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Grill vs. Robata — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 16, 2024
Grill involves cooking food over direct heat using various methods, while Robata, a Japanese style, uses a specific type of charcoal grill for a slow, smoky flavor.
Grill vs. Robata — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Grill and Robata

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Key Differences

Grilling is a cooking method that typically uses gas, charcoal, or electricity to generate heat, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor settings. Robata, on the other hand, specifically utilizes a narrow, open charcoal grill, emphasizing a traditional Japanese approach that imparts a unique, smoky flavor to the food.
The typical grill can be adjusted for different heat levels and cooking speeds, accommodating a wide range of foods from steaks to vegetables. Whereas Robata grilling is characterized by its slower cooking process, ideal for enhancing the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients, particularly seafood and vegetables.
Grills are commonly used in various cuisines around the world, making them a global staple in culinary practices. Robata grilling, however, is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, originating from fishermen in the northern regions who used the method to cook their catch on the boats.
Modern grills often come with features like temperature controls, lids, and even side burners, which facilitate a controlled and diverse cooking environment. In contrast, Robata grills are more simplistic, focusing on the purity of the cooking process with just charcoal and a grill, without additional features.
The social aspect of grilling is significant in many cultures, often associated with gatherings and festive occasions. Robata grilling also carries a social element but is more focused on the meticulous preparation and presentation of food, reflecting Japanese dining etiquette and appreciation for the art of cooking.
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Comparison Chart

Heat Source

Can use gas, charcoal, or electric
Uses only charcoal, specifically binchotan

Origin

Global
Japanese

Cooking Speed

Adjustable, can be fast
Generally slower, emphasizing flavor infusion

Typical Use

Versatile, for various foods
Traditionally for seafood and vegetables

Cultural Significance

Associated with social gatherings and versatility
Reflects meticulous Japanese cooking techniques

Compare with Definitions

Grill

A cooking device providing direct heat from below.
We fired up the grill for a barbecue party.

Robata

A type of Japanese charcoal grill.
The restaurant featured a robata with chefs grilling in view of the diners.

Grill

A synonym for barbecue in casual use.
The community grill-off contest was a huge success.

Robata

Used to cook food slowly with a smoky flavor.
We enjoyed vegetables cooked on the robata, which were exceptionally flavorful.

Grill

To cook food on a grill; barbecuing.
We grilled burgers and hot dogs.

Robata

Utilizes binchotan charcoal to maintain a steady temperature.
The chef used binchotan for the robata to ensure perfect cooking.

Grill

Can be fueled by gas, charcoal, or electricity.
My new grill uses propane for a clean and efficient burn.

Robata

Emphasizes the art of cooking as much as the flavor.
Cooking on a robata is considered an art form in Japanese cuisine.

Grill

Often portable and used outdoors.
I bought a new portable grill for camping.

Robata

Traditionally long and narrow, ideal for professional kitchens.
The robata at the sushi bar spanned the entire length of the counter.

Grill

To broil on a gridiron.

Robata

A charcoal grill used to prepare Japanese food for customers seated around the cooking area.

Grill

To torture or afflict as if by broiling.

Robata

A restaurant featuring such a grill.

Grill

(Informal) To question relentlessly; cross-examine.

Grill

To mark or emboss with a gridiron.

Grill

A cooking surface of parallel metal bars; a gridiron.

Grill

Food cooked by broiling or grilling.

Grill

An informal restaurant or a room in a restaurant where grilled foods are served. Also called grillroom.

Grill

A series of marks grilled or embossed on a surface.

Grill

Variant of grille.

Grill

A grating; a grid of wire or a sheet of material with a pattern of holes or slots, usually used to protect something while allowing the passage of air and liquids. Typical uses: to allow air through a fan while preventing fingers or objects from passing; to allow people to talk to somebody, while preventing attack.

Grill

The criss-cross pieces that separate panes of glass in a window.

Grill

On a vehicle, a slotted cover as above, to protect and hide the radiator, while admitting air to cool it.

Grill

(UK) A cooking device comprising a source of radiative heat and a means of holding food under it; a broiler in US English

Grill

(US) A cooking device comprising a source of radiative and convective heat and a means of holding food above it; a barbecue.
I put some peppers and mushrooms on the grill to go with dinner.

Grill

Food (designed to be) cooked on a grill.
A packet of frozen cauliflower cheese grills

Grill

A grillroom; a restaurant serving grilled food.
These coupons will get you a discount at Johnny's Bar and Grill.

Grill

(colloquial) A type of jewelry worn on the front teeth.

Grill

The front teeth regarded collectively.

Grill

Deliberate misspelling of girl
R u a grill?

Grill

(obsolete) Harm.

Grill

(transitive) To cook (food) on a grill; to barbecue.
Why don't we get together Saturday and grill some burgers?

Grill

To cook food under the element of a stove or only under the top element of an oven – (US) broil, (cooking) salamander.

Grill

To interrogate; to question aggressively or harshly.
The police grilled him about his movements at the time of the crime.

Grill

To feel very hot; to swelter.

Grill

(transitive) To stamp or mark with a grill.

Grill

To make angry; provoke; offend, incite.

Grill

To terrify; make tremble.

Grill

To tremble; shiver.

Grill

To snarl; snap.

Grill

(obsolete) Harsh, rough, severe; cruel.

Grill

A gridiron.
[They] make grills of [wood] to broil their meat.

Grill

That which is broiled on a gridiron, as meat, fish, etc.

Grill

A figure of crossed bars with interstices, such as those sometimes impressed upon postage stamps.

Grill

A grillroom.

Grill

To broil on a grill or gridiron.
Boiling of men in caldrons, grilling them on gridirons.

Grill

To torment, as if by broiling.

Grill

To stamp or mark with a grill.

Grill

To undergo the process of being grilled, or broiled; to broil.
He had grilled in the heat, sweated in the rains.

Grill

A restaurant where food is cooked on a grill

Grill

A framework of metal bars used as a partition or a grate;
He cooked hamburgers on the grill

Grill

Cook over a grill;
Grill the sausages

Common Curiosities

Can you use a robata for foods other than seafood?

Yes, while traditionally used for seafood and vegetables, a robata can cook various meats and other items.

Why is robata grilling considered an art?

Robata grilling is considered an art due to the precision and care taken in cooking, which is deeply integrated into Japanese culinary traditions.

What is the main difference between a grill and a robata?

The main difference is that a grill can use various heat sources and is used globally, whereas a robata specifically uses charcoal and is a traditional Japanese method.

How does the flavor of food cooked on a robata differ from that cooked on a conventional grill?

Food cooked on a robata typically has a deeper, smokier flavor due to the use of binchotan charcoal, which imparts a subtle, yet distinct taste compared to conventional grills.

What are the advantages of using binchotan charcoal in robata grilling?

Binchotan charcoal burns at a higher temperature and for a longer period than regular charcoal, offering a consistent heat source that is ideal for the robata’s slow-grilling technique.

What is the significance of the narrow design of a robata grill?

The narrow design of a robata grill focuses the heat and makes it easier to control the cooking process, which is particularly important for the delicate flavors and textures typical in Japanese cuisine.

Is a robata suitable for indoor use?

Typically, robata grills are used in well-ventilated or outdoor areas due to the smoke produced.

What is the ideal food size for cooking on a robata grill?

Foods cooked on a robata should be cut into smaller pieces or skewered to ensure even cooking and to absorb the smoky flavors effectively.

How does weather affect robata grilling compared to regular grilling?

Robata grilling, often performed indoors or in sheltered settings, is less affected by adverse weather conditions compared to outdoor grilling, which can be impacted by wind, rain, or extreme temperatures.

Can vegetarian dishes be prepared effectively on a robata?

Yes, vegetarian dishes benefit from robata grilling, which enhances the natural flavors and textures of vegetables through its gentle cooking process.

Is it possible to replicate robata grilling using a regular barbecue grill?

While it is challenging to completely replicate the effects of a robata, one can approximate it by using high-quality charcoal and adjusting the grilling technique to slower, more controlled cooking.

What types of charcoal are best for a regular grill?

For regular grills, hardwood charcoal or briquettes are commonly used, depending on the desired heat and burn time.

What are the cultural traditions associated with robata grilling in Japan?

Robata grilling is not just about cooking food but is also a communal experience that fosters interaction and sharing, reflecting the Japanese values of harmony and meticulous attention to detail in food preparation.

How do I clean and maintain a robata grill?

To maintain a robata grill, regularly remove ash and debris, use a wire brush to clean the grill grates after each use, and ensure the grill is completely extinguished and cool before covering.

What are the health benefits of cooking on a robata grill?

Cooking on a robata grill can be healthier due to the slow cooking process which helps retain more nutrients in the food, and the minimal use of oil reduces fat intake.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat

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