We’ve adopted a number of delicious trends from the Japanese, sushi, and ramen, to name a few. Yakitori grilling is another culinary concept worth trying. And it’s definitely going to make your backyard barbecue party a hit!
Follow this guide and get one of the best yakitori grills on the market so you will be all set up for a Japanese grilling experience.
Essentially, a yakitori grill is a unit specifically designed for cooking up small skewers of chicken all brushed with a delightfully flavored glaze. But you can use it for all kinds of skewers with meat and vegetables too.
Come on, who doesn’t like food on a stick?
Our recommendations for Best Yakitori Grill:
- Best Freestanding Yakitori Grill: Party Griller Charcoal Yakitori Grill
- Best Tabletop Charcoal Yakitori Grill: Noto Dia Shichirin Hida Konro
- Best Electric Yakitori Grill: Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill
- Best Gas Option: Iwatani Aburiya Portable Grill
- Best Budget Option: Isumer Portable Charcoal Grill
The Best Yakitori Grills Reviewed
What kind of yakitori grill are you looking for?
Tabletop, stand-alone, or the most affordable option? Charcoal, gas, or electric grill?
Well, whichever is your preference, we got you covered. We have carefully selected the best product for each type.
Note: Below you can find a few more guides that we think you will find interesting:
Best Freestanding Yakitori Grill: Party Griller Charcoal Yakitori Grill
This charcoal grill from Party Griller is your basic all-around winner when it comes to Yakitori-style grilling. It’s made of stainless steel, so it looks sharp and sleek with its glistening silver exterior.
The cool thing is, it’s rust-proof, so this color will last even through season after season of exposure. It’s also warp-proof, so it won’t develop those bends and kinks you see in other grills.
Specifications:
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
- Grilling Area: 256 (sq.in)
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Build Materials: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 32″ x 8″ x 34″ (L x W x H) – with stand
Features
Size: The Party Griller is long and lean, with enough room to really fill it up with skewers. With 256 square inches of grilling area, it’s the largest unit in this review.
Portable: This grill is portable, too, so you can bring it to the next tailgating party, and it will be a hit.
Vents: You’ve got vents on both ends so you can control the heat that way. There is also a split grate so you can easily maneuver the charcoal around to disperse heat more to your liking.
Summary
The Party Griller Yakitori Grill uses charcoal as fuel. It’s the original way of cooking these tasty skewers producing flavorful aromas wafting around your food. If you really want to prepare some authentic Japanese yakitori, be sure to stock up on the Binchotan variety of charcoal. It ensures a long and clean burn and great sear.
The only complaint we have about this product is that it really has some sharp edges that can cut you. So be careful when unpacking and handling it!
Have fun with this grill because overall, it’s the best Yakitori grill available. Make it a priority to have a gathering as soon as you can to show off your new specialty purchase.
Enjoy the delights that skewers can bring – alongside your friends and family. It will definitely be a lovely time!
What We Love
- Portable and versatile
- Made of sturdy and durable stainless steel
- Large grilling area
- Uses charcoal for an authentic taste
- Comes with two stainless steel mesh grates
- Includes seasoning shakers and BBQ tongs
What We Don’t
- The grill has some sharp edges
Best Tabletop Charcoal Yakitori Grill: Noto Dia Shichirin Hida Konro
This is an absolute treasure of a grill because it’s so authentic looking AND it’s a great performer.
Specifications:
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
- Grilling Area: 70 (sq.in)
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Build Materials: Diatomaceous earth (grill), Paulownia wood (base), and Iron with zinc plating (mesh)
- Dimensions: 6.3″ x 11.4″ x 5.1″ (L x W x H)
Features
Size: If you’re cooking for a large group of people, you might want to have another bigger grill as well. Or you could have one of these for each table since the grilling area of this unit is only about 70 square inches.
Design: It has a beautiful pearl colored backdrop with lovely Japanese lettering and whimsical artistic touches.
Materials: It’s enameled so it is smooth to the touch and will not overheat during the cooking process. Another slick thing is, it’s got a wooden base so you don’t have to worry as much about the surface of the table you’re cooking on. The insulation is built in here.
Summary
The Noto Dia is a table-top charcoal grill that is sure to be the center of attention at your next family dinner or backyard party because of the decorative Japanese exterior.
It uses charcoal, so you’ll get a great sear and that subtle flavoring from the smoke.
This grill is not just eye-candy, it’s the real deal!
What We Love
- Easy to transport and store
- Authentic Japanese charcoal grill
- Looks beautiful
- Lightweight with sturdy wooden base
- Made in Japan
What We Don’t
- Small grilling area
- Not the most durable grill
Best Electric Option: Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill
Zojirushi grill might be small, but it’s a true powerhouse.
This is a table-top model that uses electricity, so if you’re looking to cook some skewers but don’t want to go outside or “fire up” anything, this could be your ideal grill.
Specifications:
- Power Source: Electricity (1,500 watts)
- Grilling Area: 158 (sq.in)
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Build Materials: Stainless steel, ceramic
- Dimensions: 21″ x 14″ x 4″ (L x W x H)