Secrets of the Cast Iron Hibachi!

Cast iron cookware has been in use for hundreds of years and played a major role in the kitchens of almost every country and civilization since the Roman Empire.

The History of the Cast Iron Hibachi

Hibachi is traditionally a Japanese term used to refer to a traditional cylindrical heating device. It is open at the top and is lined by heatproof material, which is traditionally ceramic. Today, however, Hibachi is used to refer to a mini grill of sorts, which is, more often than not, made of cast iron. The cast iron hibachi is popular for use in barbeques, outdoor parties and camping trips, mainly because of its superior cooking performance on a simple open fire and because of its small compact size.

The use of the term has been largely misused in Western countries, more specifically the United States. While the original hibachi was more of a cylindrical tool that resembled a wide vase, the Western type of Hibachi is actually more of an iron grill. It is made of cast iron because of its properties that spread and retain heat better than other types of metal, such as steel and aluminum. The term "hibachi style" is also misused, because people use it when what they actually mean is Teppanyaki style, which is a style of cooking that uses an iron griddle that is flat and not cylindrical. This is derived from the word "teppan," which quite literally means "iron plate."

But the types of cast iron hibachi that are being used all over the world today are also quite useful. As mentioned above, cast iron is especially useful for cooking things over an open fire. This is because cast iron cookware has been famous for hundreds of years as a durable, reliable and everlasting form of cookware. The metal highly endures heat, and it takes years before it will show even the slightest warping, if at all. With only a little cleaning, polishing and curing every now and then, your cast iron hibachi will last you for lifetime upon lifetime, and will work as well as the day you first bought it.

There are a lot of ways that you can get your hands on this superior piece of kitchenware. Aside from buying them from the usual stores and department stores that sell cookware, there are actually a lot of great pieces that you will find on the Internet. Fortunately for you, not everyone knows that cast iron cookware will actually last you for decades if you only give it the proper care. Thais is why they opt to sell them through the Internet for low prices. If you’re planning to buy one, opt to buy through trusted websites such as Amazon. This is so that you are sure that you are not being scammed into buying an aluminum hibachi that is not as efficient and isn’t even half as sturdy as a real cast iron hibachi.

You can also look for these pieces in random flea markets or bazaars. This is where you can find them for especially low prices. If you find great cast iron cookware for a low price but they look old and unusable, don’t fret. All you need to do is a little polishing and, voila, you have yourself your very own cast iron goodness.

During our research we visited many online vendors and discovered that the best prices are typically found on Amazon.

	Marsh Allen 30052 Cast Iron Hibachi 10 by 18-Inch Charcoal Grill List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $26.55
	Portable and durable cast iron Hibachi charcoal grill. 157 sq. inch cooking surface. 3 position adjustable cooking grids. Wood handles for protected moving of grill and grids. 2 adjustable air vents for controlling charcoal burn rates.

	Lodge Logic L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill List Price: $107.99 Sale Price: $64.50 Used From: $71.10
	This rugged, charcoal hibachi-style grill is perfect for picnics, tailgating and car camping or patio. A draft door regulates the heat so in addition to grilling or frying. Ideal for anywhere you need a self contained cooking source Coals are accessible behind a flip down door...

	Lodge Sportsman's Grill Cover List Price: $16.00 Sale Price: $14.54
	This waterproof, custom-sized cover stretches to fit over the 19-by-10-by-8-inch Lodge Sportsman's grill, a hibachi-style grill made of heavy cast iron with legs. Since the grill is a little heavy to haul inside and back out to the patio for every barbecue party, this cover allows the grill to stay outdoors protected from rain and rust...

	Camp Chef CGG24 Cast iron grill/griddle List Price: $77.99 Sale Price: $63.37 Used From: $65.81
	The Camp Chef CGG24 cast iron BBQ Grill & Griddle is a useful innovation that allows any chef to maximize space, time and effort by offering two reliable products in one. Healthy cast iron is recommended by professional chefs for its ability to retain warmth and even heat...

	Mini Hibachi for use with Sterno #Hib-01 Sale Price: $14.99
	Mini Hibachi Grill for appetizers or roasting marshmallows!! Fueled by sterno (not included) this small cast iron and wood base grill can be used to re-heat skewered meats or grill vegetables. Fun for tabletop cooking! It is also known as a PU-PU grill and it stands 4 inches tall and has a 3 1/2 inch diameter cast iron grill on the iron body...

	Casa Moda Smokeless Tabletop Grill with Ceramic Tray List Price: $40.00 Sale Price: $210.00 Used From: $118.00
	Perfect for parties, this smokeless, tabletop grill from Casa Moda adds novelty and fun to any dining experience. A thick ceramic tray measuring 13-1/2 inches across both provides compartments for food storage, and serves as a foundation...

	Sizzle-Q SQ180 Universal Griddle for BBQ Grills, Stainless List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $47.98
	Sizzle-Q is the perfect entry level barbecue griddle for any gas grill. Sizzle-Q allows you to cook complete meals at one time and is the perfect outdoor cookware for everything from pancakes and eggs at sunrise to a Mongolian barbecue in the evening...

	Dexter-Russell 4-by-2.5-Inch Stainless Steel and Walnut Pancake Turner List Price: $18.95 Sale Price: $14.49
	This pancake turner is made of high quality stainless steel. It has an attractive and durable walnut handle. It's perfect for rigorous commercial or everyday household use. This turner, with its 4-by-2-1/2-inch size, easily lifts pancakes (or french toast, eggs, et cetera)...

	Black Hibachi Sale Price: $22.70
	Black Hibachi Basic black cast iron or elegant die cast aluminum with dragons emblazoned on the body.