How to use your Konro Grill

 

You've just taken home your new fancy Konro grill! You're well on your way to the joy of backyard yakitori, and other grilled treats. You dig out the instructions and your heart sinks as you realize that it’s all in Japanese. That is, if you're anything like me and can't read Japanese. Oh no! But, don't worry we've got your back. Here a translation of the basic instructions you'll find in all Konro boxes:

Preparation

You only need enough charcoal to cover the bottom of the Konro, anything more will cause excessive heat and flame.

Light it Up!

To light yourbinchotan,thaan or lump charcoal load it into acharcoal chimney and light it from the bottom with newspaper or a gas burner. After it is lit, then spread it out over the floor of the grill.

Use the vents to adjust heat. Open vents means more oxygen gets to the coals, which in turn means higher temperature. Binchotan lasts a long long time, but if you do need to add some, only add enough to keep the bottom of the Konro covered.

Now You're Cooking with Charcoal!

If you have a Yakitori sized grill and are using our bamboo skewers, you can just rest your food right across the grill. If you’re on a wider grill or cooking without skewers, be sure to pre-heat your grate before you get cooking.

Charcoal burns hot, but takes time so be patient.

What Now?

Snuff the charcoal out in a thick cast iron dutch oven or dunk them into water in a bucket. DO NOT pour water on the Konro to put out the fire, or the Konro will break due to extreme temperature change. Only put away or store your Konro after it has cooled completely.

Here are the basic dos and don'ts of Konro ownership. Remembering these will help you have a safe and delicious cooking session:

• Charcoal gives off carbon monoxide. Use it only where there is enough ventilation. Never use indoors.
• The bottom of Konro will become extremely hot. Do not use it on carpets or tatami mats. Use only on a fireproof surface.
• Do not move the Konro while using.
• Do not leave the Konro unattended while using.
• Do not leave children unattended with a hot Konro.
• Make sure the fire is completely extinguished after use.
• The metal parts will get hot. Use caution when handling.
• The metal parts can be sharp and cause scrape or cuts. Be cautious.
• The Konro is ceramic. When dropped or banged, it can break. Use caution.
• Never pour water into the Konro to put out the fire. This will cause the Konro to break.
• Store in a weatherproof area, do not leave outdoors. Avoid extreme humidity.
• Use the Konro on the flat and level surface.
• If the Konro gets wet, it will not work as well as it should. Let the Konro dry completely before next use.

Got more questions? Feel free to ask us in the comments below.