Kinka Okunoto Konro & Hibachi Grill - 31cm (Small)
Kinka Okunoto Konro & Hibachi Grill - 31cm (Small)
The Kinka Okunoto is the benchmark konro in our range, hand-cut from a single block of Noto diatomite — one of the best natural insulators there is. Its 5cm walls hold the heat in, so binchotan burns hotter: the reason chefs say everything tastes better off a konro.
The 31cm suits two to six people: the fire chamber is about 22 x 14cm, room for five or six skewers at a time, and at 7.5kg it carries easily to a balcony table. A session takes about 600g of binchotan — 30–45 minutes to light, then three to four hours of steady heat; leftovers can be extinguished and reused.
Made in Japan, it is the grill used by professional chefs and on Australian cooking shows. Also available in a 54cm size, or as a starter set with mesh, binchotan and skewers.
Choose Your Set
This product is available in two options. Please select your choice from the dropdown menu.
Grill Only Option Includes:
- 1 x Kinka Okunoto Konro & Hibachi Grill - 31cm (Small)
- 1 x Reusable Grill Mesh (27 x 21cm)
Grill + Wooden Base Set Option Includes:
- 1 x Kinka Okunoto Konro & Hibachi Grill - 31cm (Small)
- 1 x Reusable Grill Mesh (27 x 21cm)
- 1 x Wooden Base Board for heat protection
Key Features
- Cut From One Block: No joins or moulded panels — solid diatomite from the Okunoto quarries.
- Heat Stays In: 5cm walls insulate the fire, so less charcoal does more work.
- Air Vent: Slide it open for searing heat, closed for slow grilling.
- Radiant Heat: Binchotan embers cook with infrared heat and no flame, so food browns without scorching.
- Hand-finished in Japan: Each grill is cut and finished by hand in Noto.
Which konro should I buy? The differences at a glance
| Kinka 31 | Kinka 54 | Mikawa 38 | Green Life | |
| Heat | Highest | Highest | High | Lower |
| Body | Solid diatomite | Solid diatomite | Moulded diatomite | Steel |
| Chamber (cm) | 22 x 14 | 43 x 15 | 2 x 13 x 13 | 25 x 11 |
| Divider | No | No | Yes | No |
| Skewers | 5–6 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| People | 2–6 | 4–8 | 4–6 | 4–6 |
| Charcoal | 600g | 1.2kg | 800g | 700g |
| Weight | 7.5kg | 11kg | 6.7kg | 4kg |
| Lifespan | 10+ yrs | 10+ yrs | Years | Won't crack |
| Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ |
Deciding between 31cm and 54cm? Read our sizing guide.
What binchotan and tools does the 31cm Kinka need?
The 31cm Kinka takes about 600g of binchotan a session — fill its fire chamber no more than two-thirds deep. A 2kg bag of Tosa binchotan is about three sessions, and leftovers can be extinguished and lit again. See the full binchotan range by region and cut.
Then, in the order you will use them:
- Wooden base board — sits under the grill to protect the table (included in the set option).
- Natural firelighters — six to eight cubes at the bottom of the chimney.
- Charcoal chimney — light the binchotan in it, away from the grill; allow 30–45 minutes.
- Chimney mesh — keep a separate mesh just for the chimney: lay it over the top to stop popping charcoal and sparks flying out. A 27 x 21cm mesh fits.
- Long charcoal tongs — move the glowing charcoal into the grill at arm's length; the wooden handles stay cool in the hand.
- Extinguishing pot — puts the fire out and saves the leftover charcoal; the 2-in-1 chimney doubles as one.
For the full method, with video, read How to Safely Light Binchotan Charcoal.
How is the 31cm Kinka shipped?
- Packed for a brittle block. Diatomite does not flex, so the box has to take the knock: the grill is double-boxed with thick padding. See how we pack your parcel.
- Insured in transit. If the box arrives damaged, photograph it before unpacking further and email us straight away — we replace it.
- Sent from Sydney within 1–2 business days by Australia Post; Express Post is available at checkout.
- Free shipping over $99 in NSW or $149 elsewhere in Australia — at 7.5kg this grill qualifies on its own. Rates and delivery times are in our shipping & delivery policy.
Important Notes
- Outdoor use only, in a well-ventilated space.
- Fine cracks are normal. Diatomite expands and contracts with heat, so hairline cracks appear within the first few uses and do not affect performance — see our guide to cracks and the lifecycle of a konro.
- No change-of-mind returns. Diatomite grills are delicate, so please choose carefully.
About Kinka
Kinka is a Noto maker of diatomite konro, cutting and finishing each grill by hand from solid blocks quarried in the Okunoto region. Its cut-from-block grills are the type Japanese restaurants use.
Specifications
| Brand | Kinka |
| Model | BQ8F |
| Set Includes | 1 x Konro Grill, 1 x Grill Mesh |
| Dimensions | Approx. 31 x 23 x 21 cm |
| Fire Chamber (L x W x D) | Approx. 22 x 14 x 11 cm |
| Wall Thickness | Approx. 5 cm |
| Charcoal per Session | Approx. 600 g |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 kg |
| Serving Size | Approx. 2–6 people |
| Material | Body: Diatomite Frame: Steel Mesh: Stainless Steel |
| Country of Origin | Grill: Made in Japan Mesh: Made in China |
