Cast Iron Hibachi

[lutzzz]

I think Amazon.com has a wire-tap on my mouse or something.. they always know when I'm about to sign onto their site.. and come up with something I just can't refuse.

I'm a rabid "griller" (lump charcoal in various Weber grills) and have their 22" kettle and WSM and the little "Smokey Joe", which is an excellent little grill. (I don't do "gas" grills anymore). But years ago I had a really neat cast iron Hibachi that I loved to use for "a" steak or whatever.. one or two people. You could get that cast iron grill REALLY hot and put a nice sear on a steak... That was in the days when a Hibachi wasn't stamped out of tin and sold in Walmart for $9.99. And I've always wanted another one.

The only cast iron Hibachis of any quality I could find were made by Lodge and they cost about $100. I didn't want one THAT bad, so I passed. Then the prices came down to $69 or so, but the Lodge Sportsman Grill weighs about 30+ lbs and shipping costs were terrible.

Anyway, Amazon had one of those 12 hour sales the other day and offered a Lodge Sportsman 404 Grill for $42.00! and it had FREE SHIPPING.. so I gobbled it up before it disappeared.. And I just got it... and WOW, let me tell ya, it's a very well made bunch of cast iron.. heavy yes, but seems to have the same quality they use in their cast iron pots & pans. If I don't let it rust out, my grandson will be using it too.

Only two height adjustments (2" or flat), which is kinda a pain, but there is a neat sliding air control on the firebox to let you regulate the airflow which should work okay.

I'll take it for a test drive this weekend and if anyone is interested, I'll report my observations. I didn't know where to post this.. it's not really "cookware and accessories" .. maybe the miscellaneous section?.. but too late now.

[-DEADLY SUSHI-]

It would be great if you could tell us what your opinion is Lutzz. I know it would be helpful to ME. :)

[marmalady]

We have that grill, and it's great, as you said, for 'just a steak or two'! You do have to be careful about it rusting, tho - I seasoned the grid just as you would a cast iron skillet - the fire base I wasn't as worried about.

[MJ]

Did it look like this? Please report your results! Very interesting. I want one!

[lutzzz]

Yeah, that's it, MJ...

They have them "pre-seasoned" now... not sure if mine is or not. I partially pulled it out of the box to be sure nothing was broken (an elephant could step on this grill and not break it).. I'll assemble it later.

For sure, enemy #1 is RUST.. need to figure out a cover cause it does rain occasionally here in Seattle :)

[lutzzz]

Marmalady.. does the base get REAL hot? I have a kinda junky wooden table I'm thinking about putting it on, but don't want to burn up the deck...

Probably should get some bricks or something to set it on...

[marmalady]

Yes, do get some bricks - or an old, heavy cookie sheet I think is what we used to use. Have fun!

Oh, and this is a great party idea - have aps ready to be cooked - like shrimp on skewers, or teriyaki chicken or beef - whatever, and let your guests gather around the little grill and cook their own! Be sure to provide lots of tongs and pot holders, tho!

[lutzzz]

MJ... if you want one, I recommend keeping an eye on Amazon.. 'cause they seem to have free shipping with most Lodge stuff..

I just checked my Amazon invoice and the shipping to me here in Seattle would have been $23.87.. but they credit you back when you use their free shipping option.

[MJ]

Originally Posted by lutzzz

MJ... if you want one, I recommend keeping an eye on Amazon.. 'cause they seem to have free shipping with most Lodge stuff..

I just checked my Amazon invoice and the shipping to me here in Seattle would have been $23.87.. but they credit you back when you use their free shipping option.

Thanks lutzzz. I'll keep an eye on Amazon. Free shipping would be great. I think you got one heck of a good deal.

[-DEADLY SUSHI-]

MJ...... please remove your hamburger avatar.... its always making me hungry!! :oops: That burger looks perfect!!