Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi
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The Marsh Allen hibachi is the grill your grandparents had. Simple cast iron construction, adjustable grate, side vents for airflow — it's been the default apartment and balcony grill for decades. At $35, it's the cheapest way to get into charcoal grilling.
What We Love
- +Under $35 — the cheapest charcoal grill worth buying
- +Cast iron retains heat extremely well
- +Adjustable grate height
- +Side draft vents for airflow control
- +Compact enough for any balcony
- +Dual cooking grates
Watch Out For
- −Cast iron is heavy for its size (15 lbs)
- −Will rust without proper care
- −Small cooking surface for 2 people max
- −No lid — no indirect cooking possible
- −Gets extremely hot on the bottom — needs heat protection under it
- −Ash cleanup is messy
Specifications
Material
Cast iron
Cooking Area
~160 sq in (dual grates)
Weight
15 lbs
Fuel
Charcoal
Grate
Adjustable height, chrome-plated
Warranty
1-year limited
The Full Review
The Marsh Allen hibachi is grilling reduced to its absolute essentials. Cast iron body, charcoal, fire, grate, food. There's nothing to break, nothing to adjust (except grate height), and nothing to overthink.
The dual cooking grates give you roughly 160 sq in of cooking surface — enough for 4-6 burgers, 8 hot dogs, or a handful of chicken thighs. It's not a family grill; it's a couples grill or a solo cook's best friend.
Cast iron gets screaming hot and stays hot. With a full load of lump charcoal, the grate temperature exceeds 600°F. Steaks sear beautifully. Vegetables char perfectly. The intense heat is the hibachi's superpower.
CRITICAL WARNING: The bottom gets hot enough to scorch wood, melt plastic, and damage concrete. Always place it on a heat-resistant surface — a concrete paver, metal table, or fire-resistant mat. Never use it on a wooden deck directly.
For $35, it's the absolute cheapest entry point to real charcoal grilling. If you're curious about charcoal but don't want to invest $200+ in a Weber Kettle, start here.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest cast iron hibachi rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marsh Allen Cast Iron Hibachi (this) | 4.1 | $35 | The classic American backyard hibachi — affordable, compact, and perfect for balcony grilling and small gatherings. |
| UCO Flatpack Portable Campfire Grill | 4.4 | $35 | Packs flat, sets up in seconds, and turns any campfire into a cooking station. |
| Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal | 4.3 | $45 | The original portable grill — folds flat, weighs 15 lbs, and actually grills well enough for real cooking on the go. |
Who Is It For?
Budget-conscious first-time charcoal grillers. Apartment and balcony dwellers (where charcoal is allowed). College students and young adults. Anyone who wants a backup or supplemental searing grill.
Final Verdict
The Marsh Allen hibachi at $35 is the most affordable charcoal grilling experience available. It's not fancy, it's not versatile, but it's real — and it produces excellent food for the price.
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