As a meat gourmet enthusiast, I enjoy barbecuing on different Korean BBQ grills because it's a great way to mix up my carnivore food menu and add versatility to my meals.
But to meet all my barbecuing needs, I had to dig further on the BBQ grills available on the market to identify the best ones available without compromising the quality of my dishes.
In this article, I'll share and review the best six Korean BBQ grills I've tried or tested before giving you my top pick grill that you can buy for your next Korean cooking session.
Let's get started.
The Best Korean BBQ Grills
- Best Overall Korean BBQ Grill: Iwatani Smokeless Korean Barbecue Grill
- Cheapest Korean Barbecue Grill: BBQ Plate Iwatani Cb-p-y3
- Best Korean BBQ Grill With Tempered Glass Lid: Elite Gourmet EMG-980B
- Best Lightweight Korean BBQ Grill: Presto 09020 Cool Touch Indoor Electric Grill
- Best Korean Barbecue Grill for Beginners: Iwatani Smokeless Korean Barbecue Grill
6 Best Korean BBQ Grills
1 - Iwatani Smokeless Korean Barbecue Grill (Best Overall & for Beginners)
- It is smokeless
- Even heating element
- Easy to assemble, clean, and disassemble
- Easy to lift and carry
- Quite small
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for indoor grilling enthusiasts.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for large outdoor parties.
Final Verdict
Great for small, smoke-free indoor grilling sessions. Not powerful enough for heavy-duty outdoor grilling needs.
The Iwatani smokeless, a low-cost electric grill, is one of the most sought-after appliances in the KBBQ grill market. This sleek black grill is composed of alloy steel or aluminum construction.
With dimensions of 11.93 x 10.94 x 5.87 inches, this grill is quite compact and moderate for a family of 2 to 4 people.
This Korean BBQ burner is smokeless, which is a major bonus for my indoor Korean cooking. During cooking, it dumps extra fat from the meat into the water dish without any smoke or flare-ups.
The grill is composed of powder-coated steel with an aluminum die-cast bottom. Plus, the 14-inch cooking plate is fluorinated, so no foods can stick to the surface, making cleanup easier.
Also, if you're short on time, the temperature of the grilling surface heats up in less than 3 minutes due to the open fire, and the meat turns out crispy and tasty in a couple of minutes.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 14 square inches
- Dimensions : 11.93 x 10.94 x 5.87 inches
- Max temperature : 450 degrees
- Material : Aluminum, Alloy steel
2 - Elite Gourmet EMG-980B Electric Tabletop Grill Non-stick (Best With Tempered Glass Lid)
- Removable grilling plate
- Temperature regulation feature
- Tempered glass lid
- Not smokeless
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Perfect for small apartment dwellers.
Who is it not for?
- Not ideal for large families.
Final Verdict
Convenient for indoor use with easy cleaning. Limited grilling space makes it less suitable for bigger gatherings.
This indoor grill is circular and features a 14-inch cooking surface with extremely noticeable grill ridges. We all know and adore grill marks, and these ridges provide a fantastic char.
Also, since the grill plate is separate from the device, cleaning is much simpler.
Given that most indoor grills in this price range scrimp on temperature changes, the Elite Gourmet EMG 980B indoor grill has five distinct temperature settings, which is fantastic.
I love the stunning tempered glass cover, vented to regulate pressure. Its stainless steel side minimizes hot oil splatters by neatly fitting inside the grill's perimeter. The cover is also excellent for steaming food, which speeds up cooking.
This best Korean BBQ grill includes cool-touch safety handles and a base that guards against potential burns when holding the sides.
The Elite Gourmet EMG 980B grill has a non-stick cooking surface, so cleaning up oil and leftovers should be a breeze.
However, it's a bummer that occasionally, this grill smoked a lot, especially when I seared meat or foods high in moisture, like tomatoes or zucchini. Ensure you place it in a well-ventilated area or near a window.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 14 square inches
- Dimensions : 17.2 x 17 x 4.1 inches
- Max temperature : 445 degrees
- Material : Aluminum
3 - TECHEF - Stovetop Korean BBQ Grill Pan
- Teflon non-stick coating
- It's portable
- Great heat distribution
- Grease cup not included
The design, superior functionality, portability, and premium materials pushed this smokeless grill from TeChef to third place on my list.
This stovetop Korean grill pan is made of high-quality materials, has a non-stick surface that makes cleaning more straightforward, and has a unique design that increases versatility.
It's the perfect grill for Korean cooking because it has a lot of cooking power to sear the meat strips well.
Aluminum is used in numerous layers to create the TeChef grill pan. The correct dispersion of heat is made possible by the thick aluminum finish.
It's a good thing that the cooking surface does not include any lead or cadmium ingredients which are toxic and can be carcinogenic [1]. And again, it features a Teflon coating that makes it non-stick.
You have roughly 12 inches of cooking space that tapers off into a groove that is a component of the grease drainage system.
The pan is made to handle extreme temperatures. Because it is aluminum, you may anticipate ideal heat dispersion.
Even though it's a tabletop, it sadly doesn't fit the standard stovetop because the drainage is too low, and whatever collection tool I placed underneath would have been burned by the flame's intensity.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 14 square inches
- Dimensions : 14 x 6 x 14 inches
- Max temperature : 450 degrees
- Material : Aluminum
4 - Zojirushi EB-CC15
- Large non-stick surface
- Cool touch handles
- Has a base for easy transporting
- The cooking grate is not dishwasher safe
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Best for small spaces and easy storage.
Who is it not for?
- Not suited for those needing large cooking surfaces.
Final Verdict
Compact and easy to clean, perfect for limited spaces. Cooking surface might be too small for larger meals.
The Zojirushi EB-CC15 indoor electric grill has a total grilling area of roughly 115 square inches, plenty for an average household to cook on.
The temperature controller regulates a 1300-watt heating element integrated into the grill plate for uniform heating up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a safety precaution, I recommend plugging in the controller after you've installed the drip pan.
Drippings are conveniently collected in the drip pan thanks to its Korean BBQ grill plate slots. The handles on the grill component make removal simple.
The non-stick surface makes hand cleaning very simple, even if the grill top cannot be submerged in water. Ensure not to use harsh cleaning agents that might harm the non-stick coating.
Preheating takes around 6 minutes, and to ensure that the heat is delivered to the grill surface, I recommend letting the appliance cycle on and off several times.
This best Korean BBQ grill is quite strong and nicely constructed. Because of the materials employed, especially the plastic foundation, it is lightweight.
The most often cited disadvantage of this Zojirushi EB-CC15 is the lack of a cover. I had to find a pan made of aluminum and use it to cover the grill while cooking meat. This shortens the grilling time and slightly moistens the meat.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 115 square inches
- Dimensions : 20.75 x 14 x 6.1 inches
- Max temperature : 410 degrees
- Material : Plastic, Aluminum
5 - Presto 09020 Cool Touch Indoor Electric Grill (Best Lightweight)
- Raised grid grilling surface
- Has a control heat master
- It is lightweight
- Difficult to clean
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Best for budget-conscious buyers.
Who is it not for?
- Not for those needing high heat output.
Final Verdict
Affordable and easy to use for indoor grilling. Limited heat settings may not satisfy all grilling preferences.
The Presto Indoor Korean BBQ grill is undoubtedly one of the most flexible and easy-to-clean Korean grills available.
With up to six adjustment levels, the Presto Cool Touch's 1,300 watts of power typically equate to a maximum cooking temperature of roughly 400°F.
Although this electric Korean BBQ grill can take everything you throw at it, the ultimate cooking temperature is a tad on the low side despite the six adjustment settings.
This Presto Korean grill couldn't be much simpler to operate thanks to the control master heat knob. You need to turn on the heat and plug it in.
Because it slips out, the slide-out drip tray is simple to clean, and the non-stick surface is dishwasher and completely immersible. Please make sure the heat control is off before putting it in the dishwasher, though.
The main drawback of this indoor grill is that grease tends to pool in a tiny gap between the grill and legs, making cleanup very cumbersome.
Because it is just too thin to clean well, I found it incredibly challenging to scrub through it.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 70 square inches
- Dimensions : 19.75 x 3.38 x 13.06 inches
- Max temperature : 400 degrees
- Material : Aluminum
6 - BBQ Plate Iwatani Cb-p-y3 (Cheapest Option)
- All the fat drips down
- Excellent construction quality
- Grilling plates lift off easily
- The non-stick surface loses color after a few grilling rounds
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for stovetop grilling fans.
Who is it not for?
- Not for outdoor BBQ enthusiasts.
Final Verdict
Compact and easy to use on a stovetop, providing a grilling option without a standalone grill. Not suitable for outdoor use.
Iwatani Cb-p-y3 has a distinctive design and a swirling pattern on the full grilling plate. It features a large-sized platter to cook dinner for roughly five people.
A bottom spherical burner plate is included with the IWATANI BBQ grill pan. This platter is filled with water, which accomplishes two tasks: it facilitates cleanup and helps to transmit heat evenly to the grill pan.
The stovetop pan is sold separately; however, you may use it on any heat source– a portable burner, butane burner, or a kitchen stovetop.
When serving Korean BBQ to my friends, I like to use a portable electric hotplate at the center of the dinner table.
Die-cast aluminum and fluorine processing are both used to make the plate. Therefore, it is robust and durable, considering that the saucer is also fashioned of steel and chaffing material.
As one of the smallest Korean BBQ grills, it weighs roughly 2.16 pounds, so you can comfortably lift and carry it with you.
My only complaint with this Korean grill is that regardless of how high the grilling heat is, the outer layers of the meat cook pretty slowly because the temperature isn't as hot.
Quick Facts:
- Total cooking space : 120 square inches
- Dimensions : 13.6 x 13.5 x 2.2 inches
- Max temperature : 450 degrees
- Material : Aluminum
Buyer's Guide for the Best Korean BBQ Grill
Here are detailed buyer's guide criteria to help you understand more about Korean BBQ grills so that you can make an informed decision when buying one.
1. Grill Size
Size, like with most grills, might be crucial when buying a Korean BBQ grill.
Most electric Korean grills are tiny, so don't expect a lot of cooking area from them. If you plan on doing a lot of cooking, be ready to devote hours prepping ingredients into batches so that you can cook the Korean BBQ in waves.
Many large Korean BBQ grills can offer anywhere between 10 to 14-inch cooking space, ideal for modest family size.
Read More: Best Small Grills
2. Construction Material
Most Korean BBQ grills are constructed of aluminum, steel, ceramic, and Teflon.
The material used to make it can significantly impact the grill's longevity. This is why I recommend going for grills made with the above-stated solid and durable materials.
A non-stick heating surface is also essential to consider. Thankfully, nearly all Korean BBQ grill manufacturers put a non-stick finish on their sizzling pans.
This is great as it guarantees that your grill's cooking surface does not emit toxins when exposed to high heat thresholds.
Also, check the cooktop material of your grill, as this can significantly influence the cooking performance. If you want something that's inexpensive and lightweight, and easy to clean, go for a cooktop made of aluminum or alloy.
Also Read: Best Stainless Steel Grills
3. Heat/Power Source
When purchasing a Korean BBQ grill, the heat source is another crucial factor to consider. In the Korean BBQ grill sector, you can buy a standalone pan or go for a whole barbecue grill set.
If you buy a Korean BBQ grill pan, you'll need a separate source of heat, either gas or electricity. But if you invest in a full Korean Barbecue set, the available heat options are electric, charcoal, or gas.
Whichever one you choose, think about the availability of a heat source as well as the benefits of each. For instance, you might select an electric grill for Korean BBQ over a charcoal type if you reside in a small apartment complex.
Also, if you go with an outdoor Korean BBQ grill powered by charcoal, you'll have to heat and fan the charcoal for a few minutes before grilling – this procedure wastes a lot of cooking time.
On the other hand, a stovetop type may be powered by your gas burner and starts cooking immediately.
The same holds for models that run on electricity, albeit it is essential to note that the heating components in most electric Korean BBQ grills may not adequately heat through thick meat cuts.
4. Temperature Range and Heat Control
It is critical to consider the grill's power needs, as greater power ratings frequently result in faster cooking periods. Additionally, seek energy-saving badges on any electric Korean grill, as devices with these settings can help you save money on your electric bill.
Take note of the temperature needs of the best Korean barbecue grill you want to buy in terms of heat controls. This is due mainly to the fact that various top Korean BBQ grills demand specific temperatures.
As a result, if your Korean BBQ grill does not have a broad temperature range, you may be unable to yield the perfect KBBQ.
5. Grease Management
When grilling, there's a lot of drippings and grease from the food. Fortunately, most Korean BBQ grills include grease trays that capture grease when it drips through a designated grease hole.
Since grease pans are frequently dishwasher safe, having grease drainage makes cleaning the grill much simpler. Additionally, the amount of smoke produced during grilling is decreased as the fat drops into the hole.
If you do not have a dishwasher, soak the grill in water with dishwashing detergent. Never clean the pan with a scrubby brush or steel wool to remove tenacious fat and food debris. The scratchy action of these cleaning chemicals will damage and peel the grill's Teflon layer.
However, you shouldn't let the lack of a greasing system put you in a bind; if you can buy a cheaper Korean BBQ grill and devise your own grease collection technique, you’ll be just fine.
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FAQs
Are Korean Barbecue Grills Safe for Use in an Apartment?
Yes, Korean barbecue grills are safe for use in an apartment. But ensure your kitchen area is well-ventilated before you start grilling.
Which Grills are Popularly Used for Korean BBQ?
Charcoal and gas grills are popularly used for Korean BBQ. Most of these best Korean BBQ grills are built into the dinner table, and guests can grill their meat right there.
Can I Use a Regular Grill for Korean BBQ?
No, you cannot use a regular grill for Korean BBQ. Regular grills have wide grill plates that are far apart, so the tiny Korean BBQ meat strips will fall through the spaces.
What Is The Best Korean BBQ Grill for You?
The right Korean BBQ grill should be portable so you can cook wherever you are, big enough to grill a range of foods, and simple and clear-cut to operate.
With these factors in mind, Iwatani Smokeless Korean BBQ Grill is my top pick if you want to spend a few dollars on a premium indoor Korean BBQ grill.
With the Iwatani smokeless Korean BBQ, you have a full cooking system without needing a stove or gas grill, thanks to its compatibility with butane canisters.
Iwatani Smokeless Korean Barbecue Grill (Best Overall & for Beginners)
Our #1 Recommendation
- It is smokeless
- Even heating element
- Easy to assemble, clean, and disassemble
- Easy to lift and carry
