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Celebrating 10 Years of Exceptional Quality in Japanese Cookware & Tableware
Celebrating 10 Years of Exceptional Quality in Japanese Cookware & Tableware

Comprehensive Japanese Konro Grill / Hibachi Grill User Guide

Make sure to refer to the instructions for the right product. Charcoal is a natural product that demands careful handling both during use and storage. It is especially crucial to be cautious while lighting it, as sparks may fly.

Keep out of reach of children. Use only outdoors.

Identify your Konro grill model and select the appropriate guide:

  1. Okunoto Konro / Hibachi grill
  2. Donabe Konro / Hibachi grill
  3. Stainless Steel Konro / Hibachi grill
  4. Mikawa Konro / Hibachi grill

Enhance your understanding with these articles:

Customers may request a printed copy of the user guide. You can reach us by email at hello@mycookwre.com.au.


How to use an Okunoto konro grill / hibachi grill

1. How to use an Okunoto konro grill / hibachi grill

The konro grills are unique because they use diatom mud from Noto Peninsula combined with traditional techniques from Okunoto. This grill is perfect with binchotan, a Japanese white charcoal. The core temperature can reach up to 1200 degrees. The high and consistent heat will make your barbeque experience exceptional.

It is entirely normal for minor cracks to appear on your konro grill's surface. These can develop after 1-5 uses, occasionally even after the first use, due to the natural expansion and contraction of the diatom mud from the heat. This is not a sign of misuse or defect. Instead, it is a predictable aspect of the grill's response to heat.

After many years of service, if the grill develops cracks that compromise its functionality, it is an indication that the grill has reached the end of its usable life and it is time to invest in a replacement.

Use and care
  • The grill is designed for outdoor use only.
  • Charcoal should cover the bottom of the grill in one layer. It is okay to add a second layer of charcoal to the grill, but do not overfill the grill to prevent overheating.
  • Humidity and water will damage the grill and cause it to crack. If your grill has a crack, you can still use it, but it is best to avoid it in the first place. Store indoors in a dry place.
  • Place the grill on top of a wooden base (which is available for purchase in a set), and then place both items on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • The bottom of the konro gets extremely hot when cooking. Do not use the konro on top of flammable materials such as a carpet, tarp, or mat. Make sure the surface is heat resistant.
  • Even if you place the grill on top of a wooden base, the surface still has to be heat resistant. The heat can leave marks on the surface.
  • When the grill is in use, do not move it.
  • Konro and lit charcoal should not be left unattended.
  • Be careful not to drop the konro.
  • Do not use water to extinguish hot charcoal.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
Lighting the binchotan
  • Charcoal can be lit outside of the konro using our charcoal chimney.
  • Place a grill mesh on the konro grill and then position the chimney on top of the mesh. Ensure the chimney is placed stably and the konro grill is on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • The chimney can also be placed on heat-resistant surfaces like concrete or bricks, as it may leave marks.
  • Arrange the binchotan vertically in the chimney.
  • Place starter cubes (we recommend a natural product like Samba natural wooded firelighters) at the bottom of the charcoal chimney. Use about six pieces.
  • Light the starter cubes.
  • After 15 minutes, replace the starter cubes. After another 15 minutes, turn the charcoal upside down. Replace the starter cubes again if necessary.
  • The total process takes about 45 minutes. Complete the entire process outdoors.
  • Place a grill mesh on top of the chimney to prevent sparks and popping pieces.
  • Use our starter pan only for a small quantity of charcoal. Place it on a full-size outdoor gas top (not a small portable one) or a gas barbecue. Heat for 15 minutes, then turn the charcoal upside down for another 15 minutes. Maintain a safe distance when lighting, as you cannot place a mesh on top of a starter pan.
  • Binchotan comes in various sizes. Break larger pieces as needed.
  • Customer feedback suggests that using an electric charcoal starter or placing the chimney on a gas barbecue (not a portable gas stove) ignites binchotan.
  • Click here for a comprehensive guide on lighting binchotan
Safely handle binchotan
  • Binchotan is water-absorbent. If the climate or place of storage is humid, be cautious of pop-up pieces.
  • Exercise extra caution when lighting charcoal. Keep a distance and handle charcoal carefully.
  • The entire process must be done outdoors.
  • Keep charcoal out of children's reach and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup.
  • If you hear cracking sounds, you need to dry out the charcoal.
  • If the charcoal becomes humid, it can be dried in the sun.
Regulating the fire in a konro grill
  • By sliding the air window open or shut, you can modify the intensity of the fire. Open the window to increase the airflow and burn the coals hotter, especially at the beginning.
  • The konro will get hot while in use. Wear protective gloves or oven mitts and exercise extreme caution when handling.
When you are finished
  • Be sure not to pour water into the grill. If the konro grill accidentally gets wet, make sure it is completely dry before storing or next using.
  • When you are done using the grill, wait until the coals are completely burned out before discarding.
  • Users may also place the binchotan white charcoal into a Japanese charcoal extinguishing pot. This is a great pot to allow us to reuse binchotan, and it is also very convenient when konro grills disallow the use of water.
    • Simply place the binchotan white charcoal into the pot and cover it with a lid.
    • The charcoal will extinguish because of the lack of oxygen.
    • The 2-in-1 chimney starter and extinguisher works in the same way.
  • Do not pour water in the konro grill / hibachi grill.
  • After the grill has cooled, wipe it with a moist cloth or paper towel.
  • Assure the grill has cooled completely before storing.

How to use a donabe konro grill / hibachi grill

2. How to use a donabe konro grill / hibachi grill?

Donabe grills are handy and quality konro grills. Using the trivet for a period of time will eventually cause it to crack. Replacement trivets are available. Replace it once it cracks.

In the Japanese manual, the user is instructed to place the charcoal on the trivet and set it on the stove to light it. This is not allowed in Australia. We recommend using a charcoal chimney. The process must be carried out outdoors.

Use and Care
  • Use the grill outdoors in well-ventilated areas to avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Place the grill on top of the wooden base, and then place both items on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • The bottom of the konro gets hot when cooking. Do not use the konro on top of flammable materials such as a carpet, tarp, or mat. Make sure the surface is heat resistant.
  • Even if you place the grill on top of the wooden base, the surface still has to be heat resistant.
  • The grill may leave marks on the surface.
  • Be careful of heat. Always use tongs and oven mitts.
  • When the grill is in use, do not move it.
  • Konro and lit charcoal should not be left unattended.
  • Do not use water to extinguish hot charcoal.
  • Be careful not to drop the konro.
Step by step

The product includes:

  • a wooden base;
  • the donabe main body;
  • a diatom mud trivet, and;
  • a round mesh.

Steps

  • Place the main body on the wooden base.
  • Add some water (about 2cm deep) to the main body.
  • Place the trivet on top.
  • Then, see the sections above on 'Lighting the Binchotan' and 'Safely Handling Binchotan'. The Japanese manual may instruct customers to place pieces of binchotan on a stove top and light the charcoal together with the trivet. It is not allowed in Australia, especially indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • When the charcoal burns, place the charcoal on top of the trevit and then cover the donabe with the round metal mesh.
When you are finished
  • When you are done using the grill, wait until the coals are completely burned out before discarding.
  • Users may also place the binchotan white charcoal into a Japanese charcoal extinguishing pot. This is a great pot to allow us to reuse binchotan.
    • Simply place the binchotan charcoal into the pot and cover it with a lid.
    • The charcoal will extinguish because of the lack of oxygen.
    • The 2-in-1 chimney starter and extinguisher works in the same way.
  • You may use water to clean the diatom mud body after it has cooled down.
  • Do NOT use water to clean the trivet, as it is made of diatom mud and will break after absorbing water. The trivet may get dirty, but this is normal. Instead, clean it with a brush after it cools down.
  • Do not store outdoors. Water or water absorption will damage the structure of diatom mud. You may replace the trivet every 1 to 2 years, depending on how frequently you use it.
  • Since diatom mud trivets are breakable, cracks are normal. As long as the trivet does not break apart, customers may continue to use it until you decide that you need to change it.
  • Assure the grill has cooled completely before storing.

How to use a stainless steel konro grill / hibachi grill

3. How to use a stainless steel konro grill / hibachi grill?

Stainless steel is a poor heat conductor, but the grill will be heated with charcoal. Please use the product with care.

Use and care
  • Use the grill outdoors in well-ventilated areas to avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Place the grill on top of a wooden base (which is available for purchase in a set), and then place both items on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • The bottom of the grill gets hot when cooking. Do not use the grill on top of flammable materials such as a carpet, tarp, or mat. Make sure the surface is heat resistant.
  • Even if you place the grill on top of a wooden base, the surface still has to be heat resistant.
  • The grill may leave marks on the surface.
  • Be careful of heat. Always use tongs and oven mitts.
  • When the grill is in use, do not move it.
  • Konro and lit charcoal should not be left unattended.
  • Be careful not to drop the konro.
  • Do not use water to extinguish hot charcoal.
Installation and Use
  • There are four handles: two for the main body and two for the charcoal cage. Install the handles on both sides of each piece.
  • Place the metal plate inside the grill.
  • Place charcoal in the cage. Light the charcoal. Regarding lighting a binchotan, please see the following section Lighting The Binchotan.
  • Then place the cage in the grill on top of the metal plate.
  • Place the grill net on top and enjoy the BBQ

Then, see the sections above on 'Lighting the Binchotan' and 'Safely Handling Binchotan'.

When you are finished
  • When you are done using the grill, wait until the coals are completely burned out before discarding.
  • Users may also place the binchotan white charcoal into a Japanese charcoal extinguishing pot. This is a great pot to allow us to reuse binchotan.
    • Simply place the binchotan charcoal into the pot and cover it with a lid.
    • The charcoal will extinguish because of the lack of oxygen.
    • The 2-in-1 chimney starter and extinguisher works in the same way.
  • All items can be washed after cooling down.
  • Dry each piece completely after washing.
  • Do not leave the grill or any parts of the grill outside.

How to use a Mikawa Kamejima konro grill / hibachi gril

4. How to use a Mikawa Kamejima konro grill / hibachi grill?

A grill of this size may require 0.5kg of binchotan Japanese charcoal per barbeque. You can expect to see some cosmetic imperfections such as chips inside the grill, but this will not affect how the grill functions.

Use and care
  • The grill is designed for outdoor use only.
  • Charcoal should cover the bottom of the grill in one layer. It is okay to add a second layer of charcoal to the grill, but do not overfill the grill to prevent overheating.
  • Humidity and water will damage the grill and cause it to crack. If your grill has a crack, you can still use it, but it is best to avoid it in the first place. Store indoors in a dry place.
  • Place the grill on top of a wooden base (which is available for purchase in a set), and then place both items on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • The bottom of the konro gets extremely hot when cooking. Do not use the konro on top of flammable materials such as a carpet, tarp, or mat. Make sure the surface is heat resistant.
  • Even if you place the grill on top of a wooden base, the surface still has to be heat resistant. The heat can leave marks on the surface.
  • When the grill is in use, do not move it.
  • Konro and lit charcoal should not be left unattended.
  • Be careful not to drop the konro.
  • Do not use water to extinguish hot charcoal.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
Installation and Use
  • For the rectangular model, there are two bricks with holes. Lay them flat in each square and then place charcoal on top.
  • There are no bricks on the round model. Instructions other than bricks still apply.
  • Under the bricks, there is a space connecting to the valve that lets you adjust the heat during use.
  • These products have general cosmetic imperfections in the diatom mud interiors.
  • The diatom mud will get dirty. This is normal. Do not wash with water.
  • Then, see the sections above on 'Lighting the Binchotan' and 'Safely Handling Binchotan'.
  • Place a grill net on top and enjoy your barbecue.
  • Beware of high heat during use. Strictly for outdoor use only.
When you are finished
  • Be sure not to pour water into the grill. If the konro grill accidentally gets wet, make sure it is completely dry before storing or next using.
  • When you are done using the grill, wait until the coals are completely burned out before discarding.
  • Users may also place the binchotan white charcoal into a Japanese charcoal extinguishing pot. This is a great pot to allow us to reuse binchotan, and it is also very convenient when konro grills disallow the use of water.
  • Simply place the binchotan white charcoal into the pot and cover it with a lid.
  • The charcoal will extinguish because of the lack of oxygen.
  • The 2-in-1 chimney starter and extinguisher works in the same way.
  • Do not pour water in the konro grill / hibachi grill.
  • After the grill has cooled, wipe it with a moist cloth or paper towel.
  • Assure the grill has cooled completely before storing.

About the Author

Authored by our specialist, Kai, in collaboration with Melbourne chef Roger Young, his collection of articles forms some of the most detailed guides about the hibachi grill, also known as the konro grill, available online. They offer an in-depth exploration of this traditional grilling equipment. To maintain their accuracy and relevance, we update these guides monthly, keeping pace with the ongoing advancements in the field of traditional grilling.

For any further enquiries, feel free to email us at hello@mycookware.com.au or use the chat box on this page. Our team is committed to a swift response.

See our hibachi grill / konro grill collection.

 

 

 

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