The Hibachi grill is one of the lesser known types of barbecue when compared against the likes of leading manufacturers portable grills such as the Weber Smokey Mountain, the Cobb and the Cadac's of this World.
Japanese in origin, the Hibachi actually originated in Japan as a type of brazier that was used by nobles as far back as the 6th century. Back then, Hibachi's were commonly made from clay that was lined with wood, and as such was a functional and reasonably durable piece of cooking equipment.
These days, the Hibachi design has grown in popularity and these days is commonly made from cast-iron, using charcoal as fuel to provide a traditional style of cooking that is commonly used in contemporary barbecue grills.
Just like its modern counterparts, the Hibachi grill is produced by many difference manufacturers and is available in various sizes and configurations to suit different needs, and despite is ancient origins, performs just as well making the Hibachi a very popular type of grill to cook on thanks to it's direct cooking and portability.
When buying a Hibachi grill, it is worth paying extra for a cast-iron version as these are superior in many respects to those that are made from aluminium which are not only inefficient to cook on, they are also not particularly durable.
Hibachi grills are available in different designs, being embellished with attractive symbols, different colour schemes and other aesthetically pleasing adornments making them eye-catching when displayed outside.
Their design varies considerably from one manufacturer to another, and for maximum flexibility it is worth considering purchasing a Hibachi that has adjustable grills that will give you more control over cooking your food. Some people prefer the basic, fixed design that does not allow for adjustments to the cooking grate height as this is considered to be a more "pure" form of cooking on the Hibachi grill.
One of the unique aspects of using a Hibachi grill is that many of them allow the charcoal to be placed at two different levels under the grill. This allows the cook to have two different temperatures to cook at, allowing larger items to be cooked at a higher temperature on one side, while smaller pieces may be cooked at a slower rate on the other.
It is worth noting that not all Hibachi grills are equal, and if flexibility is something you are looking for in this style of BBQ grill, then look for models that incorporate vents in them, which allow for fine adjustment of air intake which will allow you to have greater control over the cooking temperature. It will take some time to get used to using these vents as you cook, and this is all part of the great Hibachi cooking experience.
Cooking on a Hibachi BBQ grill is almost identical to any other charcoal grill, apart from the fact that the grill has the capability to have two different temperature zones, while this is an advantage the Hibachi is really only suited to cooking smaller cuts of meat, such as chicken pieces, wings, burgers, and kebabs.
When using the Hibachi, remember that cast-iron versions retain heat very well, so always operate the grill, having a good pair of heat-resistant oven mitts to hand. Also ensure that the Hibachi is placed on a strong steady surface that is level such as a stone or wooden floor, and always have a bucket of water or sand, or better yet, a small fire extinguisher close by.
The Hibachi is unique in many ways and will appeal to many people for a variety of reasons. One of the finest things about the Hibachi is the way that it is capable of cooking food just as well as many good quality grills that cost several hundred pounds as well as being an attractive focal point where ever it is used.
Take your time selecting a Hibachi grill and enjoy using it and tasting the great food that it produces in the traditional methods used by the people of Japan and China many centuries ago.
