For grilling on the go, nothing beats the small and portable hibachi, an open, efficient grilling device with ancient roots in China and Japan. Hibachi, translated from Japanese, means fire bowl, an apt description. The hibachi was first used as a heating device, but its eventual Western migration saw it evolve into the versatile grill we know today.
The hibachi is a popular grill, whether used for camping, for a picnic or as a home grill due to limited space. For some people, the charcoal flavors of food cooked on the hibachi are the whole reason for grilling.
The hibachi is small and inexpensive, and it may be round or rectangular. The most efficient hibachis are made of cast iron, but less expensive alternatives are made from sheet metal. The fuel may be charcoal or gas. While its small surface area may be limiting, its ability to quickly cook hamburgers, thinner cuts of meat or seafood, and kabobs makes it the perfect choice for many.
A surprising amount of cooking control makes the hibachi one of the best choices for grilling. The charcoal can be arranged on one side with more embers for a hotter area, and the other side a smaller amount for lower heat. Many hibachis today have two adjustable grills for controlling temperature by distance from the heat.
The easy-to-use hibachi is wildly popular, making choices of style, size and materials vast and varied. When shopping for a hibachi, the top of the line is cast iron, with the most efficient and even heat distribution. Cast iron also is the most durable. Lower-cost hibachis are made of steel or aluminum, which are subject to rust or corrosion over time. There are many size choices as well, and the choice of charcoal or gas.
Nothing beats the little hibachi for quick grilled meals, at home or away. It can handle virtually anything its bigger counterparts can, and go anywhere! Inexpensive, portable and versatile, the hibachi may be the perfect grilling choice.