Grills

Review of the Best Hibachi Grills

Now we’ll be moving on to reviews of three different Hibachi grills and outlining the specific features of each one, so you can compare and find the best option for your grilling needs.

Best Overall:
Cajun Classic Round Seasoned Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill

Cajun Classic Round Seasoned Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill - GL10447

Pros

  • Heats quickly
  • Comes pre-seasoned
  • Portable and easy to take on trips
  • Larger grill area allows you to grill more food at once

Cons

  • Added fee for expert assembly
  • More expensive, about double our other two options
  • Despite a higher price, the casting is good but not top quality

What Recent Buyers Report

This grill is regarded as perfect by many of the buyers. Much of it is due to its size, which is compact and just the right size when you need to grill for a few people; for example, a family of three. Plus, it is easy to clean, which is why buyers find it very convenient to use. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

The reason why this Cajun grill is one of our favorites is that you can easily take it anywhere you like. So, it is perfect for camping trips, or you can even take it along anywhere you want since it does not take a lot of effort to move. Plus, the size is just perfect. While it is smaller than a full-size grill, it can easily fit at least nine 4-inch burgers on it. 

First up is the Cajun Classic Round Seasoned Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill. The Cajun is a classic Hibachi, most similar to the original designs for this type of grill.

It is made of pre-seasoned cast iron with a grill 15 inches in diameter. You could easily cook enough food for a family of three. Because it is so compact, it heats quickly as well.

It is round in shape, with a thin metal handle arching over the grill, making it easy to carry and very portable. It’s more expensive than the other options but you get what you pay for in quality!

Who Will Use This Most 

Given the weight and the other dimensions of the grill, it would attract people who usually serve smaller parties than usual. It can also benefit smaller families that do not necessarily need a full-size grill to get the job done. Apart from that, those who enjoy camping or traveling in an RV would also utilize this grill well. 

Bottom Line

This Cajun grill is as close to a perfect portable grill as you can get. It checks out all the features that you have to consider, such as weight and size. Plus, it comes pre-seasoned, which is a great addition. 

This grill has a larger diameter and weighs 41 pounds, so it is a great option for both grilling in at home and bringing on a camping trip. It’s pricier, but has a bigger grill area and comes pre-seasoned.

Runner-up:
Mr. Flame Son of Hibachi Grill (1980’s Model)

Mr. Flame Son of Hibachi Portable Vintage Cast Iron Charcoal Grill | Self Cleaning/Self Extinguishing | The Ideal Portable Folding Grill (1980's Model)

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Less expensive
  • Stays hot for a long time
  • Big surface area for grilling
  • Straightforward assembly
  • Lightweight and compact, easy to transport

Cons

  • Legs can be slightly unsteady
  • Since it is a vintage model, some of the metals may rust over time
  • More steps in the cooking process, may take a little more practice for beginners

What Recent Buyers Report

The overall feedback for this grill is somewhat mixed. There are a few buyers that absolutely love it, while others have faced some concerns. Its design and the performance are what earn it its fans. The customers who have faced concerns are mostly due to the rust on the legs and body of the grill. However, that problem can be solved easily.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

The design of this grill is practically the first thing that will catch your eye. It is a dual grill which distributes heat among the items on the grill easily. Moreover, you can easily cook any type of meal on it. That’s how versatile it actually is. Plus, it does not weigh very much either, which adds another point in favor of this grill. 

The second option we have is the Mr. Flame Son of Hibachi Portable Vintage Cast Iron Charcoal Grill (1980’s Model). This grill is cheaper than the first one and is a vintage model.

It is a folding grill designed to be portable, with two separate cooking grids and carrying handles that can also fold down to serve as legs for the grill. The cooking grids are made of cast iron and provide 170 square inches of cooking surface.

The rest of the grill is made of carbon steel. It also has a convertible roasting oven, so you have a lot of different cooking options with this model. It’s also the lightest, weighing just 16.7 pounds.

Who Will Use This Most 

This is the perfect pick for those looking for a portable grill with enough space to grill for more than a few people. If you are grilling for an average-sized party, for example, a pool party, this grill would be perfect. 

Bottom Line

This Hibachi grill might be an older model, but that does not mean that it does not deliver exceptional performance. It can distribute heat well, and the dual grill option will definitely come in handy from time to time. 

This model’s vintage design makes it the most unique option, as well as the easiest to transport. It is the cheapest model, while providing more cooking options with both the cooking grids and the convertible oven. However, it is not as sturdy.

3. Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Hibachi-Style Grill

Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Hibachi-Style Portable Cast Iron Charcoal BBQ Grill

Pros

  • Secure base
  • Retains heat well
  • Sturdy and portable
  • Easy to use and clean

Cons

  • Smaller surface area for grilling
  • Set up can be difficult, no written assembly instructions

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of the customer reviews for this little grill are positive. Since it is a portable grill, its features like the size and weight have been praised by many buyers. They also report that even though it is small, it cooks food very nicely and evenly. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

There are many features that make this little grill capable of big praise. First of all, it is quite sturdy, so you don't need to worry about it breaking on you. Secondly, it is not bulky at all and is easy to carry around. In addition to that, you can grill a variety of foods on it, and the end result is sure to be great since it is pre-seasoned. The hibachi style adds to the cooking technique. Since the grill gets hot very quickly, it makes the cooking process faster. It also ensures that everything is cooked nicely and evenly.

The third product we’ll be looking at is the Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Hibachi-Style Portable Cast Iron Charcoal BBQ Grill.

The Bruntmor is also great for backyard cooking and trips, but is more mid-range in both its size and price. The container is oval-shaped and made of cast iron, with a slightly raised grill on top and a metal handle to carry it.

Who Will Use This Most 

There is no set target audience for this grill. Since it has some amazing features, it can be a good option for anyone. However, it would be especially useful for people who go camping or on picnics quite often. It can also be used for small backyard events such as parties or just a special dinner. Those with smaller families would also make good use of it. 

Bottom Line

Overall, there are a lot of features to love in this grill. Not only is it the perfect size and easy to carry, but it also gives evenly cooked food. In addition to that, it is easy to clean as well. All you will need is some mild soap. With this grill, you will be able to enjoy your outdoor endeavors to the fullest. 

This model has a sturdy and durable design, while still being portable. It is a little smaller, but can still cook food for about two-three people. Some experience with grills is probably good to have with this one, as the instructions aren’t included.

How to Use a Hibachi Grill

  1. Create a safety zone. Make sure the Hibachi has space around it and isn’t too close to walls, plants, or other objects that could become fire hazards. This goes for the surface under the Hibachi as well. Do not put it on top of surfaces made of wood, plastic, or glass.
  1. Season the grill. Unless it comes pre-seasoned, the first time you use your cast iron Hibachi, you will need to season the grill. Avoid lard or grease, as this can negatively affect the metal. Vegetable and olive oil are both good options. Place the grill in an oven at 350 degrees for an hour so it can set.
  1. Start the coals. There are two ways to do this: using a charcoal starter or lighter fluid.

    • To make a charcoal starter, you need a metal can and space underneath where you can stuff some paper. Put some holes in the bottom of the can, then add your coals into the can, put paper in the bottom, and light it. The coals will start and will be ready to cook in minutes. Once they’re ready, pour them into the Hibachi and arrange them.

    • For the second method, start by removing the grill and creating a pyramid of charcoal pieces in the bottom of the Hibachi. Spread the charcoal evenly across the bottom before stacking them. Spray a thin coat of lighter fluid over the charcoal, making sure it is only sprayed inside the grill, wait a few minutes for the fluid to start to absorb. Then use a long-handled match or a lighter to light the charcoal.
  1. Start grilling. Once your charcoal is warmed up and going, you can put your food on the grill. If you want to adjust the temperature, you can raise or lower the grill. You can also spread the coals out more to decrease the heat or stack them more tightly to increase it.
  1. Clean Up. Give your Hibachi grill a thorough clean after each use. Avoid using soap if it is made of cast iron.

Conclusion

Hibachi grills are a great option if you want something simple and easy that can be used anywhere.

There are many different models out there, so we hope this review helped you find the best product for you and what you’re looking for in a grill.

Leave a comment below and let us know which Hibachi you chose. We love hearing from our readers!

People Also Ask

The following are a few frequently asked questions about Hibachi-styled grills. Let’s take a quick look at them to clear out any queries or troubles that you may have about them. 

How Hot is a Hibachi Grill?

The word Hibachi literally translates to fire bowl. This implies that the hibachi grill can get really hot. This, in turn, suggests that the cooking time with these will be less than the cooking time on your average grill. 

What Can I Cook on a Hibachi Grill?

There are quite a few things that can be cooked on a hibachi grill. A few examples are steaks, kebabs, breast fillets, vegetables, tofu, and hotdogs.

Is Hibachi Really Japanese?

Yes, Hibachi was originated in Japan and has developed a lot over time. The more modern version of hibachi consists of tabletop grills. 

What's the Difference Between Hibachi and Teriyaki?

Hibachi style cooking is an older and traditional technique. On the other hand, teriyaki is relatively new. Although the cooking style is quite similar, teriyaki is cooked with a lighter glossier sauce. 

Hey there, I’m Will, and I’ve been smoking and grilling for as long as I can remember. I made this blog to help others who are looking for honest and reliable info from someone they can trust. In my own efforts to try to perfect my smoking and grilling skills, I’ve done a lot of research and would like to have it compiled as a resource for others to use. Happy smoking!