Giantex Portable Double-sided Cast Iron Grill Review: The Heavy-Duty Hibachi We Didn’t Know We Needed

There’s a ritual to charcoal grilling that I’ve always cherished. The careful stacking of briquettes, the patient wait for the chimney starter to work its magic, and that unmistakable, smoky aroma that promises a delicious meal. But let’s be honest: that ritual is often reserved for lazy weekend afternoons with a crowd to feed. For years, my trusty 24-inch kettle grill has been a backyard centerpiece, but firing it up for a couple of weeknight burgers or a single steak felt like a colossal waste of time and charcoal. The 40-minute pre-heat, the sheer volume of fuel—it was overkill. This led me down a rabbit hole, searching for a smaller, more efficient solution that didn’t compromise on the authentic charcoal flavor we all crave. We needed something that could bridge the gap between a massive grill and no grill at all, a compact powerhouse for quick, casual dinners. This search for the perfect small-batch grilling experience is what ultimately led us to test the Giantex Portable Double-sided Cast Iron Grill.

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Charcoal Grill

A compact charcoal grill is more than just a smaller cooking device; it’s a key solution for unlocking authentic barbecue flavor in spaces and situations where a full-sized grill is impractical. Whether you’re dealing with a small patio, planning a camping trip, or simply want a quick and efficient way to grill for one or two people, these grills provide the searing heat and smoky taste that gas and electric models simply can’t replicate. The primary benefit is efficiency—they heat up faster and use significantly less charcoal, making spontaneous grilling sessions a delightful reality instead of a planned-out chore.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who prioritizes flavor and cooking experience over sheer capacity. This includes apartment dwellers, couples, small families, or even owners of large grills who want a secondary option for quick meals. As one user aptly put it, they already owned larger kettle grills but found this new cast-iron grill “only takes 15-18 minutes to get up to temperature” and uses a fraction of the charcoal. However, this type of grill might not be suitable for those who regularly host large backyard parties or need the versatility of indirect cooking zones for smoking large cuts of meat. If you need to cook for more than 6-8 people at once, you should consider a larger, more traditional kettle or barrel grill.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Portability is key, but it comes with trade-offs. Consider the overall footprint (16″ x 11″ for this model) and the cooking surface area (112.5 sq. inches). Is this enough for your typical meal? Also, pay attention to the height. Many hibachi-style grills are low to the ground, requiring a heat-safe surface like a stone patio, concrete slab, or a dedicated stand to be used comfortably and safely.
• Capacity/Performance: How many people are you typically cooking for? A small hibachi is perfect for 2-4 people, grilling up burgers, steaks, or kebabs. Performance is dictated by heat control features. Look for adjustable vents or, in this case, an air regulating door, which allows you to manage the intensity of the charcoal fire for a more controlled cook.
• Materials & Durability: This is arguably the most critical factor. Many portable grills use thin, stamped steel to reduce weight, but this often leads to warping and rust. Cast iron, while heavy (21 pounds for this Giantex model), is the gold standard for durability and heat retention. It provides an incredibly even, searing heat that creates a perfect crust on meats, and with proper care, it can literally last a lifetime.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A simple design is often the best. Look for grills with removable grates for easy access to the charcoal bed and ash removal. Cast iron requires seasoning—a process of baking on thin layers of oil—to create a non-stick surface and prevent rust. While this requires a bit of upfront effort and ongoing care (like oiling after each use), it’s a small price to pay for its longevity and superior cooking performance.

While the Giantex Portable Double-sided Cast Iron Grill is an excellent choice for this niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a 21-Pound Beast of a Hibachi

Opening the box for the Giantex Portable Double-sided Cast Iron Grill is an immediate tactile experience. There’s no mistaking the material; at 21 pounds, it has a reassuring heft that screams durability. This isn’t your flimsy, disposable camping grill. Every component, from the fire bowl to the grates, is thick, solid cast iron. Assembly was remarkably straightforward and took just a few minutes, a sentiment echoed by multiple users who noted how “easy to put together” it was. The design is simple and logical: a fire bowl, a charcoal grate that sits inside, the main cooking grate, and a small fire gate door for airflow control. Included is a simple but essential grate lifter, which is crucial for handling the hot, heavy cast iron. The raw, black finish feels rugged and ready for work. Compared to more complex grills, its simplicity is its strength. There are no flimsy brackets or legs to worry about; just pure, heavy-duty iron designed for one purpose: getting incredibly hot and cooking food beautifully. It immediately reminded us of classic, old-school grills built to last for generations, a refreshing change from many modern, built-to-be-replaced products. You can immediately understand why so many people find this little grill to be a lifetime investment.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Giantex Cast Iron Grill to the Test

A grill’s worth is measured in heat, flavor, and usability. On paper, the Giantex Portable Double-sided Cast Iron Grill has the right ingredients, but we were eager to see how this compact hibachi performed in a real-world cooking environment. We ran it through a series of tests, cooking everything from thick-cut T-bone steaks to delicate vegetable skewers, to truly understand its capabilities and quirks.

The Power of Cast Iron: Unmatched Heat and Flavor

The star of the show is, without a doubt, the material itself. Unlike stainless steel, cast iron acts as a massive heat sink. Once it gets hot, it stays hot, delivering consistent and powerful radiant heat directly to your food. Our first cook was a pair of thick ribeyes, and the results were stunning. After a quick 15-minute preheat with about 35 charcoal briquettes, the grate was scorching. The steaks sizzled aggressively the moment they made contact, creating a deep, dark, and delicious crust in minutes. This is the kind of sear that’s difficult to achieve on thinner metal grates that lose heat as soon as cold food is placed on them. We found that the heat was incredibly even across the entire 12.5″ x 9″ cooking surface.

This exceptional heat retention also translates to incredible flavor. The cast iron vaporizes drippings on contact, creating that iconic smoky barbecue essence that infuses the food. As one user celebrated, “Burger nights, T-bone steak days are better than ever now… nothing compares to the flavor of charcoal.” We wholeheartedly agree. The Giantex grill excels at maintaining the most original, primal flavor of grilled food. Before our first use, we seasoned the grates by applying a thin coat of canola oil and heating the grill for about an hour, a crucial step for any new cast iron cookware. This creates a natural, non-stick surface and protects the iron. One user even mentioned sanding their grate down before seasoning for a perfect finish, a testament to the kind of “buy-it-for-life” mentality this grill inspires. For those who value a perfect sear and authentic taste, the cast iron performance is a game-changer.

Intelligent Design: The Reversible Grate and Airflow Control

Beyond the material, the Giantex grill features several simple yet brilliant design choices that elevate its usability. The most notable is the double-sided cooking grate. On one side, the grate sits higher, further from the coals, which is ideal for more gentle cooking of items like chicken, sausages, or vegetables. Flip it over, and the grate sits much lower, placing your food directly over the intense heat for high-temperature searing of steaks and burgers. We found this two-level system to be an incredibly effective way to manage cooking temperature without complex mechanisms. One enthusiast described this feature as “brilliant,” noting there are “no brackets to rust or needing maintenance.” It’s a robust, failure-proof system.

Temperature regulation is further refined by the small air regulating door, or fire gate, on the side of the fire bowl. Sliding it open increases oxygen flow to the coals, making the fire burn hotter and faster. Partially closing it reduces the airflow, lowering the temperature for a slower cook. While it’s not as precise as the multi-vent systems on a Weber Kettle, it’s perfectly adequate for a grill of this size. We found we could easily dial in the heat for different foods by combining the grate height and the position of the air door. This level of control is impressive for such a minimalist design and is a key feature that makes the Giantex grill more than just a simple charcoal bucket.

The Realities of Portability and Practical Use

The “Portable” in its name deserves some clarification. At 21 pounds, this is not a grill you’ll be carrying on a long hike to a remote picnic spot. It is, however, perfectly portable for car camping, tailgating, or moving from the garage to the backyard patio. One happy user confirmed this, saying, “I can just put it in trunk and take it to the lake. Not like the big bulky grills.” Its compact dimensions (16″ x 11″ x 7″) mean it won’t take up much space in your vehicle or storage area, solving the problem for those with limited space who still want a serious grill.

The most common point of feedback from users, and something we noted immediately, is its low stature. At only 7 inches tall, you won’t be using it standing up unless it’s placed on a table or stand. It’s critical that this surface is non-flammable—a concrete patio, a sturdy metal table, or even a set of cinder blocks will work. One resourceful user shared their clever solution: “Rather than buying a stand for it I bought a small gas grill at a garage sale for $20 and that works really well.” This is an excellent tip. The low height is a deliberate design choice for stability and a low center of gravity, but potential buyers should plan for a safe and comfortable setup. Its cooking area, while small, is surprisingly capable. We comfortably fit four large burgers or two large steaks on the grate, making it, as one owner stated, “perfect for a couple of people” or for a quick meal for a small family.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from other owners, a clear and consistent picture emerges. The vast majority of users are thrilled with the Giantex Portable Double-sided Cast Iron Grill, frequently praising its heavy-duty construction and incredible cooking performance. One reviewer called it “a wonder,” highlighting its efficiency for quick dinners for two, noting it heats up in under 20 minutes with just a small amount of charcoal, a significant improvement over their larger grills. Another user, who cooks for a family of six, finds it “perfect” for “burger nights” and “T-bone steak days,” confirming its surprising capacity for small-to-medium meals.

The sentiment that it’s “heavy duty” and “well constructed” is nearly universal, with many buyers expressing confidence that it “should last a life time.” The simplicity of the design is also a major selling point, with praise for its easy assembly and no-fuss operation. The most common critique, as we also found, isn’t a flaw but a characteristic: its low height. Users consistently advise placing it on a stable, heat-proof surface for comfortable use. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it the “perfect Hibachi” and a fantastic value for anyone prioritizing authentic charcoal flavor and build quality over size.

How Does the Giantex Grill Compare to the Alternatives?

The Giantex Portable Double-sided Cast Iron Grill occupies a specific niche, but it’s important to understand how it stacks up against other types of charcoal grills. While it excels in durability and heat retention for its size, different needs might point you toward a different solution. Before making your final decision, let’s see how it compares to three popular alternatives.

1. Captiva Designs Extra Large Charcoal BBQ Grill Oversize Cooking Area

If the Giantex is a precision tool for small-batch grilling, the Captiva Designs grill is the opposite: a full-scale backyard command center. With a massive 794 square inches of cooking area, foldable side tables, and dual lifting charcoal trays, this grill is built for entertaining large crowds. It’s the clear choice for someone who regularly hosts big family barbecues and needs maximum capacity and features. However, it lacks any semblance of portability, requires a significant amount of space, and its thinner steel construction won’t retain heat with the same intensity as the Giantex’s solid cast iron.

2. Weber Performer 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

The Weber Performer is an icon for a reason. It combines the classic 22-inch kettle grill with a convenient cart, side table, and lid holder, offering tremendous versatility. You can sear, roast, and even smoke on a Performer, making it a true all-in-one outdoor cooking solution. It’s the best option for the serious hobbyist who wants to explore different grilling techniques. The trade-off is size, complexity, and price. It’s much larger than the Giantex, requires more fuel and time to get to temperature, and represents a significantly higher initial investment.

3. Uten Portable Folding Charcoal Grill

The Uten grill represents the ultra-portable end of the spectrum. Made of lightweight stainless steel with a folding design, it’s designed for maximum portability for activities like backpacking or beach trips where every ounce matters. It’s the winner if your primary concern is weight and convenience. However, its thin material cannot compete with the heat retention, searing capability, or longevity of the Giantex’s cast iron. It’s a functional tool for cooking on the go, but it won’t deliver the same high-performance grilling experience.

Final Verdict: Our Recommendation on the Giantex Portable Double-sided Cast Iron Grill

After extensive testing and review, we can confidently say that the Giantex Portable Double-sided Cast Iron Grill is a phenomenal piece of equipment for the right person. It is not trying to be a do-it-all grill; instead, it masters its specific purpose with rugged excellence. If you are a charcoal purist who craves that perfect steakhouse sear, values durable, buy-it-for-life construction, and needs a compact, efficient solution for smaller meals, this grill is an absolute triumph. Its cast iron body provides heat performance that embarrasses larger, more expensive grills, and its clever, simple design is a joy to use.

It’s the perfect companion for the apartment dweller, the RVer, the car camper, or anyone who wants to enjoy authentic charcoal grilling without the commitment of firing up a massive kettle. While its weight and low profile are important considerations, they are direct results of its greatest strength: its uncompromising build quality. For those seeking a small, mighty, and incredibly satisfying grilling experience, we give it our highest recommendation. If you’re ready to elevate your small-batch grilling and invest in a tool that will last for decades, you can check the latest price and secure your own Giantex hibachi today.