Anyone who appreciates delicious food and enjoys using a grill will surely love Yakitori! However, this dish isn’t as widely known as it should be, and nor are the grills used to cook it. Learning how to cook Yakitori is a great way to discover new food and a new type of grill too.
What is Yakitori?
Before you start thinking about buying a Yakitori grill, you need to know what Yakitori actually is. Yakitori is comprised of two Japanese words: yaki and tori.’Yaki’ translates as ‘grill’ and ‘tori’ translates as ‘chicken’, so the two together literally translate as ‘grilled chicken’.
Authentic Japanese Yakitori consists of small pieces of chicken being grilled and then served on skewers. The chicken skewers are usually seasoned with salt or a small amount of tare sauce. The way that they are grilled and served makes them the perfect quick food to enjoy.
Japanese restaurants, both in and outside of Japan, serve Yakitori, but it is considered to be quite an informal food. In Japan, Yakitori is also served at sports matches, markets and in izakayas (bars selling inexpensive dishes and snacks). It can be enjoyed at a low price and either as a full dish or a singular snack.
Even better, Yakitori is an easy food to grill by yourself at home. All you need is some chicken, some chicken skewers and a specialized grill to reproduce this popular dish yourself.
What is a Yakitori Grill?
To cook the best Yakitori, you need a Yakitori grill. Traditional Yakitori grills sit atop a bed of burning charcoal that then produces the heat needed for cooking. The best Yakitori grills have plenty of room for meat on the grill and charcoal in the bed.
You’ll notice that Yakitori grills do look quite easy to cook with because they don’t consist of many parts. But you can get more innovative grills to match your level of grilling expertise. Think of grilling Yakitori as a good excuse to enjoy a new grill and a new outdoor cooking experience.
The main performance features of a Yakitori grill are relatively similar to those of a regular grill. Yakitori grills also reach high temperatures, produce some smoke when cooking and can grill your food in no time. They also need a stable space in which to be situated to make the cooking process as relaxed as possible.
The best grill will be the grill that both suits your needs and cooks Yakitori to perfection. You should compare plenty of different models in order to find the best option on the market.
Important Features to Consider
Size of the Appliance
The size of the appliance that you want to buy is always an important feature to consider. You’ll need to contemplate how much space you have and how easily you want to be able to move it. This grill will also become a permanent fixture in your yard, so you don’t want its size to be overpowering.
A lot of Yakitori grills are technically tabletop grills because they can be placed on various surfaces or stands. If you’ve got room for a decent sized stand outside, you should be able to situate a Yakitori grill. But you should look for a grill that fits in with your outdoor space, especially if it’s a small space.
Temperature Levels
You should grill Yakitori at either a medium heat or high heat, depending on how long you’ll be cooking it. Traditionally, Yakitori is cooked over hot charcoal, but some cook it on an electric grill or gas grill. The temperature levels may vary depending on the heat source that you use.
For the best results when grilling, look for a grill that has excellent temperature control. You don’t want to overcook or undercook the chicken, no matter the type of grill that you’re using. You need to combine a grill that has very good temperature control with the right heat to cook great Yakitori.
Material
Like all grills, Yakitori grills come in several different materials to suit every individual’s preferences. If you already have a favorite grill material, try to find a Yakitori grill made out of the same material. Consider the importance of a grill’s material as one of its main features.
A grill with a stainless steel body, for example, will be super easy to clean between uses. A grill made out of iron will hold in heat very well as you cook. Grills with enamel coating are likely to be more durable than other models.
Outdoor Space
Think about how much space you realistically have to place a Yakitori grill outside your home. If you have very little outdoor space available, you should try to find a smaller grill for your home. Yakitori grills typically aren’t very large, but you need enough space to comfortably and safely grill meat.
If you have a larger outdoor space available, you can buy pretty much any Yakitori grill that you like. You’ll want to designate this grill its own space if you also have another grill set up outside. Transitioning to the Yakitori grill shouldn’t be tricky, but you want to have enough time and space to use it.
If you really do have no feasible outdoor space at all, there are suitable Yakitori grills for indoor use. These won’t need much space, but they do need huge amounts of ventilation and a stable surface to rest on. Remember, never grill inside if you can’t guarantee continual ventilation and your own safety as you cook.
Tips For Cooking With a Yakitori Grill
Build Up From a Low Heat
You want to maintain a consistent heat in order to cook the Yakitori thoroughly, so start with a low heat. You’ll need a higher heat to grill the chicken, but building up from a low heat will prevent any overcooking. Starting at a high heat will make it a lot easier to burn the Yakitori.
If you’re using a charcoal-fired grill, you should use a small amount in order to control the heat levels. Using too much fuel will make the grill hotter and also waste charcoal that could be saved. But no matter the type of grill you choose, always start with a lower heat and then build it up.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
Yakitori restaurants will cook large amounts of Yakitori to serve, but home grills don’t have quite as much space. Though you can cook several skewers at once, try not to overcrowd the grill with meat. This will allow you to focus on rotating the skewers and cooking the meat all the way through.
If you’ve got a grill with a large surface area, you’ll be able to fit more Yakitori skewers on it. But Yakitori typically cooks quickly on a grill, so there’s no need to overcrowd any grill with too much meat. Cooking fewer skewers at once will also make the cooking process less stressful.
Do Crowd the Skewers
Although it’s advisable to avoid crowding the grill with meat, the same is not true for the skewers. Japanese-style skewers usually don’t have any spaces between the meat, so fit as much on each skewer as you can. This is the best way to keep meat tender and soft because it stops it from drying out.
You should choose skewers that can easily hold at least six pieces of meat to make the most of Yakitori. Another handy tip is to cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks because they’ll slide on easily and also cook faster. When done, your Yakitori skewers should be tender and juicy, with plenty of food to enjoy.
Remember the Importance of Timing
Timing is important when using any grill, so this is something to remember when using your new Yakitori grill. There is a quick turnaround for Yakitori because it cooks fast and the grill is immediately ready for more skewers. You might need to grill Yakitori a few times before you get the hang of the timing.
If you seem to be grilling Yakitori for a long time, something has gone wrong. You’ll end up drying out the meat due to overcooking. But you don’t want undercooking meat either, so consistently flip the skewers and keep track of how long seems best.
The Best Fuel Sources
Once you’ve got the hang of using your Yakitori grill, it’s time to consider which fuel source you prefer. There are several good choices, which we’ve collected below.
Binchotan Charcoal
Binchotan charcoal is the best charcoal to use for cooking Yakitori because it burns hot and is entirely smoke free. It is a special type of charcoal from Japan that will pair perfectly with a Japanese Yakitori grill. Binchotan charcoal, which is also called white charcoal, will sear the meat to seal in its natural moisture and taste.
Lump Charcoal
Lump charcoal is also an amazing choice because it burns fast and hot under a grill. It will also maintain these high temperatures throughout the cooking process, so you won’t need to refuel your grill. Even better, you’ll get an additional smoky flavor as you grill your meat over lump charcoal.
Charcoal Briquettes
This charcoal alternative to wood pellets is easy to find and a great way to control your grill’s temperature. Though they burn relatively slowly, their temperature will last for a long time and allow you to use lower heats. As soon as the briquettes start to increase temperature, you’ll have a hot grill to use all night.
Electric
Though Yakitori is traditionally cooked over a hot bed of charcoal, electric Yakitori grills are available too. You can easily control the temperature of an electric grill and they’re great for indoor use. Electric grills are also easier to clean out than charcoal-fired grills because they don’t produce much smoke.
Gas
Like electric, gas is not a traditional fuel type for a Yakitori grill, but it makes for a good alternative. Gas grills cook cleanly, build up heat as quickly as possible and can be adjusted as you see fit. Once lit, your gas grill will start to heat up, erasing the wait that can be common with other fuels.
Our List of Best Yakitori Grills
With all that information in mind, it’s time to start searching for your ideal Yakitori grill. We’ve compiled this list of the 13 best Yakitori grills to help guide you. There are different materials, features and fuel types to help every individual find their ideal grill.
Just keep reading to find your perfect grill among them!
1. The Best Choice Overall: The Fire Sense Yakitori Charcoal Grill
The Fire Sense Yakitori Charcoal Grill is our top pick for the best Yakitori grill. Its ceramic interior is protected by a clay exterior, which keeps it hot inside and sleek on the outside. It is a tabletop appliance, but has plenty of space on the 170 square inches rectangular grill for skewers.
The grate clips onto the body, so there are no safety concerns while cooking over hot charcoal, which adds flavor. It has adjustable ventilation to promote air circulation and contain heat to cook skewer after skewer of Yakitori. The grill will keep itself heated throughout your gathering and ensure tender, juicy Yakitori.
Pros:
- Attractive exterior.
- Affordable price for such quality- $56.
- Made with high-quality materials.
- Adjustable vents for precise temperature control.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Ceramic interior makes it a bit heavy.
- Needs to be covered in case of wet weather when not in use.
2. The Runner Up: The Bincho Grill
The Bincho Grill is our runner-up, just narrowly beaten to the top spot by the Fire Sense Yakitori Charcoal Grill. As the name suggests, the Bincho Grill is best fuelled by Binchotan charcoal, which it uses to trap in flavor. It is long enough to hold dozens of skewers at once and has wood handles and legs for safe movement.
This grill is based on Japanese traditional grills, with thick walls to contain heat and windows to regulate it. It is one of the best stainless steel grills, with a long yet compact design made specifically for Yakitori skewers. As well as Yakitori, you can grill pork belly, fish and vegetables on this innovative grill, making it multi-purpose.
Pros:
- Stainless steel body is perfect for outdoor conditions.
- Designed specifically for Yakitori grilling.
- Length perfect for big gatherings.
- Can sit on wood, glass and metal tables.
- Allows you precise control over the internal temperature.
Cons:
- Heavy.
- Expensive-over $400.
3. Best For Large Gatherings: Party Griller Yakitori Grill
As the name suggests, this is the perfect Yakitori grill to bring out for all your large parties and gatherings. The rectangular shaped body gives the grill a large cooking surface that is the perfect width for skewers. It is also made of stainless steel, so you don’t need to worry about a long cleaning process afterwards.
The Party Griller has adjustable vents that give you complete control over heat intensity and air circulation. The drip tray under the cooking grate will catch any mess so that you can clean it out later. And as an additional bonus, this grill comes with two seasoning shakers and some scissor BBQ tongs!
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel design.
- Rounded edges for safety.
- Long enough to cook as much food at once as you like.
- Minimal assembly required.
- Lightweight option.
Cons:
- Wire mesh cooking grate could be tricky to clean.
- Potentially too wide for one person to carry.
4. Most Portable: Uten Charcoal Grill
This Uten grill is the perfect way to make the Yakitori grilling experience portable! Not only does it weigh just under 4lbs, it has foldable legs to make transporting it super convenient. If you’re looking for a small and portable grill to move around outdoors, this is the one.
Though the grill is small, it is quick to heat up and has several different airway vent designs. The grate is scratch-resistant and heat-resistant, so it’s durable and perfectly safe to use. Taking just one minute and a scoop of charcoal to set up, you can cook tasty Yakitori wherever you go.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight.
- Easy assembly.
- Removable grill reaches high temperatures.
- Foldable legs for storage convenience.
- Affordable price- around $20.
Cons:
- Small cooking area- only cooks a few skewers at once.
- The quality might not be the same as a higher priced grill.
5. Most Traditional: The Small Konro Grill
The Small Konro Grill has a great reputation, having been used by several Michelin Star chefs and restaurants. If you are looking for the most traditional Japanese grill for cooking Yakitori, look no further. This is one of the Hibachi grills’, capable of temperatures as high as 662 degrees Fahrenheit and perfect for Yakitori.
Konro grills have a special ceramic coating that reflects heat back into the grill and helps to maintain temperatures. It is also made with diatomaceous earth, which provides further insulation, and has a durable grill grate. Dating back to the eighth century and widely used in Japan, Konro grills are ideal for cooking the tastiest Yakitori.
Pros:
- Designed for authentic Japanese cooking.
- Insulated grill reaches and maintains hot temperatures.
- Drips are caught and evaporated into flavor.
- Grate can be easily removed for cleaning.
- Perfect match for Binchotan charcoal.
Cons:
- Expensive- $431.
- Some designs are nicer looking.
6. Widest Array of Features: BEAU JARDIN Premium 18 Inch Charcoal Grill
The BEAU JARDIN Premium is a fierce competitor in this game, with a wide array of features to offer. The cooking grate sits inside an insulated porcelain-enameled grill bowl, with handles to lift it up and add charcoal underneath. It is 31.5 inches tall, so you’ll be able to stand at it comfortably as you flip the Yakitori skewers.
It also comes equipped with insulated handles, wheels for easy movement, an ash catcher and a wire bottom rack. The aluminium air vent damper allows you to control the temperature as you grill and contain it with the lid. The cooking grate is designed for direct and indirect grilling, withstanding the heat of the lit charcoal bed below.
Pros:
- Grill is the perfect width and length for skewers.
- Extra features- lid hanger, storage rack, ash catcher.
- High temperature resistant, but also insulated.
- Lid contains the smoky flavor during grilling.
- Can be wheeled around with ease.
Cons:
- Not the best for very large parties.
- Cannot be used on tabletops because bowl is attached to the frame.
7. Best For Indoor Grilling: HOXHA Electric Indoor Grill
This grill is a great option for those who want to grill Yakitori indoors because it is electric. Being a table grill means it has a very small size, but it can still comfortably fit six large skewers. It has a range of 260-440 degrees Fahrenheit and is designed to heat up quickly.
Cooking with electricity means that cleaning is easy, but the grill trays and drip tray are removable and dishwasher safe to make it even easier. There is a 1500W heating element and 2 grill trays. The grill is made out of stainless steel for a sleek look.
Pros:
- Electric – no smoke and no charcoal residue.
- Only needs water when washing.
- Starts heating up immediately.
- Can enjoy a BBQ experiences indoors.
Cons:
- Very small – 8.3in x 15.8.
- No charcoal means no smoke-infused flavor.
8. Most Compact: Uno Casa Hibachi Grill
If you’re looking for a small grill, this cast-iron appliance by Uno Casa is a very good option. The cast iron retains heat and is durable, with a detachable grilling grate, hook for easy removal, and a sturdy base. Because it is so lightweight and compact, this grill can be placed on any number of surfaces.
There are two grates to allow you to choose from two different cooking heights. Underneath, the charcoal grate can fit a surprising amount of charcoal to ensure continued heat. It has an adjustable vent to help you bring temperatures up or down as you choose.
Pros:
- Super compact- 19.5 x 10.7 x 8.8 inches.
- Cast iron material repels damage and stores heat.
- Comes with waterproof cover to protect it from the weather.
- Perfect width to accommodate Yakitori skewers.
- Charcoal gets very hot, which circulates flavor.
Cons:
- Too small for more than a few people.
- Food residue can stick to cast iron.
9. Best For Travel: Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Like the Uno Casa grill, this grill by Mueller is also a great way to cook Yakitori on a small surface. However, this grill has foldable legs and a lightweight stainless steel frame, making it perfect for travel purposes. You can fold the grill down and carry it when you’re out and about.
Using some charcoal for fuel, you’ll be able to cook perfect Yakitori on this mesh-grated grill. It has air vents to enhance air flow and charcoal burning. You can remove its grate for easy cleaning, making it the hassle-free way to grill Yakitori on your travels.
Pros:
- Easy to pack away and carry.
- Strong legs for stability on any surface.
- Large number of air vents.
- Adequate space between the charcoal bed and the food.
- Small grill, but the right width for skewers.
Cons:
- Only suitable for small travelling parties.
- You need to thoroughly clean it out before carrying it about.
10. Most Multi-Purpose: YAK Grills Hibachi Charcoal Grill
YAK are known for making quality grills, and this Hibachi Charcoal Grill is no exception. Not only does it operate up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit, it is also tabletop safe and made of stainless steel. When you’re done using this grill, you can even put the disassembled parts in the dishwasher!
Its smart airflow system gives you control over the heat levels and ensures a long burn-time. The grate is made of heavy-duty wire for durability and has nine skewer notches that make Yakitori grilling simpler. People can sit around this grill on a table, or it can be supported on a stand to the side.
Pros:
- Easy assembly and disassembly.
- Can be used at home, on travels, at a campsite, on a walk.
- Uses charcoal as a heating element for flavor.
- Designated skewer notches for Yakitori grilling.
- Gets hot but protects your tables from the heat.
Cons:
- Very short legs.
- Awkward shape for carrying about.
11. Best For Small Gatherings: Homping Charcoal Grill
Not everyone hosts big gatherings, so this grill is perfect for those who want to cook Yakitori for fewer people. The main difference between this grill and most of the others is its rounded shape. This makes it easy to carry around (especially because it also weighs just 8.5lbs) and assemble.
It has a charcoal bed that directs flavor up at the food and heats it quickly with its inner fan. This grill is also made out of iron, which helps to insulate it as it cooks. One of the best things about the Homping Charcoal Grill is that it produces very little smoke.
Pros:
- Only 8 charcoal briquettes needed per hour.
- Comes in a bright orange color.
- Safe touch design.
- Includes a carrying case.
- Perfect for grilling smaller portions quickly.
Cons:
- Rounded shape means smaller cooking area.
- The fan requires batteries (not included).
12. Most Comfortable Cooking Experience: Samdray Charcoal Kabob Grill
The Samdray Charcoal Kabob Grill makes grilling Yakitori a comfortable and communal experience. It’s ideal for setting up in the middle of the table, where everyone can remove their Yakitori when it’s done. This grill is lightweight, fairly compact and easy to use.
It’s marketed as being for 2-3 people, so it’s great for small get-togethers. There is a removable charcoal mesh, ash catcher, lots of space for charcoal and an easy-to-clean non-stick grill pan. You can sit around this grill for hours as you cook and chat away with your loved ones.
Pros:
- Lightweight – 4.14lbs.
- Made of stainless steel.
- Removable components for easy clean-up.
- Air vents to regulate air.
- Minimal assembly required.
Cons:
- Lightweight grills are more easily damaged.
- Design is very basic to look at.
13. Best For Gas Cooking: Char-Broil Advantage Series 225S
This final grill might not be a traditional Yakitori grill, but it’s perfect for those who prefer gas cooking. It has two gas burners to allow you to cook plenty of skewers at once. The stainless steel design is also super easy to keep clean and protects the grill against various weather conditions.
It has an infrared cooking system to cook the meat evenly, with burners ignited at the push of a button. There is also a warming rack where you can rest the grilled Yakitori while you put more on to grill. By using the external temperature gauge, you can easily adjust heat levels and ensure that none of the Yakitori overcooks.
Pros:
- Stainless steel grill body is easy to maintain.
- Large enough to cook for big gatherings.
- Locking caster wheels for stability.
- Instantly starts to heat up when switched on.
- The perfect choice for those who don’t use charcoal.
Cons:
- Gas-powered- no traditional charcoal Yakitori taste.
- Side shelves make the appliance very long.