Blok table grills are made for outdoor use, and should not be used indoors as they generate smoke. They are modelled after traditional Japanese konro grills, but have a few features that make them more user-friendly.
What Is a Japanese Konro Grill?
Konro grills are high-heat Japanese charcoal grills made from a type of volcanic rock that evenly distributes and insulates the heat. With distinctly long, narrow shapes, they are traditionally used to grill yakitori skewers and smaller pieces of meat.
How Is a Blok Table Grill Different From a Traditional Japanese Konro Grill?
Besides being made in the UK, Blok BBQ Grills are more versatile. The exterior is made from robust stainless steel, with an inner lining made from a type of porous ceramic (vermiculite) that mimics the effects of traditional vocanic rock, allowing for excellent heat retention. The grill tops have location pins on the sides so you can switch between different grill tops, from the standard grill top to the 50/50 plancha, or Mini Stack for multi-level cooking. The grill tops are made from ultra-durable mild steel, which allows for excellent caramelisation and durability, as it retains heat much better than stainless steel grill tops. They are designed to have smaller, crisscrossed grill marks that provide the perfect combination of smoke and heat, with less risk of ingredients falling through.
What Kind of Charcoal Do You Need for a Blok Grill?
Traditional Japanese konro grills use binchotan, a type of compressed charcoal. But with the Blok grill, you can use any kind of charcoal, from standard lumpwood (like our favourite charcoal from Big Green Egg) to slow-burning compressed charcoal (which burns for much longer and can be reused). Adjustable airflow vents give you more control over the heat of the barbecue; the bigger models have multiple vents.
How Do You Store Blok Grills?
It is essential that Blok Grills are kept dry at all times, so it is best not to store them outside without a waterproof cover. Since they are designed to be portable, it’s best to store them indoors and take them outside when you want to use them.
How Do You Set Up a Blok Grill?
Blok grills are straightforward to operate. All it requires is filling the base with charcoal, lighting it, placing the grill top on it, and cooking. However, they must be seasoned before use, to A) let the carbon steel surface resist sticking, and B) to make sure the barbecue does not warp. Follow these instructions before first use:
- Remove the grill top. Load your grill with lumpwood or compressed charcoal, placing more on the ends of the grill than the centre.
- Rub your grill top with a high-burning oil. (Sunflower, canola, rapeseed, peanut, or vegetable oil, for example.)
- Once the coals are white hot, carefully place your oiled grill top over the barbecue.
- Leave the grill top to heat for at least 30 minutes, or until the coals have died down. Let the grill top cool completely. Now it is seasoned and ready for cooking.
Do Blok Table Grills Come With a Guarantee?
Blok offers a 5-year guarantee for all grills and accessories that protects against manufacturing defects.