Top 10+ Japanese grill: Gas, charcoal & electric reviewed

A Japanese grill brings the authentic flavors of Japan right to your home, whether you prefer charcoal, gas, or electric cooking. Known for their compact designs, efficient heat retention, and ability to produce juicy, perfectly grilled meats and vegetables, Japanese grills have gained popularity worldwide. From the traditional Shichirin to modern tabletop yakiniku grills, these tools let you recreate restaurant-quality BBQ in your own kitchen or balcony. 

Choosing the right grill can transform your cooking experience and elevate your meals to a whole new level. Explore our complete guide to the best Japanese grills and find your perfect match at Kiichin.

1. What are the different types of Japanese grills?

Japanese grills come in various forms, each with its own unique design, heat source, and cooking style. Understanding these types will help you choose the right grill for your home or outdoor setup.

1. Shichirin (Japanese Charcoal Grill)
2. Konro Grill
3. Yakiniku Grill
4. Hibachi Grill
5. Yaki

1.1 Shichirin (Japanese Charcoal Grill)

As part of traditional Japanese cookware, Shichirin grills excel at delivering genuine Japanese charcoal BBQ experiences. They retain heat efficiently, cook evenly, and create the rich smoky aroma that defines authentic Japanese grilling. The main drawback is handling charcoal and ash cleanup, but the flavor payoff is worth the effort.

Shichirin grills excel at delivering genuine Japanese charcoal BBQ experiences. They retain heat efficiently, cook evenly, and create the rich smoky aroma that defines authentic Japanese grilling. The main drawback is handling charcoal and ash cleanup, but the flavor payoff is worth the effort.

• Brand: Kinka
• Material: Ceramic or diatomaceous earth body with stainless steel grill
• Ideal for: Tabletop grilling, yakitori, small-group authentic BBQ
• Price range: ~$50–100 USD

1.2 Konro Grill

The Konro grill is a slightly larger charcoal grill, often made of ceramic or steel, designed for cooking multiple skewers of meat or vegetables at once. It’s known for retaining heat evenly and producing excellent searing results.
Konro grills are perfect for serious Japanese BBQ enthusiasts who enjoy high-heat cooking similar to what you’d achieve with the best Japanese wok. They are durable, hold heat well, and deliver consistent cooking, making them ideal for yakitori or yakiniku at home. While less portable than Shichirin, they allow for larger meals and a more authentic BBQ experience.

• Brand: Premium Honma
• Material: Ceramic or steel
• Ideal for: Home yakitori, small gatherings, multi-skewer grilling
• Price range: ~$120–500 USD

1.3 Yakiniku Grill

A Yakiniku grill is a tabletop grill designed for Japanese-style grilling at the table, often using gas, charcoal, or electric heat. It allows diners to cook small portions of meat and vegetables directly at their seats.

Yakiniku grills are highly convenient and interactive, letting you control cooking time and flavor while enjoying the communal experience of Japanese BBQ. When paired with side dishes or hot drinks prepared using a traditional Japanese kettle, they create a cozy and authentic Japanese dining atmosphere. Gas or electric models are particularly user-friendly, making them ideal for indoor use.

• Brand: Iwatani
•  Material: Steel body + non-stick grill plate
• Ideal for: Tabletop BBQ, indoor gatherings, family or small groups
• Price range: ~$90–150 USD

1.4 Hibachi Grill

The Hibachi grill is a traditional Japanese grill often made from cast iron or aluminum. It is versatile, portable, and designed for quick searing and grilling of meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Hibachi grills are excellent for casual home use or outdoor cooking. They heat quickly and allow for precise control, but the smoky flavor is subtler than a Shichirin or Konro. Their portability and fast cooking make them ideal for small gatherings or outdoor entertainment.

• Brand: Hibachi
• Material: Aluminum or cast iron
• Ideal for: Quick searing, small BBQs, outdoor or indoor grilling
• Price range: ~$120–250 USD

1.5 Yaki

The term Yaki refers to any style of Japanese grilling or broiling, including dishes like yakiniku, yakitori, or teppanyaki. Grills labeled “Yaki” are usually versatile and can use gas, charcoal, or electric heat.

Yaki-style grills are flexible and user-friendly, suitable for a variety of meats and vegetables. They are ideal for those who want a multi-purpose Japanese grill without committing to a single heat source. Electric or gas Yaki grills are especially convenient for indoor cooking.

• Brand: Zojirushi 
• Material: Stainless steel + non-stick plate (for electric models)
• Ideal for: Versatile tabletop grilling, indoor or outdoor, multiple Japanese dishes
• Price range: ~$80–350 USD

2. Top 10+ Japanese grill for authentic BBQ at home

Now that you understand the different types of Japanese grills, from the traditional Shichirin and Konro to tabletop Yakiniku, Hibachi, and versatile Yaki grills, it’s easier to choose the right one for your home. Each style offers unique features, heat sources, and flavor profiles, so selecting the best model depends on your cooking preferences and space. 

In the next section, we’ll review the top 10+ Japanese grills for authentic BBQ at home, highlighting their strengths, ideal uses, and practical details to help you make the perfect choice.

1. Iwatani Cassette Gas Grill Aburiya 
2. Uniflame Unicera TG-III 615010 Portable Gas Grill 
3. Kinka Charcoal Shichirin Grill
4. Zojirushi EB-DLC10 Indoor Electric Grill
5. Iwatani Yakiniku Grill CbAYkg Portable Gas Grill 
6. Asahisunred 30cm Ceramic Charcoal Konro Grill
7. Seieido U-33 Yakiyaki Grill 
8. Snow Peak Yukihoen Gs-355 Japanese Grill Burner
9. Premium Honma Seisakusyo Steel Charcoal Konro Grill
10. Teruhime Aluminum Charcoal Konro Grill

2.1 Iwatani Cassette Gas Grill Aburiya 

The Iwatani Aburiya is a compact tabletop gas grill using a butane cassette, perfect for indoor or balcony grilling. Its grill surface measures approximately 280 × 180 mm, and it weighs only about 2.4 kg, making it highly portable while still offering an authentic Japanese grilling experience.

• Brand: Iwatani 
• Material: Powder-coated steel body + stainless steel grill
• Ideal for: Small groups, indoor/outdoor balcony use, users wanting a convenient Japanese grill
• Price range: ~$90–130 USD

2.2 Uniflame Unicera TG-III 615010 Portable Gas Grill 

The Uniflame TG‑III is a portable gas grill designed for convenience and mobility. It features a compact design with a ceramic grilling surface for even heat distribution and is lightweight enough for easy storage or outdoor use.

I like this model for its portability and user-friendly design. The ceramic panel ensures consistent cooking, and the stainless steel body adds durability. It’s perfect for those who want a Japanese-style grill experience without dealing with charcoal.

• Brand: Uniflame 
• Material: Stainless steel + ceramic grilling surface
• Ideal for: Portable use, balconies, outdoor gatherings
• Price range: ~$120 USD

2.3 Kinka Charcoal Shichirin Grill

The Kinka Shichirin is a traditional Japanese charcoal grill made from diatomaceous earth. Its compact, heat-retaining body makes it perfect for authentic tabletop grilling.

If you want the true Japanese charcoal grill experience, this is the one. It produces a deep smoky flavor and retains heat exceptionally well. It requires handling charcoal, so there’s a bit more effort, but the flavor and authenticity are unmatched.

• Brand: Kinka 
• Material: Diatomaceous earth body + stainless steel grill
• Ideal for: Enthusiasts, authentic Japanese-style grilling, yakiniku or yakitori at home
• Price range: ~$50 USD

2.4 Zojirushi EB-DLC10 Indoor Electric Grill

The Zojirushi EB-DLC10 is an indoor electric grill designed for apartment or indoor use. With a non-stick cooking surface and stainless steel body, it allows for easy grilling without smoke or open flames.

This is a convenient option for indoor Japanese-style grilling. While it lacks the smoky flavor of charcoal, it’s easy to clean, safe, and allows you to enjoy a Japanese tabletop grill experience even in a small space.

• Brand: Zojirushi 
• Material: Stainless steel + non-stick ceramic/titanium surface
• Ideal for: Indoor use, apartments, users who want a smoke-free Japanese table grill
• Price range: ~$80–100 USD

2.5 Iwatani Yakiniku Grill CbAYkg Portable Gas Grill 

The Iwatani CB-AYkg is a portable smokeless gas grill designed specifically for yakiniku-style grilling. It’s small, lightweight, and perfect for tabletop use.

This grill is perfect for yakiniku lovers who want the table-top experience without charcoal. The heat is controlled, easy to use, and safe indoors. Although it doesn’t offer the same smoky depth as charcoal, it strikes a great balance between convenience and traditional Japanese grilling.

• Brand: Iwatani 
• Material: Steel body + non-stick grill plate
• Ideal for: Tabletop grilling, small family gatherings, indoor use
• Price range: ~$100–130 USD

2.6 Asahisunred 30cm Ceramic Charcoal Konro Grill

The Asahisunred 30 cm Ceramic Charcoal Konro Grill is a traditional Japanese tabletop grill made from high-quality ceramic. Its compact design allows for efficient heat retention, making it perfect for yakitori or small-group grilling at home.

This grill truly delivers the authentic Japanese charcoal BBQ experience. The ceramic body holds heat well and cooks food evenly, producing a rich, smoky flavor. While it requires handling charcoal, the process enhances the overall experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy traditional grilling.

• Brand: Asahisunred 
• Material: Ceramic body with removable net + trivet
• Ideal for: Authentic tabletop charcoal grilling, yakitori style at home
• Price range: ~$80–110 USD

2.7 Seieido U-33 Yakiyaki Grill 

The Seieido U‑33 Yakiyaki Grill is a premium tabletop grill built from steel and ceramic, designed for serious Japanese-style grilling at home or small gatherings. Its sturdy construction ensures consistent cooking heat.

In use, this grill excels at delivering restaurant-quality yakiyaki. The ceramic and steel combination maintains steady heat, allowing you to sear meats and vegetables perfectly. It’s a bit pricier, but the quality and authentic feel justify the investment for dedicated grill enthusiasts.

• Brand: Seieido 
• Material: Steel and/or ceramic
• Ideal for: Serious Japanese-style grilling, family or small-group use
• Price range: Estimated ~$200–400 USD

2.8 Snow Peak Yukihoen Gs-355 Japanese Grill Burner

The Snow Peak Yukihoen GS‑355 is a portable Japanese-style grill burner, combining a stainless steel body with a cast-iron griddle. It’s designed for outdoor grilling, camping, or terrace use while still delivering Japanese BBQ quality.

This burner provides high heat control and even cooking, making it versatile for various outdoor foods. Its portability and durable build make it ideal for enthusiasts who want an authentic Japanese grill experience on the go. The price is higher, but the quality and versatility make it worthwhile.

• Brand: Snow Peak 
• Material: Stainless steel body + cast-iron griddle
• Ideal for: Outdoor Japanese-style grilling, camping or terrace use
• Price range: ~$300–350 USD

2.9 Premium Honma Seisakusyo Steel Charcoal Konro Grill

The Premium Honma Seisakusyo Steel Charcoal Konro Grill is a high-end steel charcoal grill designed for traditional Japanese tabletop BBQ. Its solid steel body ensures excellent heat retention and durability for repeated use.

This grill is perfect for enthusiasts who want a professional-level Japanese charcoal experience at home. It offers intense heat for quick searing and is built to last, though handling charcoal requires care. It’s an investment for those serious about authentic grilling.

• Brand: Honma Seisakusyo 
• Material: Steel charcoal konro
• Ideal for: High-end Japanese charcoal grilling enthusiasts
• Price range: Estimated ~$250–500 USD

2.10 Teruhime Aluminum Charcoal Konro Grill

The Teruhime Aluminum Charcoal Konro Grill is a lightweight alternative to traditional steel or ceramic konro grills. Its aluminum body makes it easier to move and handle while still allowing for authentic tabletop charcoal grilling.

In practice, this grill heats quickly and evenly, making it ideal for casual Japanese-style BBQ at home. Though slightly less heat-retentive than ceramic or steel, it is easier to maintain and perfect for those who want convenience without losing the Japanese grilling style.

• Brand: Teruhime 
• Material: Aluminum charcoal konro
• Ideal for: Lightweight, portable Japanese charcoal grilling at home
• Price range: Estimated ~$120–250 USD

3. How to maintain Japanese grill for long-lasting performance?

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your Japanese grill efficient, safe, and durable. Follow these essential steps:

• Clean after every use: Remove leftover food debris and ash (for charcoal grills) immediately. For gas grills, wipe down the grill plate and body after cooling. Electric grills: clean the non-stick plates and drip trays carefully.
• Season charcoal grills: Occasionally rub a thin layer of vegetable oil on the grill net before use to prevent rust and maintain non-stick properties.
• Check gas connections: Inspect hoses and connectors on gas grills regularly for leaks or wear. Replace damaged parts promptly.
• Protect from moisture: Store grills in a dry place or use a grill cover to prevent rust, especially for steel or aluminum models.
  Avoid abrasive cleaning tools: Use soft brushes or cloths for cleaning; harsh scrubbers can damage ceramic, aluminum, or non-stick surfaces.
• Empty ashes safely: For charcoal grills, allow ashes to cool completely before disposal to avoid fire hazards.
• Check electrical components: For electric grills, ensure cords and heating elements are intact and dry before use.
  Regularly inspect for wear and tear: Look for cracks, corrosion, or warping in grill bodies, nets, or plates. Replace parts as needed.
• Store accessories properly: Keep removable grill nets, trays, and burners in a clean, dry place to extend their lifespan.
  Follow manufacturer instructions: Always adhere to specific cleaning and maintenance guidelines for your grill model to ensure safety and longevity.

A Japanese grill brings the authentic taste of Japan right to your home, whether you prefer charcoal, gas, or electric options. From the compact Shichirin and Konro grills to tabletop Yakiniku, Hibachi, and versatile Yaki grills, each type offers unique benefits for indoor or outdoor cooking. Japanese grills are prized for their efficient heat retention, precise cooking, and ability to create juicy, flavorful meals every time.

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