Collection: Japanese BBQs

The shichirin is one of Japan's great contributions to charcoal cooking — compact, intensely hot, and built around the kind of precise, table-side grilling that turns eating into a shared event. Our Japanese BBQs collection features round and rectangular shichirin grills designed to bring the yakitori and yakiniku experience to your outdoor table, in both white and black finishes. Shop the collection and add a different dimension to the way you cook and eat outside.

GRLLR Tokyo Shichirin Round Table Barbecue

GRLLR Tokyo Shichirin Round Table Barbecue

Vendor:
GRLLR

Regular price £219.95 GBP

Regular price Sale price £219.95 GBP
Unit price per
GRLLR Osaka Shichirin Rectangular Table Barbecue

GRLLR Osaka Shichirin Rectangular Table Barbecue

Vendor:
GRLLR

Regular price £219.95 GBP

Regular price Sale price £219.95 GBP
Unit price per

FAQs

What is a shichirin and what makes it different from a regular BBQ? A shichirin is a traditional Japanese charcoal grill compact, tabletop in size, and built from diatomaceous earth or ceramic materials rather than metal. Unlike a conventional barbecue, which relies on a large firebox and wide grate, the shichirin sits directly on your table and allows everyone around it to cook their own food as they eat. The compact design concentrates heat exceptionally well, and the dense, insulating walls allow the grill to reach very high temperatures using surprisingly little charcoal making it both efficient and intimate as a social cooking experience.

What charcoal should I use in a Japanese BBQ? The ideal fuel for a shichirin is binchotan a traditional Japanese white charcoal made from oak that burns extremely cleanly, produces virtually no smoke or odour, and reaches temperatures of 870–1000°C. It is the charcoal of choice for professional Japanese chefs and yakiniku restaurants worldwide. For those who prefer a more accessible and affordable alternative, natural lump charcoal also works well. Standard briquettes are not recommended as the fillers and chemical binders can affect the flavour of food and may not be compatible with the grill's air vent system.

How do I light a Japanese BBQ? Lighting a shichirin (a Japanese BBQ) takes a little more patience than a gas grill, which is part of the ritual. Because binchotan is a very dense charcoal, it is best lit using a separate chimney starter or gas burner, holding a flame close to the charcoal for 5 to 10 minutes until it begins to glow. Once lit, transfer the charcoal carefully to the grill and allow a further 20 to 30 minutes for it to develop an even white ash glow across the surface that is when it is ready to cook on. Resist the temptation to rush the process; evenly lit charcoal is what gives a shichirin its signature, consistent heat.

Is a Japanese BBQ safe to use on a garden table? Yes, provided you use it correctly. The shichirin's ceramic or diatomaceous earth body has excellent heat-insulating properties, which means the exterior stays significantly cooler than a metal grill of equivalent cooking temperature. Most models include a base or feet that prevent direct contact with the table surface. A heat-resistant mat beneath the grill is still a sensible precaution on timber or composite tables.

How do I clean and maintain a Japanese BBQ? Care is straightforward but must be done correctly to preserve the body of the grill. Once the charcoal has fully cooled, remove and dispose of the ash, then wipe down the interior with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not immerse a shichirin in water or leave it exposed to heavy rain the porous diatomaceous earth or ceramic body will absorb moisture, which can cause cracking when it is next heated. Store it in a dry place when not in use. The glazed exterior found on the GRLLR models makes surface cleaning easier and offers additional protection against weathering.

Collection: Japanese BBQs

Filter and sort

Filter

GRLLR Tokyo Shichirin Round Table Barbecue

GRLLR Tokyo Shichirin Round Table Barbecue

GRLLR Osaka Shichirin Rectangular Table Barbecue

GRLLR Osaka Shichirin Rectangular Table Barbecue

FAQs