Pros and Cons of Using Hibachi Grills - What You Need to Know
The Japanese-style tabletop grill known in the West as the hibachi is one of the most efficient grills in existence due to its ability to blast heat directly towards the food being grilled. Without this grill, there would be no yakitori or robatayaki. Considering how useful they are, it makes sense why you may be thinking of getting a hibachi grill. However, there are some things that you need to keep in mind before you buy one for your home. To help you out, here are the pros and cons of using a hibachi grill.
Cons
While hibachi grills are useful, it’s important to note that it produces a lot of smoke. This is why it’s not the best option if you don’t have space in your backyard to use it. Luckily, there are hibachi grills that are quite compact. So much so that you can even take them anywhere you go. If you’re working with limited space, it would be best to get a portable hibachi grill.
Aside from the amount of space they take up, hibachi grills cannot be used for indirect grilling or smoking. This is because hibachi grills don’t come with a cover or lid. Hibachi grills are also only suitable for small and thin pieces of meat that can be directly grilled.
Lastly, hibachi grills also don’t offer a lot of heat control. This is doubly true for low-quality grills. These grills are usually made of thin metal and don’t come with separate vents. If you’re looking for more heat control, it would be best to buy a high-quality hibachi grill.
Pros
Despite its drawbacks, hibachis are still great for grilling meat and vegetables. This is doubly true if you’re working on a tight budget as even high-quality grills are generally inexpensive. Due to how accessible they are, these grills allow you to make scrumptious meals on a shoe-string budget.
Hibachis will also save you money on fuel costs. This is because they are incredibly fuel-efficient. Be sure to keep this in mind if you’re looking for more energy-efficient grilling options.
Lastly, hibachi grills if you’re the type of person that likes to host gatherings for friends and family. Not only will you be able to cook up delicious meals, but your guests can also feel more involved as they can grill their own food and prepare it the way that they like it.
Tips for Using Hibachi Grills
While hibachi grills are quite easy to use, there are small adjustments that you can make to improve the way you cook on your grill. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when using your hibachi:
- When stacking heat-proof tiles or bricks, make sure to leave a gap between the edges large enough for the grill to rest on. Alternatively, use commercial-grade rimmed baking sheets with the edges turned up. Never put a plastic cutting board or tray under a hot hibachi.
- Binchotan is made of very dense bark and it takes longer to light than lump charcoal or briquettes. Use a blowtorch to help light it.
- Spray water on a hot cast iron grill or clay hibachi. Failing to do this may cause it to crack.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you figure out if a hibachi grill is right for you. While it may come with some drawbacks, hibachis can be quite useful as long as you know what you’re doing. For the best results, be sure to buy a high-quality grill for your home.
If you are looking for a quality griller, make sure to purchase a Hibachi at-home grill. Backyard Hibachi Grills are handmade and crafted with the highest attention to detail with the best materials. View our collections now!
