My Hibachi

This is what I call my Hibachi. This is perfect for two people. I could not imagine life without this grill. Actually, this is a Lodge Sportsman Grill. That is the same Lodge that does all the cast iron cookware. I purchased it several years ago at Kraftco Hardware in Little Rock. I think it went for about $70. I looked it up on Lodge's website, www.lodgemfg.com, to see the current price. I think it was $135. I don't know if that included shipping or not. I have seen it in a few outdoor supply stores, and hardware stores for less than that.

I knew nothing about charcoal or charcoal grilling when I got this grill. It took some time for me to learn how to get the right fire going in it. With tongs I can place and remove the draft door, the odd shaped thing in front. Its place is on the little shelf right above it that has ash on it. There is an opening there. When the fire gets a little slow, I take away the draft door. In a few minutes when the fire comes up again, I put it back and leave a little space around it for a little more air. In this way you adjust for a good burn of charcoal. It is very easy to have a too hot fire in this. You end up with the outside of the food being unpleasantly charred in order to get the inside fully cooked. Timing is everything.

My only complaint about this grill is that it is top-heavy and difficult to carry. It tends to tip, and the doors and grill fall off. Maybe the newer models are better. If the base were just a little heavier or something it would make it easier to move.

Compared to the new grill in the Lodge catalog, mine is looking a little rough and rusty. I need to learn how to get the base shining again.