Lodge Logic Sportsman Hibachi Grill

Bottom Line

If you enjoy the simplicity of hibachi-style grilling, the Lodge Logic Sportsman comes highly recommended. Reviewers like its durable cast-iron construction and easy operation, and many say it grills steaks, burgers, and chicken breasts with perfect, juicy results. Keep in mind that there's no lid, so you can't slow roast a chicken, as you could with a kettle-type model; but if your goal is basic grilling and easy cleanup, users say this grill's a great choice.

Performance

Perfect for campouts. Reviewers say the Lodge Logic Sportsman Hibachi Grill is versatile enough to cook breakfast through dinner, making it the perfect accessory for campouts. Users report using it to cook up scrambled eggs in a skillet, as well as to grill pizza, steaks, fish, kabobs, chicken breasts and baked potatoes. To be sure, it has no lid, so it's not suited to roasting a whole chicken (although one inventive user says you can approximate a lid by covering the chicken with a large upside-down skillet). Still, for sheer versatility as well as great-tasting results, reviewers say this Lodge grill is a tough act to beat.

Ease Of Use

They don't come simpler. The Sportsman is strictly no-frills, according to users, many of whom revel in its simplicity. One user reports checking the temperature simply by holding a hand a few inches above the grill. "If I can hold it there for more than a couple seconds, it is not hot enough," the user explains. Many add that cleanup is easy: You take the grate to the sink, scrub with a brush and hot water, and apply oil. Nevertheless, some users find the grill heavy to carry, and a few point out that because the grate has no "lip," round foods can roll off.

Safety

Hot, hot, hot! Because of its cast-iron construction, the Lodge grill holds heat exceedingly well, according to reviewers, who advise treading with caution. One user, who notes that the grill takes a very long time to cool, advises, "Start grillin' early!" Another says, "Kids and clumsy people have no business near it." In addition, one user notes that the feet of the grill are not insulated and tend to get very hot, "so beware of placement on high-value surfaces." Finally, some reviewers say the door to the coal chamber easily falls off and can land on your foot if you're not careful.

Cost Of Ownership

Worth the money. We read virtually no complaints about the cost of the Lodge Sportsman, as most users applaud its construction and expect it to last for years. One user states that the grill is "far better than cheap metal ones," and several appreciate that maintenance simply involves rubbing on some oil after cleaning. We did read a few reports of rusting; one user advises covering the grill after it cools to protect it from moisture. The company says it stands behind the grill and promises to resolve all problems to the customer's satisfaction.