Iwatani Cassette Gas BBQ Grill YAKIMARU II, CB-SLG-2

The Verdict

The Iwatani YAKIMARU II isn’t trying to replace your backyard kettle grill. It’s aiming at something narrower: high-heat, tabletop cooking with zero fuss. And for that specific job, it’s one of the best portable gas grills you can buy right now.

What’s Actually in the Box

You get the grill body, the ceramic-coated cast iron griddle plate, a grease tray, and the instruction manual. That’s it — no propane tank adapter, no carrying case, no fuel. The grill runs exclusively on Iwatani’s butane cassette canisters (the standard 8.8 oz ones), which you’ll need to source separately. Amazon sells them in multi-packs, and most Asian grocery stores stock them.

The unit itself is compact: roughly 16 inches across and about 5 inches tall. It’s heavier than it looks at around 7 pounds, but that’s because the body is built from thick steel with a powder-coated finish. This thing feels solid in a way cheap tabletop grills don’t.

Real-World Performance

Fire it up and you’ll notice the difference immediately. The single burner cranks out 12,000 BTU, which is substantial for a grill this size. The griddle plate gets hot enough that you can hear the sizzle within 60 seconds of lighting. For reference, that’s faster than most electric griddles and on par with full-size gas grills.

The griddle itself is the star. It’s a flat teppanyaki-style surface — perfect for smash burgers, sliced beef, shrimp, vegetables, eggs, and fried rice. The ceramic coating handles a metal spatula without scratching, and cleanup is just a wipe with a paper towel while it’s still warm. I’ve cooked everything from thick-cut steaks to delicate fish fillets on it, and the heat distribution is remarkably even across the surface.

One thing that genuinely surprised me: the wind resistance. The built-in regulator compensates for fluctuating gas pressure, so the flame stays consistent even when a breeze kicks up. That’s rare in portable grills and makes a real difference when you’re cooking outside.

What Buyers Keep Praising

Scrolling through the 229 ratings, a few themes come up repeatedly. “I use this almost every day for lunch,” writes one reviewer. “It’s perfect for my small apartment balcony — heats up in minutes and doesn’t smoke up the place.” Another notes, “The temperature control is actually precise, which is rare for these cassette grills.”

The most common praise centers on versatility. Owners use it for everything from camping breakfasts to Korean BBQ nights. The fact that it runs on readily available butane cartridges — rather than proprietary fuel — is a recurring selling point in the reviews.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the limitations. The cooking surface is 12.6 x 14.6 inches, which sounds fine until you try to cook for a family of five. You’ll be cooking in shifts, which means some people eat while others wait. This is a 2-3 person grill, max, unless you’re doing appetizer-style grazing.

The lidless design is fine for griddling but rules out any lid-down cooking. You can’t trap smoke for flavor, can’t melt cheese on a burger by covering, and can’t do indirect cooking. This is a flat-top griddle — treat it like one.

Fuel costs are worth considering. A single cassette lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours at medium-high heat. If you’re grilling every weekend, you’ll go through a six-pack of cartridges in a month. That’s roughly $15-20 in fuel, which adds up over a season.

Who Should Buy This

• Apartment and balcony dwellers: Small footprint, low smoke output, no propane tank storage — this is the one.
• Campers and tailgaters: The cassette system is safer and more portable than loose propane.
• Teppanyaki and smash burger enthusiasts: If you want that flat-top experience at home without a full griddle setup, this delivers.
• Single people or couples: The size is perfect for 1-2 person meals.

FAQ

Can I use standard butane canisters or only Iwatani brand? Any standard 8.8 oz butane cassette (the type with the valve on top) works. Iwatani’s own cans are reliable, but cheaper generic brands from Asian grocery stores work fine.

Does it produce a lot of smoke? Less than a traditional charcoal or gas grill. The flat surface and direct heat mean less flare-up and dripping. It’s not smokeless, but it’s manageable indoors near a window or outdoors.

How do I clean the griddle? Scrape off residue while warm, then wipe with a damp paper towel. For stubborn bits, a little water on the hot surface creates steam that lifts the gunk. Avoid soap — it strips the ceramic seasoning.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want a fast, powerful, portable flat-top grill for small spaces or outdoor adventures. The build quality is excellent, the heat output is genuinely impressive, and the ceramic griddle outperforms anything else in this price range.

Skip it if: You need to cook for more than 3-4 people regularly, want a traditional grill with lid and smoke, or don’t want to deal with ongoing butane cartridge costs.

Rating: 4.6/5 — It loses half a star for the small surface and fuel expenses, but for its intended purpose, the YAKIMARU II is nearly flawless.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.