The traditional hibachi grill has been around for hundreds of years, but these compact tabletop grills are seeing a surge in popularity for a few reasons.
Hibachi grills allow you to create an immersive Japanese dining experience from the comfort of your dining table.
They’re also a favorite for travelers because they are durable, compact, and lightweight.
There’s a hibachi grill out there for everyone. No matter your needs and preferences, you’re going to find the best hibachi grill for you in this review.
Table of Contents
The Best Hibachi Grills for 2024
Here is my list of the best hibachi grill options for the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. I’ll start with the five best choices in terms of value, convenience, design, and cost.
Click on the name to read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to read the entire list by clicking here.
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Best Hibachi Grill Reviews
Here are the complete reviews of the ten best hibachi grills in 2024. Keep reading after the reviews for a guide on what to look for when choosing a hibachi grill.
1. Giantex Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill – Best Overall Choice #1
The Giantex Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill lands at the top of the list thanks to its sturdy construction, sleek looks, and affordable price.
Whether you’re looking for a hibachi grill for the road or the backyard, this unit is up for the challenge. This hibachi grill travels well at only 15.5 so that” X 10.5” X 7” and only 20 pounds. Plus, it is made from top-to-bottom cast iron to not warp, dent, rust, or corrode.
Despite its compact footprint, you still get 106 square inches of space.
In addition to its sturdy construction and handsome looks, this hibachi grill also has a few standout design features. This includes a front-mounted fuel door.
When you need to re-up your fuel, just pop open the front drawer and drop your charcoal. There’s no need to disturb your food or lift the grates.
I also like the double-sided adjustable grates. Need a little distance between your food and the open flame? Use the top side of the grates. Want a perfect sear or that flame-tinged taste? Just flip the cast iron grate and get to work.
The Giantex Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill is built like a tank, comes with a budget-friendly price tag, and makes cooking with charcoal a delight.
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2. Party Griller Yakitori Grill – Best Overall Choice #2
Check out the Party Griller Yakitori Grill if you’re a kabob fanatic but tired of watching your veggies and shrimp take a nosedive through the cooking grates.
This hibachi grill can cook traditional American fare, but it’s modeled after the traditional mangal grill and designed explicitly for kebab-style meals.
See, this hibachi grill is long and narrow (32” X 8”) and comes with mesh-style grates. So skewers lie vertically across the grates to maximize space and keep your kabob handles off the hot grates for easy flipping.
Since the grates are made of mesh, you’re not going to lose your veggies and meat to the hot coals. And thanks to its long and narrow design, this hibachi grill heats quickly and evenly.
I also like that this hibachi grill is made from top-to-bottom stainless steel not to warp, rust, or corrode. I also like that this hibachi grill sits on a stand, which keeps me from hunching while I work. And since the stand collapses, it stows and goes like a champ.
If you’re looking for an affordable hibachi grill that is durable, heats quickly, and allows you to cook small food items without losing them to the flames, check out the Party Griller Yakitori Grill.
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3. Kenyon Floridian Electric Hibachi Grill
Whether you’re an apartment dweller who is prohibited from cooking on an open flame or just someone who enjoys the convenience of electric hibachi grills, check out the Kenyon Electric Hibachi Grill.
This hibachi grill from Kenyon is made from top-to-bottom stainless steel, so it’s sleek and highly sturdy. Just as important, this hibachi grill puts out a heck of a lot of heat.
Since this hibachi grill comes with a 1,300-watt heating element, it soars to 600 degrees Fahrenheit in less than seven minutes. And the beauty is that you get this searing power without smoke or an open flame.
What’s great about this electric hibachi grill is that it has the feel of a traditional charcoal grill. It heats evenly and sears or simmers with the twist of a dial. So this unit is incredibly user-friendly. Plus, it comes with a generous three-year warranty.
If you love hibachi grilling and need a high-performing electric grill that performs like a traditional propane or charcoal unit, check out the Kenyon Electric Hibachi Grill.
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4. Bruntmor Cast Iron Charcoal BBQ Grill
If you’re looking to take your hibachi show on the road, check out the Bruntmor Cast Iron Charcoal BBQ Grill.
This hibachi grill is sturdy, compact, lightweight, and comes with two carrying handles, so it’s ready for adventure.
This hibachi grill is made from top-to-bottom cast iron. So it’s incredibly durable and won’t dent, rust, or corrode. What’s more, the grates are pre-seasoned, so this hibachi grill is essentially ready to use out of the box.
There’s a lot to like about this charcoal grill. I like the boxy design, which makes it easy to stack and stow. But what distinguishes this charcoal grill from the pack is that it’s made from 100 percent cast iron.
Cast iron is a fantastic heat conductor, and once it gets hot, it stays hot. So if you’re looking to achieve signature Japanese steakhouse sears, this is the unit to help you do it. Another virtue of cast iron is that it is nearly indestructible.
Unless you need more square footage to cook on, the Bruntmor Cast Iron Charcoal BBQ Grill is an ideal choice. So you’re looking for a high-quality iron hibachi charcoal grill that will last indefinitely.
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5. Samdray Folding Hibachi Grill
The Samdray Folding Hibachi Grill earns solid points for its stainless steel construction, ample grilling surface, and mobile-ready design.
At only 16.5 X 11” X 7.9” and only 4.14 pounds, this hibachi grill is the ideal size and weight for travel. Despite its compact footprint, this hibachi grill still manages to squeeze out 181 square inches of cooking space.
There’s not a single piece of plastic to be found on this portable grill. Everything from the grill box and handles to the ash catcher and grates are all made from stainless steel.
I also like how quickly this unit assembles. Just lift the body, and the legs extend and lock. Now, all you have to do is add fuel, light, and wait for your hot charcoal to gray.
Both sides of the grill come with stylish star-shaped vents. These look great and help with airflow; I only wish the venting system had sliding covers to regulate air temperatures better.
If you’re a casual griller and looking for a budget-friendly charcoal grill that is lightweight and travels well, you can’t do much better than the Samdray Folding Hibachi Grill.
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6. Marsh Allen 30052 Hibachi Grill
The Marsh Allen 30052 Hibachi Grill is one of my favorite hibachi grills.
At only 18.75” X 10.62” and 16 pounds, this hibachi grill is just the right size for travelers. Yet with a 157-inch grilling surface, you still have enough room for a small group.
There’s a lot to like about this hibachi grill. To start, it’s made from top-to-bottom cast iron. A cast-iron hibachi is not only durable, but it’s also a fabulous heat conductor. Once cast iron is hot, it stays hot.
I also like the grate system. The cooking surface is divided up between two grill paddles and each has a handle. What’s cool about this setup is that the back end of the paddles rests in a vertical rack with different tiers. This allows you to adjust your grates with the flick of the hand.
Not all food cooks the same, so this system allows you to create or close the distance between your food and the flame.
Extra features include two front-mounted vents, which help lock in temperatures with improved airflow. I also like the sturdy side handles with wood grips.
If you’re looking for a sturdy design and a convenient grate system that allows you to quickly adjust so you can simultaneously cook different food, check out the Marsh Allen 30052 Hibachi Grill.
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7. Happy Sales Tabletop Hibachi Grill
If you’ve never hosted a Japanese-style BBQ party, you really should. When you cook Japanese BBQ, you prep your meat and sides, but you wait until everyone gathers around the table to participate in the cooking experience.
These events are memorable, delicious, and just a nice change of pace. But to host a Japanese BBQ, you’ll need a grill like the Happy Sales Tabletop Hibachi Grill.
This cast iron hibachi is only 7” X 7” X 5” and comes with a sleek wood base, so you can use it directly on the outdoor patio table without crowding or burning the tabletop.
Because this traditional hibachi grill is so small and affordable, I suggest purchasing three or four units: use one for steak, another for kimchi, one for egg roll omelets, and so on.
This tabletop grill is simple and sophisticated looking. Just add a fuel pod or chafing dish to the base, drop your nonstick grill pan, and get to work.
The body comes with large air vents to prevent smoking – and since you aren’t using charcoal, your group will be cooking in no time.
If you want to cook Korean-style BBQ and need a simple, compact unit that won’t crowd the dinner table, check out the Happy Sales Tabletop Hibachi Grill. It’s one of the best hibachi grills on this list.
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8. Update International Cast Iron Hibachi Set
The Update International Cast Iron Hibachi Set is another one of my favorite tabletop cast iron hibachi grills. And the beauty is that this set comes with three grills!
Each cast iron grill has a 4.5” inch diameter grill surface. That’s not a lot of room to work with, so you may want to purchase two sets, one for each guest.
It may come as a surprise, but I see the compact design as a benefit more than a limitation. Because you can only fit a couple of items on the grates at a time, you’re forced to slow down the cooking process.
This eliminates eating and running and keeps the conversations and drinks flowing late into the evening. I welcome that change of pace and my guests do, too.
This unit is as simple as they come. It’s pretty much a scaled-down version of the Happy Sales Tabletop Hibachi Grill. So here’s what you get: a cylindrical cast-iron fuel container, grates, and a wood base.
To use it, remove the grates, drop your fuel pod, and get to work. It’s that simple. And because this unit rests on a sleek wooden base, you never have to worry about burning your outdoor patio table.
If you want to slow down your dining experience and enjoy Japanese and Korean-style BBQ with your guests, you can’t go wrong with the Update International Cast Iron Hibachi Set.
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9. ISUMER Portable Stainless Steel Charcoal Grill
If you love kabobs but are sick of watching your foot swan dive through the grates, check out the ISUMER Portable Stainless Steel Charcoal Grill.
This picnic grill can be used to cook burgers, brats, and traditional American fare. However, it truly excels when you’re cooking kebabs. Here’s why:
Most portable hibachi grills have traditional grates, so, unfortunately, small pieces of food often slip through the grates. ISUMER ditches the old design and instead uses a mesh grating system. So even the tallest, thinnest veggies and shrimp stay put.
At only 15.9” X 11” X 8.8” and 3.4 pounds, this mini hibachi grill is designed for the road. Despite its compact footprint, you still have ample room to cook for a large group.
I also like how quickly this large hibachi grill assembles. Just extend the legs, drop your charcoal, and get to work. I should also mention that the legs are adjustable, so uneven ground is never an issue.
Extra features include solid stainless steel construction, two carrying handles, a built-in venting system, and an insanely affordable price tag.
If you love cooking kebabs for large groups, the ISUMER Portable Stainless Steel Charcoal Grill is one of the best hibachi grills for the job!
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10. Hinomaru Japanese Style Mini Charcoal Grill
The Hinomaru Japanese Style Mini Charcoal Grill earns high marks for good looks, but this doesn’t just stand on beauty alone. It’s also quite a performer.
The first thing you’ll notice is the traditional fire bowl, which is covered in Japanese characters. Although I have no idea what it says, the characters give this hibachi charcoal grill a super cool look!
The stylish design sets the mood and gets my guests excited about cooking Japanese-style meals together.
This unit is as simple as they come, but it’s also adequate for cooking yakiniku, robata, yakitoro, or even traditional American dishes right at the patio table. Because the grilling surface is only 9.5” wide, this unit doesn’t crowd the table like other hibachi grills.
Yet, there is still plenty of space to cook food. I’m able to fit three large cuts of steak on the grilling surface. And that’s ample cooking space. Remember, you’re cooking Japanese-style.
So the intention is to slow down the dining experience, chat with your guests, tip back drinks, and enjoy your dinner – not rush through it.
To use it, just fill the charcoal basket with fuel, place it inside the aluminum fire bowl, place the unit on the wood base, and light. Once your charcoal turns white-hot, just drop your grates and get to work, right there from the dinner table.
If you’re looking for traditional design, ease of use, ample cooking surface, and a low price tag, check out the Hinomaru Japanese Style Mini Charcoal Grill. It’s one of the best hibachi grills on the market.
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What is a hibachi grill?
The hibachi dates back to the Japanese Heian period (794-1185). It may come as a surprise, but traditional hibachis were used primarily for heating, not cooking. Over time, however, the “hibachi” became a catchall phrase used to describe small charcoal grills.
Modern hibachi grills are frequently small enough to be used on outdoor patio tables, made of either cast iron, stainless steel, or aluminum. They can be used to cook just about anything, including traditional Japanese-style food.
Hibachi grills come in many unique designs. Some have wide grates, others have mesh grates, which makes them ideal for cooking kebabs. Some hibachi grills are small enough to use directly on an outdoor table, while others have collapsible legs, making them great for travel.
How do I use a hibachi grill?
If you’ve ever used a traditional charcoal grill, you’ll have no trouble making the transition to a hibachi grill. It’s the same concept.
Just keep in mind that hibachi grills don’t have a lid to lock in heat, so hibachi grilling is a slower process.
Create the fire
To use a hibachi grill, create a two-level charcoal fire in the base. In other words, add more coals on one side of the base than the other. This enables you to create two heat zones: one for searing hot temperatures, another for low and slow cooking.
This setup allows you to cook thick meat and delicate veggies on one surface simultaneously.
Dial-in your vents
Most hibachi grills have a built-in venting system on both sides of the grill. Because hibachi grills don’t have a lid, you already have airflow. However, the venting system allows air to rise through the grill from the base, which increases temperatures.
When you first experiment with your hibachi, play with the vents. You’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly.
Set your grates and start cooking
Once your coals are white hot, you’re ready to spread out your coals, drop the grates, and start cooking. When using hibachi grills, be sure to set them on a flat, level surface. And always keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
What features to look for in a hibachi grill
There are several features to consider when shopping for hibachi grills. These include style, size, material, fuel source, and portability.
Type
Some hibachi grills excel at cooking kebabs and finely cut vegetables. Others are best suited for Korean BBQ-style dinners where small portions are simmered with the help of the entire group.
Others behave like traditional charcoal grills but are simply smaller and more lightweight for increased portability. Some are even powered by electricity. If you want to cook indoors, electric hibachi grills are a great option.
There’s a hibachi grill out there for everyone. You just have to determine your needs and preferences.
Cooking surface area
Typically, hibachi grills have a small cooking surface and are ideal for cooking up small portions or feeding small groups. However, units like the Party Griller Yakitori Grill are made (as the name suggests) to accommodate large groups.
Before you settle on a unit, consider the size of the group, but even more important, how you like to cook. Many hibachi grills are small and designed to cook small portions. Others emulate standard charcoal grills.
Material
Hibachi grills are most commonly made from cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum. I favor a cast iron grill because it is sturdy and a fabulous heat conductor. Stainless steel is also durable, rust and corrosion-resistant, making it a worthy choice.
Aluminum hibachi grills are a cost-efficient alternative, but they are prone to rust and corrosion.
Fuel source
If you love rich charcoal taste, you’ll be happy to know that most hibachi grills accommodate charcoal. However, some units run on electricity or Sterno canisters, which allows you to use your hibachi grill indoors.
If you primarily cook outdoors, you’ll do well with a charcoal hibachi grill. However, if you live in an apartment or condo or just like having the option to cook indoors and outdoors, many units allow you to do so.
Portability
Generally speaking, what makes a hibachi grill hibachi is its small footprint. That said, hibachis come in all shapes and sizes. The largest hibachi grill on the list clocks in at 32” wide. The smallest is only 4.5” in diameter.
Before settling on a hibachi grill, consider your needs and the number of people you plan to cook for.
What is the best hibachi grill for you?
So what is the best hibachi grill on the market? That depends on your budget and preferences. However, if I had to choose only one standout unit, it’d be the Giantex Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill.
If you’re looking for a road warrior, this cast iron hibachi grill is a good choice. At only 15.5” X 10.5” X 7” and only 20 pounds, this hibachi grill travels well. Plus, it is made from top-to-bottom cast iron, so it won’t warp, dent, rust, or corrode.
Despite its compact footprint, you still get 106 square inches of space.
Unlike other traditional Japanese hibachi grills, this one makes it easy to add fuel without disturbing your food or lifting the grates. Just pop open the front drawer and drop your charcoal.
I also like the double-sided adjustable grates. Need a little distance between your food and the open flame? Use the top side of the grates. Want a perfect sear or that flame-tinged taste? Just flip the cast iron grate and get to work.
The Giantex Cast Iron Charcoal Hibachi Grill is built like a tank, comes with a budget-friendly price tag, and makes cooking with charcoal a delight.
I enjoy cooking traditional American fare as much as anyone, but hibachi-style grilling has allowed me to expand my palate and experiment with yakiniku, robata, yakitoro-style meals. So give it a try – and get the whole family in on the experience.
Until next time, happy hibachi grilling!
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