The Bincho Grill MG-186 Review
Our verdict
The Bincho Grill MG-186 is a purpose-built charcoal grill designed for yakitori-style cooking over a narrow, elongated firebox. At $339 with a 4.6-star rating from 58 buyers, it has earned a loyal following among people who want authentic Japanese-style tabletop grilling at home.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Fans of yakitori, skewers, and direct-fire Japanese charcoal cooking who want a dedicated stainless steel grill for the task.
Skip if
You need to cook for a large group, want a grill with more than 128 sq in of cooking area, or are looking for a versatile all-around backyard grill.
- Fuel Charcoal
- Cooking area 128 Sq In
- Material Metal, Stainless Steel
- Install Freestanding
- Color Stainless
- Dimensions 8 X 16 X 7.5 In
- Priced 11% below the category median ($381.99 across 260 tracked models)
- Weight of 17.5 lb - lighter than 88% of the 261 models we track
Pros
- 4.6-star rating from 58 buyers shows consistent satisfaction
- Stainless steel construction handles high heat and resists rust
- Compact 17.5-pound weight makes it easy to move and store
- Authentic design suited for yakitori, skewers, and direct charcoal cooking
Cons
- 128 sq in cooking area limits you to small portions or skewers only
- $339 is a premium price for a grill this compact
- Charcoal type matters, binchotan burns differently than briquettes and adds to running costs
- Not versatile for general backyard grilling tasks
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 58 owner ratings
-
Popularity2.7/5
58 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Bincho Grill MG-186 is styled after traditional Japanese binchotan charcoal grills used for yakitori and grilled skewers. It is made from stainless steel and metal, measures 8 x 16 x 7.5 inches, and weighs 17.5 pounds. That compact footprint makes it practical for tabletop or countertop use on a patio or balcony.', 'The 128-square-inch cooking area is narrow and rectangular, which suits skewers and small cuts laid across the grate. This is not a grill for whole chickens or large briskets. It is a specialist tool for a specific style of cooking, and at $339 it is priced for buyers who are committed to that style rather than casual grillers.', 'Stainless steel construction holds up to the intense radiant heat from binchotan or hardwood lump charcoal and resists corrosion from outdoor exposure. The freestanding design means it does not need to be attached to a cart or table, but its light 17.5-pound weight means it can be moved easily or stored between sessions.']
Specifications
| Fuel | Charcoal |
|---|---|
| Cooking area | 128 Sq In |
| Material | Metal, Stainless Steel |
| Install | Freestanding |
| Color | Stainless |
| Dimensions | 8 X 16 X 7.5 In |
| Weight | 17.5 lb |
Performance notes
Fuel type is charcoal. No BTU rating applies as heat output depends on the type and quantity of charcoal used. The 128-square-inch cooking area is best measured against skewer length and the number of portions being cooked at once. Stainless steel and metal construction handles sustained high temperatures from hardwood charcoal without warping. The compact 8 x 16 x 7.5 inch frame is purpose-built for countertop or tabletop setups.
What buyers say
At 4.6 stars from 58 reviews, this grill has a strong satisfaction rate for a niche product at its price point. Buyers who understand what they are getting, a compact charcoal grill for skewers and yakitori-style cooking, tend to rate it highly. The review count is modest but meaningful for a specialized import-style grill.
Similar grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers to consider
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bincho Grill MG-186 require binchotan charcoal specifically?
No, the grill works with any quality charcoal, but it is designed with binchotan in mind. Binchotan is a dense Japanese white charcoal that burns very hot and very clean with minimal smoke, which suits this style of tabletop grilling. Lump hardwood charcoal is a practical substitute that gives good results, while standard briquettes tend to produce more smoke and ash.
Can the MG-186 handle a full meal for four people?
Not comfortably. With 128 square inches of cooking area you are working with a surface roughly 8 x 16 inches, which fits a limited number of skewers or small cuts at one time. Plan on cooking in batches if you are feeding more than two people, or use it as a dedicated skewer station alongside another cooking setup.
Is the stainless steel construction on the MG-186 durable enough for regular outdoor use?
Stainless steel holds up well outdoors compared to painted carbon steel, particularly in humid or coastal environments. The 17.5-pound weight and compact form factor make it easy to bring inside when not in use, which is the best practice for extending the life of any charcoal grill.