Best Korean BBQ Grill for Home in 2020

If you love Korean BBQ and want to try it out at home, then you’re in luck! Barbecuing is quite difficult if you live in an apartment complex as it can set off too much smoke which your neighbors or landlord may complain about. In fact, BBQ is often banned in such places.

Luckily for you, after extensive research, I have found the best Korean BBQ Grills for Home. All of these are small and easy to use. In addition, they feature a smokeless operation so you can enjoy your favorite food while your neighbors enjoy their peace. Read ahead and find out more!

Top 9 Best Korean BBQ Grill for Home 2020

Best Korean BBQ Grill Pans for Home

1. TeChef - Stovetop Pan Korean BBQ Grill (GP12)

TeChef is a popular Korean brand that offers you the finest cookware in the market. Their Korean BBQ Grill Pan is no different. I noticed it was quite perfect for cooking a low-fat diet. The pan can help you control the fat and carbs in your food as it includes a unique swirled design that helps drain oil from the food.

Also included is a dome-shaped bottom structure that further helps in draining grease. This tends to be perfect for greasy or fatty cuts of pork or beef. In addition, the unique design of the pan minimizes any splashes of oil so you won’t have to worry about getting burnt.
Furthermore, the Korean BBQ Grill includes a 5-layered non-stick surface using Teflon Select. As a result, no food sticks to the pan and cleaning it is easier as well.

The heavy aluminum construction grants it with durability and sturdiness so the pan will last you for years before giving in. Moreover, an additional coating of Teflon is added to allow for unique colors and designs without any harmful paints.

All in all, the TeChef produces one of the best Korean BBQ Grill for Home as it is portable and can be placed indoors as well as outdoors

2. Kitchen + Home Stove Top Smokeless Grill Indoor BBQ

The Kitchen + Home Stove Top is the perfect smokeless Korean grill for smaller apartments and homes. The best part is that it comes with a drip pan which helps catch all the oil and grease. However, that’s not all! The drip pan is multi-functional and most users noted that you can fill it with water to add moisture to the meat. You can also try filling the drip pan with a mixture of different sauces or spices to infuse flavor into the meat.

Also, the swirled design on the pan makes it easier to drain most of the oil and grease. Lesser oil also means lesser splattering. Since the grill is non-stick, you don’t have to worry about cleaning it as it is completely dishwasher safe.

Unlike some other grills in this list, this one is versatile and can be used with both electric and gas stoves. However, I do not recommend using it with a glass stove top. What I personally loved about the pan was that it heated up quite evenly without any hot spots.

At the same time, I noticed that it needed a bit of preheating. This may be due to the fact that it sits quite far from the burner. Overall, the Kitchen + Home Stove Top, with its unbeatable versatility and features is definitely a winner.

3. CookKing - Korean BBQ Pan Grill

If you’re looking for the best Korean BBQ grill for home, then the CookKing BBQ Grill might suit your fancy. It features a smokeless operation so you can use it even in the tightest of housing plans. This way you can enjoy your favorite Korean barbecue without worrying about irritating the neighbors.

The grill works best with all kinds of meats such as pork belly, steak, chicken and fishes. It features a cast aluminum construction which grants it durability and sturdiness. Despite the aluminum construction, it still tends to be a little heavy than traditional pans.

This may be due to the fact that it comes in the shape of a cauldron shaped lid where you cook all your meat and vegetable. This is a rather unique feature that is found on local Korean grills.

I also noticed that the center circle on the lid is perfect for grilling small vegetables such as garlic or baby tomatoes. The far draining system allows you to enjoy a traditional low-fat meal. In addition, the CookKing Grill Pan features a multi-layer non-stick coating that makes both cooking and cleaning easier.

What disappoints me the most is perhaps the lack of versatility as it can only be used with portable gas stoves and not the electric ones. However, when you consider the other features, this may not be a deal breaker.

4. CookKing - Master Korean BBQ Grill Pan

Another indoor grill pan from CookKing, this one features a unique yet traditional design with a large pan in the center and small sections at the exterior. Like the previous grill pan, this one is an indoor BBQ tabletop grill that only works with a portable gas stove. You cannot use it with any other type of stove.

It also features a nonstick titanium coating. The titanium and aluminum construction of the pan ensures that the pan lasts for a long time. On the other hand, the non-stick coating allows you to cook meat and vegetable without any oil or butter so you can enjoy a healthier meal.

I loved that you can use the center section to grill meat and larger sections while the smaller exterior sections can be used to grill smaller veggies or smaller pieces of meat. Consequently, it is easier to cook different foods in the same pan. The fat or grease draining system is located to one side of the pan. You can use a drip pan to collect the grease.

You can also use the drip pan for adding moisture or infusing unique flavors such as garlic. All in all, the CookKing Master Grill Pan is a unique take on the traditional Korean pan that will leave you satisfied and healthy at the same time.

Best Electric Korean BBQ Grill for Home

1. Zojirushi EBCC15 Indoor Korean BBQ Electric Grill

Using the Zojirushi, you’ll find that safety is their number one priority. Firstly, if you do not install the heating element correctly, the grill will not heat up. Secondly, it includes a cool-touch base and cool-touch handles so you don’t get burnt while handling it.

The best part is that you can disassemble it for cleaning. This way, you can clean the top while keeping the heating element safe from water. Even the drip pan is dishwasher safe. Unlike the conventional Teflon coating, the Zojirushi includes a ceramic non-coating which is safer and healthier as it doesn’t include chemicals. Also, it makes the grill highly resistant to high temperatures, granting it unbeatable durability.

In terms of cooking, it heats up pretty fast and evenly as compared to other electric grills. Also, you’ll note that the grill minimizes splatters as well as smoke, making it much more suitable for smaller kitchens.

To top it all off, the grill includes a thermostat through which you can alter the heat and temperature according to the meal you’re cooking. The long cord makes it easier to operate as well.

2. Philips Smoke-less Indoor BBQ Grill

The Philips Indoor Grill is an innovative Korean grill for indoor use. What I found unique about this grill is that it uses an advanced infrared technology that allows you to cook with 80% less smoke, making it a perfectly viable option for indoor cooking. The tech combined with special reflectors helps guide all the heat to the grid to add even heating throughout the pan.

As a result, you get perfectly grilled meat and veggies. Also, the drip tray underneath the grill remains cool so you won’t have to worry about any oil smoking in the drip pan. Although this grill does not include a variable heat controller, it still heats up quickly to a constant 446 degree F. This temperature is considered ideal for searing meat and vegetables by most expert chefs.

The best part for me is that it heats up in 6 minutes so you can cook faster. In addition, there is minimal side splattering as all the oil gets drained out. If you thought the Zojirushi was easy to clean, wait till you get your hands on this one. All parts can be disassembled and you can even put them in a dishwasher as they are dishwasher safe.

The bundle includes a ceramic scraper which makes it easier to clean the sides and the reflectors.

3. Delonghi BG24 Perfecto Indoor Grill

If you’re looking for a complete family grill, then look no further. The Delonghi BG24 comes with a large surface area which makes it ideal for cooking for 3-4 people. True to its claims, it tends to be smokeless so you don’t have to worry about the fire alarms going off.

It includes a ton of different features that make it more manageable such as a light weight, cool touch handles, and a drip tray. When it comes to cooking, the grill doesn’t disappoint with its completely even cooking. To add to the evenness, the glass lid helps to retain all the heat and moisture and helps in cooking food quicker.

What’s truly unique about the Delonghi is the detachable thermostat. The detachable feature keeps it safe during the cleaning process. I was disappointed that it didn’t include temperatures in Fahrenheit. Instead, it simply includes 5 levels.

Speaking of cleaning, the Delonghi grill is extremely easy to clean. You can easily disassemble it and put the drip pan and cooking surface in the dishwasher. Also, the grill includes a splatter shield at the edges that helps minimize any splatter.

4 Aroma Housewares ASP-137 3-in-1 Super Pot with Grill Plate

The Aroma Housewares presents to you a more versatile option. This 3-in-1 super pot can help you accomplish a number of tasks such as grilling, steaming, simmering and slow cooking. I noted how perfect it is for steaming or grilling veggies or any kind of meat your heart desires.

The grill is large and deep, measuring about 10 inches in width and 3 quarts in capacity. This allows you to cook food for the entire family in a single pot. The raised Korean style surface allows all the grease to dip out, ensuring a healthier meal.

Also included is a removable and adjustable temperature probe that allows you to set the temperature up to 450 degrees F. The cast aluminum construction ensures quick and even heating. Furthermore, the automatic shut off feature ensures the grill does not burn up if the temperature gets too high.

The cool touch exterior allows you to safely cook the meal without worrying about burning yourself. Also, the glass lid allows the pot to retain more heat. As if that wasn’t enough, the pot is completely dishwasher safe which makes cleaning easier.

Best Korean Charcoal Grill For Patio

1. Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman's Grill

The Lodge Cast Iron grill is the purest form of a Korean grill you’ll find in the market. Built with a cast iron construction, it provides quick and consistent heat to the meat to get the perfect golden-brown sear. While it does come pre-seasoned, you still need to season it time and again to remove rust. Thus, it requires delicate care and precaution from your side regarding storage.

Apart from that, it includes a small sliding vent at the bottom that allows you to adjust the heat a bit. Furthermore, a door at the front makes it easier to add more coal without disturbing the cooking process.

Weighing about 33 pounds, it is still a rather small grill. Mostly, you will be able to fit in two steaks at a time. However, it definitely produces a lot of smoke, which is why I recommend to use it outdoor, on the patio or a terrace.

The heavier weight has its advantages as well. As any pro chef knows, the heavier weight helps retain more heat so your grill will get heat up fast. All in all, with the proper care and safety considerations, it can be the perfect grill for outdoors.

What Is Korean Barbecue?

Korean Barbecue is a name given to different styles of Korean roasts. The meat involved in Korean Barbecue can range from chicken to beef and even pork. Most often, these barbecues use a charcoal grill or a portable table gas grill to roast the meat.

There are various Korean barbecue varieties, including:

However, you can use other forms of meat instead of meat for the above two methods.

Chadolbegi: This is quite like the Bulgogi. Instead of marinating the meat, you simply cut it into thin slices and grill it.

Samgyeopsal: This unique Korean BBQ involves a fat piece of unsalted pork belly.

Deungshim: Use boneless ribs and loins to cook this form of Korean BBQ.

Korean BBQ also uses various side dishes to add flavor to the intense BBQ flavor. These can include grilled vegetables or a simple sauce.

Related: How to Make Delicious Vegan Korean BBQ at Home

Types of Korean Barbecue Grills

There are various types of Korean Barbecue grills in the market. But, which one is the best Korean BBQ grill for home? Firstly, the temperature of the heat in your grill plays an important role in the taste of your Korean BBQ grill. If the pan is really hot, then only you will be able to achieve the crispy charred marks without the meat getting too dry.

There are basically 3 types of BBQ grills:

1. Stovetop Korean BBQ Grill Pan

These have the ability to attain really high temperatures as you can easily adjust the temperature on the stove. Also, most of them are smokeless and feature a non-stick coating. Since you can use it on a stove inside your house, they make for the best Korean BBQ grills for home.

2. Electric Korean BBQ Grill

Next, electric BBQ grills maintain their heating through a heating element. However, they do not get as hot as stovetop grills. Furthermore, they also use a lot of energy, causing large electric bills. Still, they are smokeless and perfect for indoor use.

3. Charcoal BBQ Grill

These grills can get quite hot however, there is a lot of preparation involved in heating them up. You have to get the charcoal fired up. In addition, they produce a lot of smoke, rendering them useless for indoor use. You can use them on a terrace or a patio.

How to Choose the Best Korean Barbecue Grill for Home?

Although I already established that the best Korean BBQ grills are the stove top ones, there are still other features that you need to consider. These are:

Heat Source

One of the main factors to look for while buying a Korean Barbecue grill is a heat source. The grill comes in three types, i.e. electric grill, a gas, or electric stove. Thus, consider that before deciding.

Size

Most grills are available in various different sizes, i.e. for indoor or outdoor parties, or other events. So, I recommend that you find a grill that is large enough to cook food for the entire family yet small enough that you can store it easily.

Grease System

Another significant factor to consider is the grease system as it enhances the efficiency. Most already have a draining system to keep your food low-fat. Choose one which allows maximum drainage.

Material

Mostly, premium aluminum, steel, and hard as nails iron are used to construct these grills. Each material has its own pros and cons. Some of these embrace a non-stick coating. Since you won’t use any oil while grilling, it is wise to go with the non-stick option that heats up evenly as well.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Your Korean BBQ Grill

After each use, you need to clean your grill. Otherwise, any remaining grease may stick permanently on the sides. Regular maintenance not only enhances the look of the grill but improves the durability as well.

I recommend that you use warm water to clean any barbecue or meat remaining on the grill. Do not delay the cleaning process. If your grill includes a non-stick coating, it is best not to scrub it.

For more information, watch this video

Conclusion

All in all, my choices for the best Korean BBQ Grills for home are bound to impress you and serve you well. However, if I had to choose one as the absolute best, I’d pick the TeChef Stovetop Korean BBQ Grill Pan. The large yet lightweight pan features a swirling design that drains oil better than other pans. That combined with the 5-layered Teflon coating and durable construction make for a show stopper grill!