What is a Hibachi Grill? | Hibachi Grill Type | Buy Hibachi Grill

What is a Hibachi grill?

When many people see the word "hibachi grill", they tend to think of the nearest Benihana or similar restaurants. Technically, the flat teppanyaki plate you see in Japanese restaurants is not Japanese Hibachi, but teppanyaki grills. However, these two terms are interchangeable to some extent.

However, the real Japanese Hibachi takes the form of a round or box-shaped open container with heat-resistant lining. They are designed to store burning charcoal, giving it a handmade feel. Modern variants are usually large enough to build a two-stage fire, which means you can make one side hotter than the other.

Because your food is close to the flames, hibachi grills are best used to cook things like seafood skewers or small meat strips. Master this type of barbecue, you will produce a unique taste with every bite.

Hibachi Grill Type

As the term "hibachi grill" has a looser meaning in North America and Australia, there is no shortage of different styles and materials to choose from. There is no top cover to be consistent from one version to the next. Here are some different types:

• Charcoal hibachi grill - usually small and light, this type of grill usually places a cast iron grill on a charcoal base. The cheaper version uses cast aluminum (instead of rare materials such as clay, cast iron, ceramics or diatomaceous earth), which does not provide the same characteristics or quality. Some, but not all, include bottom vents for additional heat control. Most are large enough to hold a two-level charcoal fire.

• Gas griddlle - very popular in outdoor kitchens, this type of grill is usually made of cast aluminum or stainless steel. It uses propane gas as a heat source, which is more similar to your standard grill or frying pan. Although it is not traditional, it is very convenient. Just don't expect the smell of smoky charcoal.

• Teppanyaki grill - this is a free-standing flat grill, which more or less becomes part of the hibachi family, if only for marketing. Usually, it uses propane gas as a heat source, and the surface is cast iron.

What Food to Cook on a Hibachi Grill?

Due to its relatively compact size, the best hibachi grills are used for cooking small parts on charcoal flames:

• vegetables;
• seafood; and
• meat.

Imagine red pepper and mushroom skewers, fish fillets, steak strips, or grilled chicken, and you will understand.

Things to Look Out for When Buying a Hibachi Grill

Quality, flavor and control are the three major differences between the best hibachi grill and other grills. This means looking for the following characteristics:

• Charcoal cooking - as you will soon discover, the charcoal flame brings a smoky flavor that natural gas cannot provide.

• Cast iron grate - it may be a little more expensive than cast aluminum, but it has a longer lifespan and does a better job of maintaining flavor.

• Two-level fire - with the ability to divide the charcoal into two levels, you produce more functions and preparation time for the barbecue.

• Bottom vent - because the top of the hibachis is open, there is usually plenty of air in the fire. However, the bottom vent raises the control factor by a notch, allowing you to direct the air and the flame of the fan.

Tips for Grilling

Whether you are an expert or a novice, there is no harm in reviewing a few suggestions before you grill. let us start:

• Put your grill on a safe foundation, such as heat-resistant bricks or ceramic tiles.

• Make sure that the surface you are resting on is completely solid hibachi.

• Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies.

• If you grill with expensive charcoal (aka binchotan), place the unburned part in a sealed metal container for later use.

• Unless there is an emergency, do not spray water on cast iron or clay Hibachi grills as this may cause damage.

• If you are using a cast iron grill, wipe it clean with vegetable oil after use and store it in a dry place to prevent rust.