Koto

Commercial Koto Grills and Ovens are essential for UK restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses aiming to serve authentic Japanese cuisine. These specialist cooking systems combine traditional charcoal grilling with modern temperature control, typically offering heat ranges of 200-600°C for perfect searing and smoking. After 50 years supplying professional kitchens, we've seen how koto grills transform menus, working brilliantly alongside rice cookers and commercial fridges to create complete Japanese kitchen setups. Built with heavy-duty materials and designed for continuous operation, they're the secret weapon for chefs wanting to bring authentic robata-style cooking to discerning British diners!

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Commercial Koto Grills & Ovens for Restaurants & Catering

Brands Trusted by Industry Professionals

Key Features and Benefits

  • Adjustable Cooking Heights Multiple grill positions for perfect temperature control—ideal for fish, meat, or vegetables.
  • Versatile Cooking Handles everything from delicate seafood to robust meats—menu flexibility in one unit.
  • Heat-Resistant Construction Ceramic-lined chambers withstand extreme temperatures—built for daily service.
  • Intense Heat Delivery Reaches 600°C for authentic searing—creates distinctive Japanese flavours.
  • Superior Airflow Control Regulates oxygen perfectly—consistent heat without flare-ups.
  • Excellent Heat Retention Maintains temperature for hours—saves fuel during service.
  • Ash Management Systems Easy ash removal—simplifies end-of-day cleanup.
  • Moisture Preservation Retains food's natural juices—delivers succulent results every time.

Essential Buying Considerations

Capacity and Size

  • Consider cooking surface area—standard 600-900mm width suits most restaurants.
  • Check height clearance—many units require 1200mm+ for proper ventilation.
  • Match capacity to covers—larger 1200mm units for high-volume venues.

Installation Requirements

  • Robust extraction system is essential—needs specialist installation.
  • Heat-resistant surroundings required—walls need proper protection.
  • Consider charcoal storage and smoking wood options—affects flavour profiles.

How Commercial Koto Grills & Ovens Work

Koto grills operate on a brilliantly simple yet effective principle. These specialist cooking systems use traditional Japanese charcoal (often binchotan) positioned in a ceramic-lined cooking chamber with precise airflow control. The charcoal burns at extraordinarily high temperatures—often reaching 600°C—while ventilation systems direct the heat upward to cooking grates positioned at various heights. This setup allows chefs to regulate temperature zones precisely by adjusting food placement rather than flame height. Some modern koto systems incorporate temperature gauges and air dampers for even more control, delivering that unmistakable smoky char while maintaining the moisture and tenderness that makes Japanese grilling so special.

Marco Romano, pizza oven consultant, in front of a roaring fire in a pizza kitchen. Wearing a white chef's jacket, with curly hair and a passionate, warm expression.

Trusted Insights from Marco Romano

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Pizza Equipment Specialist

10+ years experience

"Koto grills bring that authentic char and sizzle that turns simple skewers into showstoppers—perfect for open kitchens or street food vibes. Just make sure you’ve got proper ventilation and a steady hand—these beauties get hot fast!"

Safety Guidelines

  • Regular Inspections Check for damage or cracks in ceramics before each service.
  • Secure Installation Ensure unit is properly installed with adequate clearance.
  • Fire Safety Keep fire extinguishers nearby—charcoal creates real fire risks.
  • Proper Tools Use long-handled tongs and heat-resistant gloves—prevents burns.
  • Shutdown Protocol Follow proper procedures after service—prevents accidents.
  • Ventilation Checks Ensure extraction systems are working perfectly—prevents smoke buildup.

Top Tips for Using Commercial Koto Grills & Ovens

To get the most from your koto grill, always start with quality binchotan charcoal—it burns hotter and cleaner than standard varieties. Allow plenty of time for preheating, usually 25-30 minutes before service. Experiment with different cooking heights—position delicate items like fish higher up, while heartier meats can handle lower grates. Keep metal skewers and specialist grilling baskets handy for smaller items, and consider complementing with traditional smoking woods like sakura (cherry) for authentic flavours. Clean and remove ash daily to maintain optimal performance.

Benefits of Using Commercial Koto Grills & Ovens

  • Authentic Flavour Creates genuine Japanese taste profiles—impresses discerning customers.
  • Menu Differentiation Stands out from competition—attracts food enthusiasts.
  • Premium Pricing Justifies higher menu prices—boosts profit margins.

Did You Know?

  • Ancient Technique Koto-style cooking dates back over 1,000 years in Japan.
  • Temperature Extremes Can reach hotter temperatures than most conventional ovens—up to 600°C.
  • Chef Showcase Open-grill designs make cooking a theatrical experience for diners.
  • Energy Efficiency Proper charcoal management can reduce fuel costs by 20% compared to gas grills.
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Expert Insights on Commercial Koto Grills & Ovens

Having supplied Japanese restaurants across the UK for decades, we've gathered proper insights on koto grills. 'They're the heart of authentic Japanese cooking,' explains David, our Asian equipment specialist. 'Nothing quite matches the flavour profile—that perfect combination of smoke, char and tenderness that customers travel miles for.'

  • Pros: Unmatched flavour development, versatile cooking zones, impressive visual theatre.
  • Cons: Requires skilled operation, higher ventilation requirements than standard equipment.

Who Needs Commercial Koto Grills & Ovens?

  • Japanese Restaurants Essential for authentic robata and yakitori cooking—core equipment.
  • High-End Hotels Perfect for specialist Japanese restaurants or fusion dining concepts.
  • Contemporary Restaurants Adds distinctive cooking methods to innovative menus.
  • Specialist Caterers Provides unique cooking options for premium events and functions.
Koto

Real-World Success with Commercial Koto Grills & Ovens

A prime example is Sakura House in Bristol, which transformed from a struggling sushi bar to a thriving Japanese grill restaurant. Their switch to a commercial koto grill alongside quality rice cookers and proper knife sets resulted in rave reviews and doubled weekend bookings. 'The koto grill changed everything,' says head chef James. 'Customers now book specifically for our robata dishes—they love watching the chefs work the grill and the flavours are leagues above what we could achieve before.'

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FAQs

  • What extraction system do I need for a commercial koto grill? You'll need a powerful commercial-grade extraction with fire suppression capabilities—speak to a specialist installer.
  • How much charcoal does a koto grill use per service? Typically 3-5kg for a standard dinner service, depending on volume and cooking style.
  • Do koto grills require special maintenance? Yes, regular cleaning of ash collection systems and annual inspection of ceramic components is essential.
  • Can I use standard barbecue charcoal? No, authentic binchotan charcoal is recommended for proper heat and minimal smoke.
  • What's the lifespan of a commercial koto grill? With proper care, quality units last 8-10 years in busy restaurant environments.
  • How long does it take to heat up before service? Allow 25-30 minutes for optimal cooking temperature—patience ensures best results.

Looking for Equipment by Business Type?

Not sure where to start? Whether you're running a bustling café, opening a pizzeria, or managing a school canteen, we've made it easy to shop by business type. Explore handpicked equipment bundles and essentials tailored to your industry—saving you time and making sure you get exactly what you need.

Other Categories You Might Find Useful

We’ve selected some closely related categories that might be essential for your setup. Whether you’re expanding your kitchen or just making sure you’ve got everything covered, these links will help you explore more equipment that fits your needs.

What our Customers Say

  • 'Our koto grill has become the centrepiece of our open kitchen—customers are mesmerised!'

    M Mark Executive Chef, Yama Restaurant, Birmingham
  • 'The flavour difference is remarkable—absolutely worth the investment.'

    L Liam Owner, Kobe Dining, Glasgow

Why Choose EasyEquipment for Commercial Koto Grills & Ovens?

  • Specialist Knowledge 50 years supporting Japanese restaurants—genuine expertise.
  • Installation Support Connections with certified installers—properly set up.
  • Value Commitment Fair pricing on specialist equipment—honest marketplace.
  • Ongoing Guidance Technical support for the life of your equipment—never left hanging.

Ready to Explore Commercial Koto Grills & Ovens?

Elevate your Japanese menu with our range of authentic commercial koto grills and ovens. Benefit from our extensive experience and find the perfect model to transform your kitchen's capabilities and impress your customers!

Contact Us 0333 355 0535

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