Grilling is an excellent way of getting the most out of your food and making your meat as tender and delicious as possible. But while indoor grilling is already about getting together, Korean barbeque even elaborates that concept. If you like the idea of eating with your friends and sharing your food, then you might want to look at the best Korean BBQ grill for home. These are authentic grills constructed in a manner that aids sharing the food thus making your family dinners even more intimate.
If you’ve decided to buy a Korean BBQ grill for your home, you still have a long way to go. Of course, these grills are very different from the traditional ones, so you need to treat their purchase as such. With that in mind, we have compiled a guide in which the six best Korean grills have been assembled. Some of the factors considered include the plate diameter and materials used if the product comes with an incorporated burner, burner’s heat range, the appliance’s overall dimensions, and weight.
Tens of hours have been invested in the research of this guide. Consequently, we have been able to gather only the best home Korean BBQ grills on the market. We didn’t stop there though – we have also compared the chosen products in a well-detailed comparison table. In addition, we have reviewed the products extensively, thanks to some reliable resources we found. We have also included an enlightening buying guide that has been designed to help you choose the most ideal Korean grill for you.
More features: fat/grease draining hole; works on butane cylinder
Sporting a perfect design that makes it suitable for both outdoor and indoor cooking without setting the fire alarm off, it’s easy to see why this is our Editor’s pick. This product is produced using heavy-grade aluminum that is coated with five layers of non-stick material, thereby guaranteeing optimum durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance. Moreover, the pan offers a special swirled channel design alongside a domed base, which is a design that helps the oil to drain slowly in order to lock in more juices and more flavor to the food you’re cooking.
Also, it features a draining hole where the meat’s fat and grease can run through, in order to aid healthy cooking. You only need to buy a heat-resistant bowl to collect the fat and grease that is draining from the unit. In return, the fat-draining feature makes it very easy to clean and maintain the pan. You can simply use some water and a sponge or paper towels to wipe them perfectly. Keep in mind that in order to use this appliance indoor, your bowl has to be positioned properly outside the gas burner. Producing a total BTU of 11,500, this excellent Korean pan is also incredibly powerful and is certain to heat up in no time.
Overall, this stove top Korean BBQ from Techef is a must-pick if you are looking to throw a Korean-style BBQ party anytime soon. It is made of high-quality materials, has a non-stick surface that aids cleaning, sports an innovative design that increases its versatility, and delivers a lot of power. Although it is not designed to be used on an indoor gas burner, you can get around that by positioning a low grease bowl on the gas burner’s outside.
More features: comes with a handle; supports of gas cooking stoves
The fact that a product isn’t popular doesn’t mean it doesn’t perform well, and a perfect example is the IWANTI CB-P-Y3 BBQ Plate. Featuring a cooking area that allows you to cook your food conveniently for up to three people, this model has become a favorite for a lot of small families. Just like the best models we have reviewed, this model also has slots and grooves to help channel any fat or grease from the meat away, which aids easy cleaning, guarantees longevity, and prevents flare-ups from occurring.
Besides, this unit also has a non-stick surface, which is another cleaning-aiding factor that’s sure to prolong the life of your unit. If you are worried about the grill triggering the fire alarm of your house, then you need to stop worrying. This product is a smokeless model, which means the smoke detectors at your house aren’t likely to go off. In order to enhance transportability and to allow you to handle the appliance properly, it comes with a cool touch handle, and the included pick allows you to lift the plate out and off easily.
However, a lot of users have complained about how the unit easily scratches and how the nonstick surface loses its color after only a couple of uses, which might be an indication of the unit being made of low-quality materials. Also, the temperature is not hot enough, which makes the outer layers to cook slow.
More features: comes with removable thermostat control and a glass lid
A low price point doesn’t mean low quality, and the Elite Platinum EGL-6501 XL Indoor Electric Grill perfectly demonstrates why. Despite being budget-friendly, this indoor grill is capable of rivaling its more expensive counterparts in terms of performance. Offering a 14-inch cooking space on which you can cook vegetables, prepare ribs, and sear steaks, this model is an excellent pick for anyone looking for a Korean BBQ grill that actually performs well. Since it’s equipped with removable 1400-watt thermostat control that has five settings, you can also adjust the heat, which makes this product a versatile beast.
Impressively, this indoor grill has a circular heating element that guarantees even and quick cooking at all times. The cooking area has a nonstick coating, which subsequently means you won’t likely be spending hours to scrub stuck food each time a grilling dinner is hosted at your house. Moreover, you can easily detach every electric part which helps save lots of time and makes cleaning easier. Apart from that, there is also a removable drip pan and a dome lid that prevents grease and oil splashes, allowing this model to be a winner as far as mess-free grilling and effortless maintenance is concerned.
Despite being affordable, this unit from Elite is an incredible cooking appliance with a large cooking area, adjustable heat settings detachable electric parts for effortless cleaning and maintenance. While it has a very short cord and an unstable lid, those shouldn’t be enough reasons for anyone to miss out on such a great product that delivers more value than what is actually paid for.
More features: steel, powder-coated body; piezoelectric ignition system; pressure-sensitive safety equipment
If you are in the market for a great all-in-one Korean grill for your future dinner plans, the IWATANI YAKIMARU CB-SLG-1 might just be what you are looking for. Unlike many BBQ grills, this one also features its own butane gas-powered heat source that enables you to easily heat and eat. All you need to do is add your favorite marinade or water to the aluminum pan at the bottom, put a butane canister, put the grill top on the appliance, and start cooking. Furthermore, the top of the grill is crusted with a non-stick material that enables the meat to cook thoroughly and also for the meat to drip for a healthier meal.
The unit also has an aluminum base that apart from serving as a grease catch, also doubles as a water holder. Generally, the burner has a continuous burning time of around 217 minutes, which allows you to have enough time to socialize with your friends over BBQ. With that much power and heat, you are likely feeling some concerns as regards safety. However, you don’t need to worry as the grill is equipped with inbuilt safety measures. The grill automatically shuts off when it detects an excessive amount of pressure.
This grill is produced in Japan, with the brand name backing the high-quality construction of the unit. With its portable and light design, easy to use nature, and durable construction, this definitely is an excellent addition to any kitchen. However, it is a smokeless unit, so you may have to look further if a smokeless grill is what you’re looking for.
More features: dishwasher safe drip tray; cool-touch handles and base
Zojirushi is probably not a name you hear often, but inventions like the Zojirushi EB-CC15 will probably change that in a couple of years. With a special design that is perfect for cooking vegetables and meats, this indoor grill is your go-to guy if you love the Korean-style BBQ. It features a heat control that offers you the options to turn the heat up or down, and the appliance delivers superior heating capabilities that allow you heat to heat up nearly anything. The heating element has a power of 1,300 watts, which is sure to quickly heat the removable plates, with a temperature range of 176 degrees Fahrenheit to 410 degrees Fahrenheit.
The inbuilt drip pan is designed to store the extra fat and grease coming out from the meat being cooked, which will aid the cleaning process and make it faster and easier. The drip tray is also dishwasher safe, and the whole unit is simple to take apart. The unit also comes with touch handles designed not to absorb the heat being produced by the grill, so that you will be able to handle the grill without needing to wait for it to cool down. Also, the plastic bottom will remain cool when you are cooking so that the countertop won’t be damaged.
While Zojirushi is definitely not a household brand in the grill industry, the EB-CC15 is equipped with all the necessary features to make your indoor cooking simpler. It is also very durable as it’s made of heavy cast iron, thereby guaranteeing longevity. The grill also has a safety system that prevents it from working without the drip pan on it. Although the fact that it doesn’t have a lid may deter some buyers from going for it, we don’t think that’s enough reason to miss out on such an amazing device.
More features: comes with a draining pan; the non-stick coating does not contain PTFE or PFOA
Featuring a durable, wear-resistant cast aluminum non-stick grill, the WaxonWare Nonstick Grill is easily one of the most convenient appliances for cooking outdoor food indoor. This unit allows you to eat better-tasting and healthier food without having to invest much effort and time. This unit also reduces cholesterol and food in foods whilst sealing in juices when flavor when grilling steak, shrimp, chicken, fish, burgers, vegetables, kabobs, and a lot more. In terms of efficiency, there are only a few models more efficient than this model – it enables you to cook all kinds of vegetables, thawed food, and meat without needing butter or oil.
Furthermore, this product is produced using 100 percent PTFE and PFOA free coating that offers even and fast heating without sticking. Apart from making cooking easy, the non-stick surface makes cleaning easy as well. For easier cleaning, this unit is dishwasher safe, but we recommend you to hand-wash it. Unlike the majority of other models, the external grille design of this one has a built-in drip pan that captures excess grease and fat and thwarts flare-ups. For a cleaner grilling experience, simply add water to the pan to get rid of unpleasant grease and smoke.
The griddle is easy and safe to utilize on both gas-powered and electric stoves and also in an oven to complete your dish with that delicious and flavorful crust. In fact, this model is more than just an indoor stovetop grill as it can also be taken on your camping trips to grill delightful food over your propane burner. Like some other models on this list, this one is also not smokeless, so you may have to keep that in mind.
Korean BBQ grills are nothing like the traditional ones, which means some of your past knowledge about grills may become useless when shopping for one of these appliances. With that in mind, we have created this guide that aims to put you through the whole process, with numerous handy and enlightening tips.
In basic terms, the Korean BBQ basically means the Korean style of roasted meats. The meat could be beef, pork, lamb, or chicken. However, the most common thing is that the meal is prepared on some portable round BBQ grills, which we have come to refer to as Korean BBQ grills for home usage. Unlike Thai food or sushi, Korean BBQ hasn’t really reached the mainstream, but it’s gaining a lot of popularity in recent years.
Due to the increasing popularity of Korean BBQ, Korean BBQ grills are getting more and more popular as well. If you have ever been to Korea and have tried their BBQ, you would always want to try it even when you are outside of Korea. Apart from promoting togetherness, the Korean-style BBQ also offers a lot of varieties, which include Bulgogi, Galbi, and others.
These appliances are different from what you were used to, so you need to treat them differently. If you are in the market for the right Korean BBQ grill for your needs, below are some factors you must keep in mind.
Depending on the number of people you intend to be cooking for, the diameter of the plate is one of the first things you must consider when buying a Korean BBQ grill. Most of the models on our list range from 12 to 14 inches in diameter which should be sufficient for a regular family dinner.
In addition to the plate diameter, you also need to consider the material from which the unit is made. The material usually determines the pan’s durability, quality of your future meals, and ease of cleaning it. Besides, you also need to know exactly where you’ll be grilling as different materials deliver different outputs depending on whether it’s used outdoors or indoors.
In general, the grilling procedure is a quite messy process with juices usually dripping all over. As a result of this, you must buy a model that comes with a tray for collecting the juices. Apart from making the whole process less messy, a grease system also offers protection and prevents flare-ups that might occur.
The heat source is another important consideration for anyone looking to buy a Korean BBQ grill for their home. While some BBQ grills will come equipped with their own burner, some will need a portable stove in order to function effectively. The heat sources can either be gas or electric, so you just need to consider which one will offer you more convenience in the long run.
The non-stick coating is a new technology adopted by manufacturers of these grills to ensure that nothing sticks to the surfaces of the grills. Apart from aiding easy cleaning, the non-stick coating also ensures that the entire grilling process is less messy. Not only that, but it also guarantees longevity as the fact that nothing sticks means the surfaces won’t corrode anytime soon.
The power of a grill is normally quantified in BTUs, so the BTU is one element that is very important to keep in mind when buying any kind of grill, including a Korean BBQ grill. Also, you have to kind in mind that the larger the cooking area of a grill, the more BTUs will be required to heat it up effectively. Korean BBQ Grills are usually smaller than traditional models, so they may not need as high BTUs. With a total BTU of 11,500, the model with the highest heat output on our list is the TeChef Korean BBQ Grill Pan.
Furthermore, you also need to consider the burner’s heat range when buying a Korean grill. The heat range of the burner will determine which meals you’ll be able to cook on your grill as each dish has its recommended temperature level.
There are many sizes to choose from when it comes to size. However, the question that you need to ask yourself is if the model you are looking at will fit the space you have available in your kitchen or anywhere you intend to place it. The grill you are buying has to fit perfectly into your available space, so it’s also a big consideration. The IWATANI YAKIMARU CB-SLG-1 is the most compact on our list measuring just 12 x 11 x 5.9 inches.
If you intend to be moving your Korean BBQ grill around a lot, then the weight is something you definitely need to consider when doing your shopping. If you are an avid camper who intends to take the unit on your camping trips, it’s needless to tell you that every pound of weight counts when you are going camping, so you need a lightweight unit like the Zojirushi EB-CC15 in order to keep the weight of your bags as low as possible. If you don’t intend to carry your appliance around though, the weight might not be such a significant consideration for you.
Apart from the obvious features we have mentioned, there are still some extra characteristics you need to consider when buying a Korean BBQ grill. Warranty is probably the most important as buying anything nowadays without a warranty is like skydiving without a parachute. You also need to check if the product has convenience-aiding features like handles and lid, and some other accessories usually needed when using this kind of grills.
Like any other kitchen hardware, a Korean grill needs to be cleaned after every use. This will make sure its beautiful outlook is maintained and that its durability is enhanced.
Utilize warm water to wipe off the BBQ remnants that may be remaining on the grill’s surface. In order to avoid sticking, we recommend you to immediately clean it after it cools down. Also, we advise you never to scrub the surfaces since they are usually coated and scrubbing (especially with metal scrubs) is likely to damage the coating.
The most vital rule to remember is to clean your grill after each use. It will take only three minutes to clean it after the departure of your friends. The longevity, operation quality, and exterior look of your grill will depend on how well you maintain and take care of it.
Having reviewed each of our six selected products extensively, the winner from this round-up is the TeChef Korean BBQ Grill Pan by a wide margin. Made with heavy-duty aluminum, this product is obviously designed to serve you for many years to come. And featuring a BTU of 11,500, it throws enough punch to take care of whatever is put in front of it. This is our pick for the best Korean BBQ Grill for Home without any doubt.
The IWATANI CB-P-Y3 BBQ Plate is an incredibly easy and budget-friendly way to try Korean BBQ. Can be used with a gas cooking stove.
The ultra-lightweight Maxi-Matic EMG-980B is our third choice, and with its incredible power, excellent heat control, impressive temperature range, great safety mechanism, and totally effective heat control, no wise man would be betting against this lightweight Korean BBQ grill in any competition.
