There was a time when enjoying a casual BBQ felt like a huge undertaking. Dealing with bulky grills, messy charcoal, or large propane tanks for a simple weeknight meal or a spontaneous picnic was just too much hassle. I longed for an easier way to enjoy grilled food without the commitment of a full-sized outdoor setup. It needed to be simple, quick, and clean, otherwise, the craving for grilled flavors often went unsatisfied due to the sheer inconvenience. This problem needed a solution, or countless easy meal opportunities would be missed.
- The grill is small, light and compact so it does not take up much space both on the table and in storage
- Because the grill is fluorine-coated, the food does not easily stick to it and burn, which enables users to keep it clean more easily and comfortably
- Continuous burning time: about 217 minutes ( when the temperature 20 ~ 25 , the measured value of the unexpired portion of the cassette gas one at high heat continuous combustion) / Ignition system:...
What to Think About Before Purchasing a BBQ Grill
Before diving into the world of grills, it’s crucial to consider what you truly need. Are you feeding a large family or just one or two people? Will you be using it exclusively outdoors, or do you need something suitable for patios, balconies, or even indoors with proper ventilation? Standard charcoal grills offer that classic smoky flavor but require time, effort, and produce a lot of ash and smoke. Propane grills are faster but often large and less portable. Electric grills are great for indoors but might lack authentic char flavor and can be slow. The ideal customer for a compact cassette gas grill like the YAKIMARU II is someone who values convenience, portability, and minimal cleanup, perfect for small living spaces, camping, RVing, or tabletop use. If you plan to host large backyard parties regularly, this might not be your primary grill, though it could serve as a great sidekick. Consider size, fuel type, portability, ease of cleaning, and safety features before making your choice.
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, quick start up with the push &turn of...
- 【Powerful & Even Heat Distribution】This propane gas grill features 3 stainless steel burners plus 1 side burner, delivering a total of 21,200 BTU—perfect for fast, even heat during your backyard...
- POWERFUL BURNERS: Four 11,000 BTU burners deliver a total of 44,000 BTUs of heat for precise, even cooking.
Getting Acquainted with the Product
The Iwatani Cassette Gas BBQ Grill YAKIMARU II, CB-SLG-2 is a compact, portable tabletop grill designed for easy, low-smoke grilling using standard cassette gas canisters. It promises the enjoyment of BBQ flavors with minimal fuss, mess, and smoke, making it ideal for small spaces or indoor (with ventilation) and outdoor use. When you purchase the YAKIMARU II, you typically get the grill unit itself, including the non-stick cooking plate and the water tray. Compared to larger grills, its main appeal is its small footprint and ease of use. While not a direct competitor to a full-size backyard grill, it excels in its niche of convenience and portability, offering a unique, low-smoke cooking experience not commonly found in other portable options, especially those using cassette gas. It’s perfect for individuals, couples, or small families who want simple, quick grilled meals, but likely not suited for cooking for more than 2-3 people at a time.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
* Pros:
* Extremely portable and lightweight.
* Non-stick coating makes cleaning very easy.
* Water pan significantly reduces smoke.
* Uses readily available cassette gas canisters.
* Quick to heat up and easy to operate with Piezoelectric ignition.
* Magnetic canister system is simple and safe.
* Cons:
* Cooking surface is relatively small.
* Manual is often not in English.
* Fuel availability can sometimes require specific sourcing (though Iwatani brand is easy to find online).
* Canister insertion/removal isn’t explicitly detailed in non-English manuals.
Standout Capabilities and Advantages
Having used the Iwatani YAKIMARU II for a considerable period, I can confidently say it has revolutionized how I approach casual grilling. It’s not just a grill; it’s a tool for instant gratification when a BBQ craving strikes.
Let’s talk about the size and portability first. At roughly 10.94″D x 11.93″W x 5.87″H and weighing only 2 kilograms (about 4.4 lbs), this thing is genuinely compact and lightweight. Before I got the YAKIMARU II, packing a grill for a picnic or a camping trip felt like hauling a piece of furniture. Now, it’s as easy as grabbing a small tote bag. It fits comfortably on a small apartment balcony table, a picnic blanket, or even inside an RV. This portability means I’m far more likely to use it spontaneously, whether it’s for quick skewers on a Tuesday night or bringing it along for a day trip to the beach. The ability to pack it away neatly without taking up much storage space is a huge plus for anyone living in smaller quarters.
One of the most touted features, and one that truly performs, is the non-stick cooking plate with its fluorine coating. I was skeptical at first – “non-stick” can mean many things. But the surface on the Iwatani Cassette Gas BBQ Grill YAKIMARU II genuinely works. Meats, vegetables, even marinated items that would usually fuse themselves to a grill grate lift off easily. This isn’t just a convenience; it directly impacts the cleanup process.
Which brings me to another killer feature: the water pan located beneath the cooking plate. This is where the magic happens in reducing smoke. As fats and juices drip down from the food, they hit the water instead of a hot surface or coals. This dramatically minimizes flare-ups and the billowing smoke usually associated with grilling fatty foods. For someone using this on a balcony or in a well-ventilated indoor setting (like under a range hood), this feature is non-negotiable. It allows me to grill without setting off smoke alarms or annoying the neighbors. Cleaning the water pan is simple – just wait for it to cool, empty the greasy water, and wash it out. Coupled with the non-stick plate, the cleanup for the entire grill takes mere minutes, a stark contrast to scrubbing stubborn grates or dealing with ash.
Operating the CB-SLG-2 is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the Piezoelectric ignition system. There’s no need for matches or a separate lighter; you just turn the knob to the full counter-clockwise position (after inserting the gas canister), and it clicks and ignites the gas. This self-ignition feature adds to the overall ease of use and safety.
Speaking of safety, the pressure-sensitive safety equipment is a crucial built-in feature. It’s designed to automatically shut off the gas flow if the pressure inside the canister gets too high, which can happen if the canister overheats. While I’ve never personally had this triggered, knowing it’s there provides significant peace of mind, especially when using a gas appliance indoors or in warmer conditions.
The magnetic container removable method for the cassette gas canister is another design win. Instead of fiddling with levers or locks, you simply align the notch on the canister with the tab on the grill and push it into place until the magnet holds it. It makes inserting and removing the fuel quick and secure. For safety when storing or transporting, it’s always best practice to remove the canister, and this magnetic system makes that process effortless. Initially, figuring out *how* to insert the canister wasn’t immediately obvious, especially with non-English instructions, but once you see the notch and tab, it’s intuitive.
The grill operates using standard butane cassette gas canisters. These are widely available, although finding the Iwatani brand specifically might sometimes require looking online. The continuous burning time is stated as about 217 minutes on high heat, which is more than enough for multiple cooking sessions before needing to swap out a canister. The heating power is 1000 Watts, which provides a good amount of heat for searing and cooking relatively quickly, considering its size.
One minor challenge I faced initially, echoing what some other users have noted, is the language of the manual. Mine arrived with instructions solely in what appeared to be Japanese or Korean. While the operation is simple enough to figure out (especially the canister insertion once you notice the magnetic system), having an English manual would have been helpful for understanding safety specifics and maintenance tips right out of the box. I had to search online for an English version, which was readily available, but it’s an extra step. Also, as mentioned, the cooking surface area is compact (around 63.58 square inches). For cooking two decent-sized steaks or a few burgers at once, it’s sufficient for one or two people, maybe three if you cook in batches. It’s definitely designed for small-scale grilling, not hosting a party.
Overall, the features of the Iwatani YAKIMARU II come together to create a genuinely convenient and effective tabletop grilling experience. The portability, low smoke, non-stick surface, and easy operation make it a go-to for anyone seeking quick, clean, and tasty grilled food without the fuss of traditional grills.
What Users Are Saying
Scrolling through feedback from others who own the Iwatani CB-SLG-2, it’s clear that many share my positive experience. People frequently highlight its portability and ease of packing, making it perfect for camping trips or using in RVs. The simple operation and quick cleanup due to the non-stick surface and water pan are also commonly praised points, allowing users to enjoy BBQ flavors frequently without dreading the post-meal chore. The effectiveness of the water pan in reducing smoke is a particularly appreciated feature for those using it in smaller spaces. Some users did note the challenge of the non-English manual and figuring out how to correctly insert the gas canister initially, but once understood, the process is straightforward thanks to the magnetic system.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been missing out on delicious grilled meals because traditional BBQ methods feel too cumbersome, messy, or space-intensive, you understand the problem the Iwatani Cassette Gas BBQ Grill YAKIMARU II solves. Without a convenient alternative, those cravings remain unsatisfied, or you compromise with less flavorful indoor cooking methods. This grill is a fantastic fit because it offers exceptional portability, dramatically reduces smoke thanks to the water tray, and makes cleanup a breeze with its non-stick plate. It truly delivers on the promise of easy, enjoyable grilling anytime, anywhere. To find out more and perhaps make this convenient grill your own, click here.
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API