The Ultimate Guide to the 2-in-1 Countertop Japanese Gas Stove & Grill

The eternal challenge of the modern home is the optimization of space.

How do you get full-sized functionality when your kitchen is anything but? For many, the question “Need both a hob and a grill but short on space?” is a daily reality. The video, set in what appears to be an appliance store surrounded by kitchen brands like Kenwood, Russell Hobbs, and Hoffman, provides a compelling answer: the “countertop Japanese gas stove.”

This clever appliance is far more than a simple hot plate. As the video demonstrates, it is a fully-fledged cooking station that “combines multiple gas burners on the top surface with a compact, slide-out grill integrated directly into the base.” It’s presented as an all-in-one “space-saving unit” designed for those who need to cook, grill, and roast but lack the square footage for a traditional, full-sized cooker.

This article, fulfilling the “Read More” prompt, provides an in-depth look at the features, operation, and ideal use cases for this versatile piece of kitchen technology.

What Is a Countertop Japanese Gas Stove?

The device shown in the video is a self-contained, portable gas appliance. Unlike a built-in hob that is permanently installed into a worktop, this unit sits on the counter. Its design philosophy is rooted in efficiency and multi-functionality, a hallmark of Japanese product design, particularly for compact urban living.

The main body of the unit, branded “TIGER” on the grill handle, is a sleek black and silver box. It connects to a gas supply (likely a standard LPG bottle, given its portability) and provides a two-in-one cooking solution: a gas hob on top and a gas grill below.

The video highlights that this isn’t a low-powered, temporary appliance. The demonstrator ignites the burners to show strong, blue flames, indicating powerful and efficient heat output suitable for everyday cooking.

Deconstructing the 2-in-1 Design: Features and Components

The genius of this appliance is how it integrates two essential kitchen functions into a single, compact footprint.

1. The Top Surface: A Dual-Burner Gas Hob

The top of the unit “combines multiple gas burners”—specifically, two main burners. This allows for standard multi-pot cooking, such as boiling water on one burner while simmering a sauce on the other.

  • Powerful Burners: When ignited, the burners produce a large, robust flame, dispelling any notion that this is a “weak” portable stove.
  • Durable Pan Supports: The burners are topped with sturdy, black-enamelled pan supports (pot rests). These are designed to be removable for easy cleaning and can clearly support the weight of heavy pots and pans.
  • Easy-to-Clean Surface: The entire top surface is a glossy, black enamel, which is typically non-stick and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

2. The Base: A “Compact, Slide-Out Grill”

This is the product’s standout feature. “Integrated directly into the base” is a gas-powered grill, concealed behind a handle that resembles a simple drawer.

  • Drawer-Style Access: The demonstrator pulls the “TIGER” branded handle, and the entire grill unit slides out smoothly, just like a drawer in a chest of riggts.
  • Grill Pan and Wire Rack: Inside the drawer is a complete grilling setup. The video shows the demonstrator removing a metal grill pan (drip tray) and the wire rack that sits on top. This is identical in function to a conventional oven’s grill.
  • Gas-Powered Broiling: The inside of the grill cavity reveals the gas element at the top. This provides direct, high heat, perfect for grilling toast, browning the top of a pasta bake, or cooking sausages and fish.
  • Dedicated Controls: To the right of the grill drawer, a set of three smaller, dedicated buttons suggests precise control over the grill’s ignition and temperature, separate from the main hob burners.

3. The Ignition System: A Clever, Battery-Powered Design

One of the most practical features, highlighted in the video, is the ignition. There’s no need for matches or a nearby electrical socket.

  • Battery Bay: The demonstrator opens a small compartment on the front-left of the appliance.
  • Standard Battery Power: He inserts a single, red “TOSHIBA” branded battery (which appears to be a D-cell). The module itself is branded “Rinnai,” a well-known name in gas appliances.
  • Push-Button Electronic Ignition: With the battery installed, the demonstrator simply presses a large, grey push-button on the front of the unit. This action creates a spark and instantly ignites the selected gas burner.

This battery-powered ignition is a game-changing feature that untethers the appliance from the electrical grid, making it truly portable and ideal for the specific use cases mentioned in the audio.

The Ideal Solution for Compact Living

The audio narration perfectly identifies the target audience for this “space-saving unit.” It is “well suited for small British kitchens, student flats, or caravans.” Let’s explore why.

  • Small British Kitchens: Many UK homes, particularly older flats, apartments, and terraced houses, feature “galley” kitchens or have very limited counter space. This appliance provides the functionality of a hob and a grill without consuming the space of a 60cm freestanding cooker. It allows for more counter space or under-counter storage.
  • Student Flats: Student accommodation is the definition of “short on space.” A student in a studio flat or a shared house (HMO) could use this single appliance for the vast majority of their cooking needs—boiling pasta, frying an egg, and even making grilled cheese. The battery ignition is a plus, as it doesn’t add to the electricity bill and works even if a-flatmate blows a fuse.
  • Caravans: This is perhaps the most perfect use case. Caravan and motorhome kitchens are built around extreme space and power efficiency. Gas is the primary fuel for cooking, and electricity can be limited. This battery-ignited, dual-function unit is an RVer’s dream. It offers the full “hob and grill” experience of a home kitchen while being compact and operating entirely “off-grid.”
  • Other Scenarios: This appliance would also be ideal for a small holiday cabin, a bedsit, a garden office “man cave,” or as an auxiliary “overflow” cooker for a large family during holidays.

Conclusion

The countertop Japanese gas stove demonstrated in the video is a masterful example of practical, efficient design. It solves a common problem by refusing to compromise on function, even when space is at a premium.

By ingeniously combining two powerful gas burners with a fully functional slide-out gas grill, it delivers a 2-in-1 cooking station. The addition of a battery-powered electronic ignition system makes it a truly versatile and portable unit. It is the perfect, practical, and “space-saving” solution for anyone in a small kitchen, a student flat, or a caravan who still wants the ability to cook and grill properly.