Are you looking for a simple and effective way to cook small skewers of meat?
A yakitori grill could be the perfect solution. These traditional Japanese grills typically boast a very compact design that can fit on a tabletop.
This makes these grills suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, while they are also highly portable. However, modern yakitori grills come in a wide range of different styles, which can make the decision process rather tricky.
So, let’s take a look at the most popular options currently on the market and find the best Yakitori grill for your needs…
The Best Yakitori Grills Reviews
1. Fire Sense Large Rectangle Yakatori Charcoal Grill – Best Clay Yakitori Grill
Fire Sense is known for creating a wide range of different types of heating items. Products in the Fire Sense range are known for their relatively high quality and come with innovative features. Popular Fire Sense products include sleek patio heaters, fire pits, and barbeque toolsets.
But have they created the best yakitori grill?
The Fire Sense Large Rectangle Yakatori Charcoal Grill is the perfect addition to the company’s collection. This model has been mainly created from ceramic, which delivers impressive heat distribution. This helps to ensure that your food cooks more quickly and evenly.
You are sure to find that meat that is cooked on this grill is tender and juicy. The stainless steel grill plate is set with a lip all the way around it. This helps to prevent your hot dogs and kabobs from rolling off of the grill surface.
Adjustable ventilation…
There are also a series of grill clips to hold the grill plate securely on the ceramic base. The adjustable ventilation allows you to control the heat and modify the cooking temperature. This model’s dimensions are 10 inches wide by 17 inches long, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
However, it is essential to avoid exposing this grill to excessive moisture. If the grill is left out in the rain, the clay material is likely to crack or degrade. The base can also get rather hot, meaning that it is not ideal for use on a tabletop.
PROS
- Handmade clay construction.
- Charcoal grate and cooking grill included.
- Fueled by charcoal.
- Adjustable ventilation.
- One-year warranty.
CONS
- Can degrade when wet.
2. Kinka BBQ Diatomite Charcoal Grill Barbecue Hibachi Stove BQ-8WF – Best Large Yakitori Grill
Turning up the heat to sear meat to perfection will not be an issue when you choose this grill. The Kinka BBQ Diatomite Charcoal Grill Barbecue Hibachi Stove BQ-8WF is designed to radiate far-infrared rays from the interior walls. However, the exterior walls remain cool to the touch to provide extra safety while you grill.
Time to get grilling…
While it boasts a traditional design, this is one of the largest yakitori grills in its category. The overall dimensions are 21.26 inches long by 9.06 inches wide by 7.87 inches high. This provides enough space on the grilling surface to cook food for up to seven people at the same time.
One of the most incredible things about this grill is that it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The surface cooking grate is versatile enough to allow you to cook a wide range of different types of food. Even if you’ve never used a grill of this type before, you should find that the process is easy.
Simply operation…
To get started, just fill the interior grate with charcoal and light the grill. You’re sure to find that this grill heats up very quickly and evenly. You are also provided with three adjustable vents on the front so that you can control and direct the heat.
This model has been designed with portability in mind and is set with large side handles. However, at 24 pounds in weight, this is far from being the lightest yakitori grill in its category. Still, the extra weight translates to enhanced stability and durability.
PROS
- Three adjustable vents.
- Large side handles.
- Heats up quickly and evenly.
- Retains heat well.
- Large and versatile grilling surface.
CONS
- Comparatively heavy.
3. Kakuse Yatai Yokotyo Myt-800 29873 Electric 3way Plate – Best Electric Yakitori Grill
Excess smoke and odors will be a thing of the past when you choose this yakitori grill. The Kakuse Yatai Yokotyo Myt-800 29873 Electric 3way Plate runs on electricity rather than charcoal. It is also set with a removable drip tray to help make the cleanup process quick and easy.
There are three interchangeable grilling plates to choose from to provide enhanced versatility. The main grill plate is set with indentations that allow you to cook eight skewers at the same time. There is also a stainless steel grid plate that is ideal for cooking seafood and vegetables.
Grilling on the go…
Not only does this model boast a compact design, but it also weighs just three pounds. This helps to make it a great grilling companion for picnics and camping trips. All you need is access to a power outlet, and you will be ready to get your grilling game on.
The overall dimensions of this model are 4.13 inches by 5.71 inches by 14.37 inches. This means that it will fit easily on a tabletop or in the trunk of your car. Simply heat up the grill for five to ten minutes the first time to burn off excess oils, and you will be ready to grill.
Easy peasy Japanesey…
It should be noted that the instruction manual that comes with this model is only printed in Japanese. This can make getting to grips with your grill tricky if you have never used a model of this type before. Fortunately, there are large pictures in the manual that can guide you through the process visually.
PROS
- Weighs just three pounds.
- Three different grilling plates.
- U-shaped heat element.
- Runs on electricity.
- Removable drip tray.
CONS
- Japanese instruction manual.
4. Binchotan Japanese HIBACHI Style Yakitori Charcoal Konro Grill – Best Professional Yakitori Grill
Enhancing your food’s flavor while you grill is easy when you choose this yakitori grill. The Binchotan Japanese HIBACHI Style Yakitori Charcoal Konro Grill is a popular model among professional chefs. While it is suitable for commercial use, it is also ideal for home grilling.
Let’s take a closer look…
This model is set with a stainless steel grilling surface that features an interwoven design. This means that you are able to grill small morsels of food without them falling through the grates. However, the eleven-inch wide surface provides plenty of space to grill for the whole family.
To get the most out of this grill, it is a good idea to use Binchotan charcoal. This select type of charcoal burns hotter and much more efficiently than other types of charcoal. It allows the juices from your meat to drip and form a vapor that infuses your food.
Great features…
This model is also set with air vents that allow you to control and modify the heat. After cooking, the cleanup process is sure to be quick and easy too. Simply remove and wash the drip tray and wipe the grill grate and exterior.
It should be noted that this is an authentic Japanese product that is shipped from Japan. As a result, the instructions and most of the product information are in Japanese. However, if you have ever used a grill of this type before, you will find that the process is straightforward.
PROS
- Stainless steel grilling grate.
- Airflow vents.
- Eleven inches wide.
- Ideal for families.
- Heats quickly and evenly.
CONS
- Instructions in Japanese
5. Kinka BBQ Diatomite Charcoal Grill Barbecue Hibachi Stove – Best Diatomite Yakitori Grill
With its traditional Japanese design, this yakitori grill is sure to satisfy traditionalists. The Kinka BBQ Diatomite Charcoal Grill Barbecue Hibachi Stove delivers impressive heat distribution. As the name suggests, this model is fueled by charcoal and can handle very high temperatures.
Firing up your grill…
All you need to do to get going is put your charcoal inside and ignite it. You are sure to find that the interior of the grill heats up very quickly and thoroughly. The alkaline coal ash neutralizes the acidic protein in food to help enhance the delicious savory flavor.
The grill surface has been created from intricately woven stainless steel mesh. This helps to make the grill surface more versatile. You will also be able to grill small and delicate items without them falling through the gaps in the grate.
The price to pay…
This intricate design can make the surface rather tricky to clean, and, unfortunately, this model does not come with a removable grease tray. The addition of side handles would have also helped to make this model easier to move into position.
However, the solid diatomite construction means that you will not have to wait for the grill to cool. You can even lift the grill off of the tabletop while it is still running without fear of being burned. The thick diatomite walls provide superior insulation to keep the exterior cool at all times.
PROS
- Even heat distribution.
- Durable diatomite construction.
- Stay-cool exterior.
- Intricate stainless steel mesh surface.
- Front air vent.
CONS
- Rather tricky to clean.
6. Party Griller Yakitori Grill 32” x 11” Portable Stainless Steel Charcoal Barbecue Grill – Best Party Yakitori Grill
When it comes to grilling kabobs and hot dogs, yakitori grills are perfectly designed. However, the traditionally small dimensions of these grills mean that they are not that versatile. The Party Griller Yakitori Grill 32” x 11” Portable Stainless Steel Charcoal Barbecue Grill provides the best of both worlds.
Getting the party started…
This mighty model provides an impressive 352 square inches of grilling space. This is sure to be sufficient for a backyard party with family members and friends. The dimensions of this grill are 32 inches long by 11 inches wide by 34 inches high.
While this grill is too large to fit on a tabletop, this will not pose a problem. The top of the grill is set on long legs so that it is the perfect height for grilling while standing up. Then those two pairs of legs are connected by a central bar for enhanced stability.
Sturdy and stable…
This grill’s stainless steel build makes it remarkably strong and durable. The entire grill is also designed to resist rust and warping. As a result, this is sure to serve as your constant grilling companion for a long time to come.
At 26 pounds, this model is not as portable as your average yakitori grill. However, it is sure to satisfy large social gatherings, while the two grill grates provide extra versatility. As a bonus, this grill comes with two seasoning shakers and a pair of 12-inch long grilling tongs.
PROS
- Durable stainless steel design.
- Two grill grates.
- Seasoning shakers and BBQ tongs included.
- 352 square inches of grilling space.
- Set on legs.
CONS
- Not very portable.
7. Kuretake Japanese Yakitori BBQ Grill Stove – Best Beginner Indoor Outdoor Electric Yakitori Grill
Trying to plan a romantic picnic with a significant other can be a tricky process. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, trying to grill outdoors can be rather tricky and even unpleasant. Sudden rain showers or strong wind could force you to cancel your plans altogether.
That’s why every budding chef needs a versatile grill…
This will no longer be a concern if you own the Kuretake Japanese Yakitori BBQ Grill Stove. This model runs on electricity and is compatible with standard power outlets. If the sun refuses to shine, you can still enjoy an intimate meal in the comfort of your own home.
The grill measures just 10.75 inches long by 6.97 inches wide and 5.47 inches high. This means that it will fit easily on any type of tabletop. It also weighs less than two pounds so that it is very portable.
Great for beginners…
The grill is still large enough to fit five meat or vegetable kabobs at the same time. Plus, this model has been designed to be very easy to use, even for grilling novices. A removable grease tray is set underneath the grill to make the cleanup process a breeze.
However, it should be noted that the side handles that are set on this model are relatively small. This means that it can be challenging to get a good grip when moving the grill into position. It is better to exercise caution and wait until the grill is completely cold.
PROS
- Suitable for indoor use.
- U-shaped heating element.
- Removable grease tray.
- Compatible with standard electric outlets.
- Bright and bold design.
CONS
- The side handles are rather small.
Best Yakitori Grill Buying Guide
As you have seen, even top of the range yakitori grills can vary widely in terms of style and features. This means you should consider your specific grilling needs carefully before making a purchase. Keeping the following factors in mind should help you to track down the perfect Yakitori grill for your needs.
The Cooking Surface
First and foremost, check out the size and shape of the cooking surface. Ultimately, the model that you choose will depend on your specific needs. If you simply want to cook a few kabobs for two or three people, a compact model is sure to suffice.
Some models feature lips around the edge of the grill surface to hold kabobs and hotdogs firmly in place. However, if you want to cook for a larger group of people, you will likely appreciate a larger and more versatile grill. Models that come with stainless steel grates allow you to cook a wide range of other types of foods.
Portability
One of the great things about yakitori grills is that they are generally suitable for indoor and outdoor use. However, if you are planning to take your grill on outdoor adventures, check the weight and dimensions carefully. Models that come with large side handles will also make them easier to carry.
The Fuel Source
Generally speaking, yakitori grills run on charcoal. However, it’s also possible to find grill models that run on electricity these days. While electricity keeps smoke to a minimum, you will need to make sure that you have a convenient outlet.
Air Vents
Grills that are set with air vents allow you to control the heat during the cooking process. Some models come with just one air vent, while others treat you with up to three. Generally speaking, the more air vents you have, the more control you will have.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The last thing you’ll want is to have to spend hours fishing pieces of burned meat and fat out of your grill. Therefore, it’s an excellent idea to choose a model that comes with a removable drip tray. After the grill cools, you will simply need to remove the drip tray and wipe the grill surface.
So, Which of These Truly Deserves The Title of The Best Yakitori Grill?
If you enjoy entertaining or just have lots of mouths to feed, the…
Party Griller Yakitori Grill 32” x 11
… is ideal. While this model is bigger than your average yakitori grill, it still boasts a convenient and traditional design.
This model has been constructed from stainless steel on both the inside and the outside. The vent controls on both sides help to ensure that you receive superior even heat distribution, too. Plus, it comes complete with two stainless steel seasoning shakers and 12-inch scissor barbecue tongs.
Happy grilling!
