What are the Best Hibachi Grills for Camping?

In North America, a Hibachi grill refers to a compact cooking stove that you can fire up with charcoal. If you’ve been to teppanyaki stalls, it can also mean those iron plate that they use. Hibachi grills are excellent at providing efficient grilling in a small space. Being small and easy-to-use makes them great for camping. Here are three of the best Hibachi grills available.

History of the Hibachi Grill

A Hibachi is a small cooking grill fueled with charcoal. No one is quite sure when this type of grill was invented. Early records mention the Hibachi in Japan during the Heian Period between 794 to 1185 A.D. The first Hibachis were made of Cyprus wood and clay. Later models were more ornate and made by fine craftsmen. These stoves were often adorned with gold leaf and painted lacquer. Today, they are sold as antiques and can fetch a good price.

The first Hibachis were stoves made for heating. This type of Hibachi could be seen all over Japan just prior to WWII. They could even be seen in train stations and other public buildings. It was not uncommon for Japanese troops to use a Hibachi as a portable stove. The Hibachi as a cooking device was slowly introduced to the West, mainly through immigration and the opening of Japanese, Teppanyaki restaurants.

Today, Hibachi grills are commonly made of aluminum or cast iron. They are often small and portable, making them ideal for camping or impromptu barbecues. For more information on the rise in popularity of the Hibachi in America, you can visit this (website).

Why Choose a Hibachi Grill?

There are a lot of advantages to using a Hibachi grill. The small size and light weight are one of the main reasons they work so well for campers. Portability makes them a good choice for picnics and tailgating as well. Hibachi grills are usually very budget friendly. You do not need to spend a lot to purchase one of high quality. They can also be easily stored in a house, shed or car trunk.

Another advantage of the Hibachi is their efficiency. Charcoal isn’t expensive and the Hibachi grill does a good job of using that fuel efficiently. The only drawbacks with this type of grill are the small size and limited cooking types. The small size is an advantage for some, but it’s not as good when you need to cook for a larger amount of people. Hibachis also cannot be used for smoking or indirect grilling. Here’s a video on how to get your Hibachi grill going.

Cooking Tips for the Hibachi

Hibachi grills are best suited for small, easy-to-cook foods. They are best for foods that can be grilled quickly. Some foods that are perfect for the Hibachi include hamburgers, hotdogs, fish, kebabs, steak, and vegetables. For the camper who likes to fish and catch their own dinner, the Hibachi grill is a great way to prepare your meal.

A Hibachi grill should be placed on a flat, even surface. Bricks and heatproof tiles are two good choices for creating a surface. Never spray or pour water on a hot grill. This can potentially cause it to crack. Iron grills are prone to rust. Coating an iron grill with vegetable oil after each use is a good way to prevent this. It is also a good idea to store iron grills in a dry place.

Regulating the heat can be tricky with a Hibachi grill. To achieve a higher temperature, fan the hot coals to aerate them. Coals should be spread out evenly for best results. For more tips on using the Hibachi and for grilling ideas, you can visit (this website).

Selecting the Right Hibachi Grill

When selecting a Hibachi grill, the first decision to make is usually aluminum, stainless steel or cast iron. Each has their advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum will be much lighter. This could come in handy for campers where every pound counts. If you plan on hiking any distance while carrying a grill, the lighter the better.

Cast iron, on the other hand, is more durable and seems to distribute heat better. While cast iron is stronger, it does have the potential of rusting. This can be avoided, however, with proper care of your grill. Cast iron is usually more expensive, but it may last longer as well. Stainless steel is a good in-between option. It is lighter than iron and more durable than aluminum.

Once you decide on which material to go with, the next thing to think about is size. Assess how much space you will have to set up the grill in. Also, assess the number of people you will be cooking for on a regular basis. Last, of all, figure out what your budget is for the purchase. Thinking of these things in advance will help you to choose the best model for your needs.

Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill

The Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill is built to last, thanks to its durable cast iron construction. Weighing in at 27 lbs, it’s on the heavier side, but it offers a large cooking area of 17.25 by 9 inches, which can handle multiple food items at once. The grill’s cast iron material ensures excellent heat retention, providing consistent cooking throughout. The adjustable height settings allow for better control over the heat, making it versatile enough for grilling various types of food, from steaks to vegetables.

This grill is ideal for tailgating, camping, or backyard barbecues, though it is less portable due to its weight. Despite this, the Lodge Sportsman’s Pro is built to withstand tough outdoor conditions and provides long-term durability. The lack of a lid limits its ability to cook indirectly or smoke food, but its strong build and efficient design make it a top choice for grilling enthusiasts who value durability and heat control.

Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi Charcoal Grill

The Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi Grill offers excellent portability without sacrificing durability. Weighing only 15 lbs, this grill is highly portable, making it perfect for camping or small outdoor spaces. Despite its smaller cooking area of 157 square inches, the cast iron construction ensures even heat distribution and effective cooking. The dual air vents provide better temperature control, and the wooden handles make it easy to maneuver.

With its budget-friendly price and solid build, this grill is a great option for campers or those with limited outdoor space. It requires regular maintenance to prevent rust, but with proper care, the Marsh Allen Grill can last for years. Its smaller size makes it best suited for small meals or cooking for a few people, but its lightweight design and durability make it a fantastic value for those on the go.

Cajun Classic Round Seasoned Cast Iron Charcoal Grill

The Cajun Classic Round Grill offers a larger cooking surface of 15 inches in diameter, making it a good option for grilling more food at once. Constructed from pre-seasoned cast iron, this grill provides excellent heat retention and even cooking. Its circular design is perfect for grilling smaller items like kebabs or seafood, but its weight of 40 lbs reduces portability. This makes it ideal for backyard gatherings or car camping trips rather than long-distance adventures.

While it’s not the easiest grill to transport, the Cajun Classic excels in durability, with its cast iron build ensuring long-term use. The grill is durable enough to handle frequent outdoor cooking, though it lacks a lid for indirect grilling or smoking. Overall, this grill is perfect for those who prioritize cooking space and durability over portability.

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Tabletop Gas Grill

The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is designed for portability and convenience, weighing just 13 lbs. It features a 145 square-inch porcelain-enameled cooking surface, which provides even heat distribution and is large enough to cook for two to four people. The gas-powered grill includes a push-button ignition system for easy start-up and folding legs for compact storage, making it a perfect choice for tailgating, camping, or small balcony barbecues.

Despite its small size and plastic components that can get hot during use, the Petit Gourmet is durable enough for frequent outdoor cooking. It’s easy to clean, and the compact design makes it one of the most portable options on the market. While the cooking area is smaller compared to other hibachi grills, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet’s portability and ease of use make it an excellent option for those who prioritize convenience and quick setup.

Bruntmor Hibachi-Style Portable Cast Iron Grill

The Bruntmor Hibachi-Style Portable Grill is a robust and durable option for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Made from pre-seasoned cast iron, this grill offers exceptional heat retention, ensuring evenly cooked meals. With a compact design and a 13.5-inch by 9-inch cooking surface, it’s small enough for easy transportation but large enough to grill a few items at once. The adjustable air vents give you control over the cooking temperature, making it versatile for different types of foods.

Although its weight (around 20 lbs) may make it less portable than some other options, its durability makes up for it. The grill is sturdy and built to last, capable of handling frequent use. While the cooking surface is on the smaller side, this grill is perfect for those who want a reliable, portable option with the longevity of cast iron.

Conclusion

All three grills are quality products. You can’t go wrong by choosing any of them. Picking a winner is difficult, as it depends a lot on what features you prioritize. In our opinion, the Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi Charcoal Grill is the winner. It attracts a lot of positive feedbacks from users. The price is good and it is lightweight, compact and can be folded which makes it a great choice for camping.