A real grill, one that not only is beautiful, outperforms, outlasts all others. An American hand built solid steel grill!
Kotaigrill: The Hibachi grill redefined.
Have you looked at a charcoal grill recently? A decent device that you actually would enjoy cooking your food on, and not be at all concerned that it is containing embers as hot as 800° or greater. A sturdy grill that will last for many years. No, not one of those mass produced propane cooking boxes, or that wobbly sheet metal thing that will rust out in a few years. A real grill! A grill that not only looks beautiful, functions really well and is a joy to use, and is built to last long enough to hand down to the next generation. Tough enough to be run over by a car, and still grill a fine steak.
I have designed, and built just that: A modern welded steel Hibachi grill, I call Kotaigrill.
This is an American, hand built steel grill.
Inspired by the classic lines of classic Asian cooking vessels, the Kotaigrill is to be enjoyed not only as a means to cook food, but also as a work of modern industrial art.
The simplicity of form meshing with the science of grilling. A Kotaigrill consists of only three independent parts: a base, ash grate, and grill top. The principal is simple, hot embers just below the cooking surface, fed by a constant direct flow of oxygen from below. These hot embers of hardwood charcoal deliver a high heat searing, paralleled only by commercial grills, with the addition of a wonderfull savory flavor that propane will never attain. The round bar grilling surface, with it's tight gapping, is designed to prevent small bits from falling through into the ashes yet still allow enough space for a proper updraft. Kotaigrill's sheer mass, holds that heat, and delivers it right back to the grilling surface. As an American hand-built grill it's qualities are unsurpassed by all the rest.
What does Kotaigrill need?
Kotaigrill needs to step up to the next level. Today, the grills are only being built a few at a time in a limited production mode, due to the limitations of the present equipment in the shop. The manufacture of heavy steel goods depends on tools and equipment of a different caliber. Not only is the material heavy and hard, but it also requires a lot of energy to cut, shape, form, and connect. The Kotagrill shop needs to be equipped with several pieces of steel-working equipment, that are not present in the shop today, so as to dramatically reduce the labor cost in the preparation of grill components. It boils down to investing in efficient and productive equipment that shears, punches, presses, and saws steel. The consideration of power needs, installation of wiring, building of assembly jigs, and a stock of material are all part of this next hurdle. With your help, the Kotaigrill will be produced in half the production time, that it is now, therefore lowering the retail cost in the long run.
Where will the Kotaigrill be built?
This line of grills will be manufactured in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Baltimore is a steel town, known for the manufacture of ships, bridges, locomotives and so much more. Today this is different. Only the shadow of yesterday's thriving industry remains, yet this City offers a wealth of knowledge, talent, and resources to bolster a new beginning to smaller industry. Each grill is to be built with pride, and with substantial quality, and will continue to. The Kotaigrill will also remain unmatched by anything remotely close to what most people think of when they think of what a charcoal grill is.
The Kotaigrill manufacturing shop will always retain the ethos: Small locally minded companies build a better community. As a small, local, independent manufacturing shop Kotaigrill will embrace the principals of local sustainability.
- All materials will be sourced, and purchased locally.
- All tools & equipment will be bought locally.
- All consumable supplies will be bought locally.
- All sub-manufacturers, subcontractors, and support services will be retained locally.
- All waste metal will be recycled locally.
Consider your help in advancing Kotaigrill to become the new redefined welded steel hibachi, that sets a standard for all the rest.
Please visit the Kotaigrill website:
The Kotaigrill Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kotaigrill
Follow Kotaigrill on Facebook:
FAQ
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Well, it can be! Who would like that? The 47 Micro is that tough micro Hibachi grill that is only a 4" x 7" grill, weing only 7.5 lbs, that has proven itself by supporting the weight of my 7,000 lb truck. A intriguing idea was raised by someone who might like to stash away a little grill like this in his truck for an impromptu solo grilling moment. I have to say that I really like this idea! Not only might this be a special gift item, along with a bunch of other cool stuff, but it prompted a prototype concept of a slightly larger "Micro" grill. Who would like to see a "57 Micro "? Let me know your thoughts guys.
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The 510HD to be exact. I designed and built this this past week, and just had to feature it in the video.
If you really like it, tell me. Do you want one, again, tell me and pledge. I'm considering adding this model as a special item for Kotaigrill backers.
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The short answer is yes, a LPG model, or accessory, is a consideration. I have been asked about this as an option, as this applies to those who wish not, or can not, use charcoal as the fuel source. For some, this is quite simply residential code restrictions for multi-unit dwellings, such as apartments, condominiums, and other attached housing structures. I have considered a LP/ MAPP gas conversion tube kit would be an ideal accessory for this product, so as to provide a dual fuel option. This kit would have to be created by another manufacturer who specializes in burner components, and has a UL approval for their particular product. I can design how this burner fits and connects to each grill, but no further than that. It's a funny thing, a bag of charcoal is a safe compared to how dangerous compressed LP gas is. So again, this is a consideration, but for now, I will be limited to only producing the grill itself. Upon successful funding, the sourcing and design of this componetry, and subsequent manufacturer, will go forward on a scheduled track. Without such funding, this apparatus will be set on the "back burner", so to speak.
42
Backers
$6,805
pledged of $35,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on January 31, 2012.
Funding period
Dec 22, 2011 -
Jan 31, 2012
- First created · 0 backed
- Halsey Frost 335 friends
- Website: kotaigrill.com
Pledge $5 or more
3 backers
Contributors will be recognized for their contribution on the Kotaigrill website, and a Kotaigrill pen. Don't grill with it, or try to stomp on it! Just write with it on all your wish-lists: "I want a Kotaigrill!"
Estimated delivery: Mar 2012Pledge $10 or more
0 backers
Contributors will be recognized for their contribution on the Kotaigrill website, a pen, and a "I'm a Kotaigrill backer" bumper sticker!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2012Pledge $15 or more
0 backers Limited (1000 of 1000 left)
A little chunk of steel! Everyone needs a little chunk of steel in their pocket, purse, desk or dresser. Always a fine reminder that you helped back Kotaigrill. (also, the pen & sticker too)
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $25 or more
10 backers Limited (390 of 400 left)
Contributors receive the previous, including a Kotaigrill solid steel bottle opener designed only for donors. Like the grills, it will be one serious bottle opener.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $50 or more
4 backers Limited (196 of 200 left)
Contributors at this level will receive the previous including a 100% cotton T-shirt, designed and printed only for Kickstarter contributors. No, this shirt will not be made of welded steel, but will feature an iconic Kotaigrill logo. You can wear it proudly, and be reminded that you helped give Kotaigrill a real kick-start.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $75 or more
3 backers Limited (147 of 150 left)
Contributors receive all of the previous including the amazing Kotaigrill 5/8" x 3 1/2" welded steel coat hook. Actually you can hang anything that you want on it, more than just coats. Yes, its a Kotaigrill product, and could support 1000lbs. Ok, the screws that hold it, will fail long before the hook breaks, so don't push it, be sensible, and keep it under 200lbs. worth of whatever. Still, a very cool hook to have mounted in a special place.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $100 or more
7 backers Limited (93 of 100 left)
Contributors receive a personal thank-you card from the creator of Kotaigrill himself. Remember, this also includes all of the previous really cool rewards too!
Estimated delivery: Jul 2012Pledge $250 or more
2 backers Limited (48 of 50 left)
If you have read all the way down to here, you are probably someone who likes to grill, or know someone who really does. Here, the contributors will receive all of the previous including a Kotaigrill special grilling recipe booklet. This will of course, will feature a Kotaigrill in action, grilling some of the great recipes that work so well on a hibachi grill, or any other charcoal grill.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2012Pledge $300 or more
3 backers Limited (12 of 15 left)
This is where the personal grilling begins. Pledge at this level and you will receive the awesome 47 Micro, an almost pocket sized, fully functional, Hibachi grill. At 7.5lbs, this is a "one hamburger" grill. Perfect for center of the table, grill it yourself, party appetizers, or keeping it with your car or truck for a solo impromptu grilling moment. (Thanks to Harry for that one) Also, all of the previous gifts from the $250 level down to the $10 level (Sorry: Contributors will need to pay for the shipping charges from the Kotaigrill shop, to your selected destination.)
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $450 or more
2 backers Limited (48 of 50 left)
Do you like that great little 510HD I'm holding in the demo part of the video? Would you like one? If that is a "yes", than pledge at this level, and you get to have one to call your very own. The 510HD is a serious 16lb mini hibachi grill that can withstand more than a stomping. Like I said: "This grill will outlast you!" (The 510HD is a $625 grill!) you get it first! This will be exclusively produced for Kickstarter backers of kotaigrill, and will not be for public retail, for a while. Oh yea, you also get all of the previous gifts from the $250 level down to the $10 level (Sorry: Contributors will need to pay for the shipping charges from the Kotaigrill shop, to your selected destination.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $500 or more
3 backers Limited (7 of 10 left)
Now this is the level you get a new design, full size, original Kotaigrill Hibachi grill. Contributors receive one of the new #612 grills, first-off production, before public sale. Just like the rest of the grills, this one will be of similar design to the 618, but shorter. The 612 will be the same welded steel construction, tough enough to park a truck on. Also, all of the previous gifts from the $100 level to the $10 level. (Sorry: Contributors will need to pay for the shipping charges from the Kotaigrill shop, to your selected destination.)
Estimated delivery: Jul 2012Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)
Contributors at this level will receive a rare, special edition, #824 Hibachinator grill. At 50lbs, the 824 is the BIG one! This monster hibachi grill has a 8"x 24" grilling surface, large enough to throw an entire London Broil down on it and still have room for a few jumbo shrimp. This is only available to pledges at this level and higher. Also, all of the previous gifts from the $250 level down to the $10 level. (Sorry: Contributors will need to pay for the shipping charges from the Kotaigrill shop, to your selected destination.)
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
This plege level is the major grab bag of Kotaigrill products. Contributors receive one special edition of each grill, #824 Hibachinator, #618 grill, and #47 micro grill, only available to pledges at this level and higher. Also, all of the previous gifts from the $250 level down to the $10 level. (Sorry: Contributors will need to pay for the shipping charges from the Kotaigrill shop, to your selected destination.)
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)
Wow, his is the pinnacle of all pledge rewards! Contributors will receive one, personally signed and delivered, a special edition of the #824 Hibachinator, by the designer and creator. In fact, I'll cook treat you to a gourmet meal, cooked on that very grill. Only four of these grills will be created. Also, all of the previous gifts from the $250 level to the $10 level, of course! And why not, a personal tour of the shop, whenever you like! (Special personal delivery will be limited to North America , and several of the Caribbean Islands. However, if you cover the travel expeses, I will personally deliver to anywhere in the world, excluding current zones of conflict and war.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
