I stumbled on another hibachi grills video on YouTube that I thought was worth sharing. This video is by the BBQ Guys and it provides a detailed demonstration of how to use their Cast Iron Hibachi BBQ Grill. They do a good job of highlighting the features of this particular hibachi grill and give an entertaining demonstration of how the grill performs by cooking up something they call a fish “fee-lay”. You’ve gotta see it!

More detailed information and my own personal review of the BBQ Guys Cast Iron Hibachi BBQ Grill can be found in my previous post.

This cast iron hibachi BBQ grill is made by the BBQ Guys. It features 2 cooking grids that are independently multi positional. Each cast iron cooking grid measures approximately 9 x 15 inches for a combined cooking surface area measurement of roughly 10 x 18 inches (a total of 181 square inches of cooking area). The unit weight is 19 pounds, which is considerably lighter compared to other cast iron hibachi grills.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced for a cast iron hibachi at around $30
• Cast Iron Construction
• Adjustable Cooking grates

Cons:

• Manufactured overseas (China) and quality suffers because of this
• Excessive Assembly required

Features

• Cast Iron construction
• Portable hibachi charcoal grill
• Perfect for tailgating and quick cookouts
• Cooking grids measure 9 x 15 inches for a total measurement of approximately 10 x 18 inches
• Great cast iron hibachi for camping

Review
The cast iron hibachi BBQ grill by BBQ Guys is definitely not a high quality hibachi compared to some of the higher-end hibachi grills currently available such as the Lodge cast iron hibachi BBQ grill but considering the modest price tag I would certainly consider it an option for the budget minded consumer.

Be sure and read the 26+ customer reviews on Amazon for specifics.

I ran across this short (4 minute) video on the Lodge Cast Iron Hibachi grill (L410) on Youtube and thought I would share. Youtube user, “noshoes”, gives a good demonstration of assembling the Lodge Logic Cast Iron Hibachi Grill. Beware though, he finishes the video grilling-up some tasty looking steaks that may have you high-tailing it for the butcher.

More information on Lodge cast Iron Hibachi Grills model L410 can be found in my previous post, including the good, the bad, and where to save money when buying.

Lodge hibachi grills are one of my favorites. Their basic cast iron hibachi grills have changed very little over the years. The one I currently use is essentially the same as the one I originally purchased almost 30 years ago. What I like about the cast iron grills is not only that they are as durable as you can get but that cast iron retains and radiates heat so evenly. Basically, the whole hibachi becomes part of the heat source!

The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Hibachi Grill (known as the Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill) is as good as they get. It is made of cast iron and not the cheaper stamped tin or steal, so it is heavy, but durable. Because of its small size it easily fits in the trunk of a car (20” x 10” x 9”), on the porch, the tailgate, or even inside an indoor fireplace.

The grate that the food is placed on is not made of cheap welded wire, but cast iron like the rest. The cross sections are the same widths as the slots between them which means they hold food well and when it comes to searing foods, you can see the wide dark sears on the food clearly.

Hibachi grills are simple by nature and the Lodge Pre-Seasoned grill is no exception. There are really only 4 parts: the base, the top grate, the bottom grate, and the sliding damper. The sliding damper is a nice feature for controlling the heat and there is a door or flap on the base that makes for easy cleaning.

One last thing I really like about this hibachi grill is that it’s cast iron! Or did I already mention that? Seriously though, this is probably one of the best hibachi grills currently on the market in my opinion. It’s well designed, rugged and durable, and comes with a lifetime warranty (that I can’t imagine ever needing to use).

It is currently available at Amazon at 36% off!

Over 100 customer reviews can be found there too.

Hibachi grills come in many different shapes, sizes, and over all types. There are electric grills that can be safely used indoors, there are the more authentic mini hibachis that more closely resemble their ancestors of China and Japan, and then there are the portable hibachi grills that are popular with the outdoor grilling enthusiasts. These last 2 come in 2 basic types, propane (or gas) fueled, and charcoal fueled.

Both types of hibachi grills have their advantages and disadvantages.

Gas Hibachi Grills
Gas-fired hibachi grills are the most recent innovation. They typically use propane as a fuel source which cooks food clean. These are the perfect solution for those that do not want a charcoal aftertaste.

The advantages of gas hibachi grills over their charcoal cousins are that they are clean, simple, and easy to use and food is cooked over consistent heat for a “pure-tasting” result.

The biggest disadvantage to these gas grills is that you are usually left with numerous small, empty propane tanks that need to be disposed of in a proper manner.

Charcoal Hibachi Grills
If it’s the authentic taste of charcoal grilled food you are after than obviously charcoal hibachi grills are the way to go. They have not changed much over the years. Charcoal is placed at the bottom of the grill where it is then lit. Within a reasonable amount of time the flames subsides and the coals emit an intense heat that can last for hours.

Many outdoor grilling enthusiasts choose charcoal as their preferred fuel source solely for the subtle flavor imparted in the food cooked over it. There is also a certain ambiance induced around a glowing stack of coals that can not be accomplished with gas.

Charcoal hibachi grills definitely have a few disadvantages, or “trade-offs”, as I prefer to call them. Depending on who you talk to (and how hungry you are) the biggest trade off is in the amount of time it takes for the coals to be ready for cooking. Again, some folks (including myself) actually enjoy relaxing around the heating grill, maybe over a cocktail… or 2!

The other big issue, when compared to gas, is that charcoal grills require a little more care and clean up. You can’t just turn off the gas and put the grill away. With charcoal hibachi grills you have to ensure that the coals are out before putting the grill away. This can take some time.