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The Bastard kamado barbecues

The Bastard kamado barbecues – Dutch top-quality ceramic BBQ. Discover The Bastard, the ultimate kamado for every BBQ enthusiast who loves quality and versatility. The Bastard is a Dutch kamado brand that was born out of two brothers’ (Jeroen and Martijn Wesselink) love for authentic flavours and beautiful design. This premium ceramic barbecue is built using only the best materials and comes with a lifetime warranty on the ceramic. The result is a kamado that is not only beautiful to look at, but above all efficient, functional and durable in use.

The Bastard is known as “the pride of the Netherlands” in the world of barbecues – a versatile all-rounder that allows you to grill, bake, smoke, stew and roast to your heart’s content. Thanks to its excellent heat insulation and temperature control, a Bastard allows you to use charcoal up to 70% more efficiently than a traditional barbecue. What’s more, the temperature remains constant for hours, ideal for low & slow sessions. In short, The Bastard is a kamado that does what it’s supposed to do – and excels as one of the best in its class.

Why choose The Bastard?

Unrivalled build quality and performance: The Bastard stands out thanks to its robust construction and well-thought-out details. For example, the bowl and lid are made of very thick cordierite ceramic, which retains heat extremely well and can withstand very high temperatures. The kamado closes perfectly with high-quality gaskets, allowing you to control the temperature very precisely. This brand offers excellent temperature control, efficient fuel consumption and versatile cooking options – from hours of low & slow cooking to baking crispy pizzas at high temperatures in just a few minutes. Thanks to its excellent insulation, a Bastard uses much less charcoal than a regular barbecue, and you can maintain a constant temperature for hours with minimal effort. The result is a grilling experience that will impress both amateur and professional chefs alike.

Dutch innovation and design: The Bastard has been refined and designed by Dutch people with an eye for detail. Every Bastard kamado is only equipped with components and accessories that the makers themselves would use – only then does it become part of the collection. Every aspect of the design has been carefully considered: from the choice of materials to the shape and functionality. For example, the top ventilation (the Precision Top) is made of solid cast iron and can be adjusted with great precision, and the hinge systems and handles are designed to withstand years of intensive use. This makes The Bastard a barbecue that is truly built for “Serious Outdoor Cooking”. You’ll notice it in practice: the Bastard kamado retains heat evenly, bakes and grills evenly, and can effortlessly reach temperatures above 350°C. At the same time, you can also use it for low & slow cooking in a very controlled manner without constant adjustment. This combination of thoughtful design and top-quality materials makes it a reliable partner for any BBQ culinary challenge.

Versatility and accessories: With The Bastard, you may be getting the most versatile barbecue currently available. It truly offers endless possibilities: direct grilling over hot coals, indirect cooking using heat shields, smoking meat and fish, baking bread and pizza, stir-frying and stewing – everything is possible on a Bastard kamado. The brand encourages you to experiment with all kinds of cooking techniques and recipes, and supports this with a huge range of accessories. The Bastard has a tool for every cooking technique: from cast iron grill grates, baking trays and Dutch ovens to handy risers, pizza peels and plancha plates. They have even developed their own line of top-quality charcoal and smoking wood to achieve the best results. To maximise the lifespan of your kamado, The Bastard also offers all the necessary maintenance products, such as cleaning brushes, new gaskets and protective covers to protect your kamado in all weathers. In fact, an entire ecosystem has been built around the brand, so that you, the user, can always get the most out of your kamado (and that for a lifetime, thanks to the comprehensive warranty coverage).

Excellent value for money: Compared to other well-known kamado brands, The Bastard often offers a more attractive price for equivalent (or even better) equipment. You get premium quality without the premium price you pay with some competitors. For example, a Bastard kamado of comparable size is usually more affordable than a Big Green Egg, for example, without compromising on performance or durability. That makes The Bastard a smart investment for many grill fans – you get more for your money. Combine this with the aforementioned lifetime (20-year) ceramic warranty and the brand’s continuous product innovations, and it’s clear why The Bastard has become so popular among kamado enthusiasts.

Models and series of The Bastard

The right model for every user: The Bastard offers a wide range of kamados in various sizes and designs. Whether you are a seasoned grill master who barbecues all year round or a summer hobby chef who occasionally grills for friends and family, there is always a Bastard to suit your needs. By far the most popular size is Large (Ø 49 cm), but models vary in grill diameter from Small (Ø 25 cm) to Extra Large (Ø 56 cm), suitable for approximately 1-2 people up to 10+ people. In addition, you can choose from different series, each with their own finish and features. Below we list the most important The Bastard series:

The Bastard Classic & Urban series

These are the basic models of The Bastard, available in sizes Small, Compact, Medium, Large (and XL exclusively in Urban version). The only difference between the Classic and Urban is the colour/finish. Classic models have a glossy black ceramic finish, while the Urban variants are matt anthracite (dark grey/black). Technically and in terms of equipment, they are otherwise identical. (The matt glaze is somewhat more difficult to produce, which means that Urban versions are slightly more expensive than the glossy Classic.)

The Bastard Classic Large no pack

All Classic/Urban kamados are characterised by high-quality details: for example, they have a heavy cast iron top vent (for precise air control) instead of the basic daisy top disc found on older entry-level models. The lid is also equipped with a smooth ‘easy-open’ hinge system with four springs, making the heavy ceramic lid easier to open. Inside, we find an 8 mm thick stainless steel two-piece crescent grill grate that is part of the Multilevel Cooking System – this allows you to place the two half grates at different heights for direct and indirect cooking at the same time.
Furthermore, all these appliances are equipped with two half-moon heat shields for indirect cooking and come standard with a stainless steel charcoal basket and a removable ash lifter at the bottom, which makes cleaning a breeze.
All Bastards are made internally from high-quality cordierite ceramic with a ceramic fire ring and fire bowl for optimal heat reflection. The kamado stands on a sturdy powder-coated steel base with thick swivel wheels – very stable and easy to move. In short, with a Classic or Urban, you get a complete top-of-the-range barbecue with all the mod cons. The choice between Classic or Urban is mainly aesthetic: glossy or matt.

Tip: Most Bastard users choose the Large size as an all-rounder with a Ø49 cm grid, ideal for families of ~4-6 people. Medium (Ø40 cm) is ideal for those with less outdoor space. Compact and Small are great as a second BBQ or for those who value mobility and portability – these smaller models are lighter and easier to transport.

The Bastard VX series (2022)

In 2022, The Bastard introduced the VX series, as the icing on the cake on top of the Classic / Urban series. This line is more exclusive, more luxurious and even more versatile than the previous models. The Bastard VX offers a range of improvements: it has a redesigned cast iron top vent that can be adjusted even more precisely and an angular dome that creates more space in the appliance, which is useful for beer can chicken, large pieces of meat or if you want to cook with a Dutch oven.

The VX kamados come standard with extra-long bamboo side tables, which provide more workspace when cooking. These side tables are metal-edged and have space on the side to hang your BBQ tongs and other tools. The handle is ergonomically shaped and extra sturdy (powder-coated metal and bamboo) for greater comfort. Of course, the VX series features the complete Multilevel Cooking System, the stainless steel charcoal basket and the ash lifter – all the top features are included. Unique to the VX is the multi-part firebox: instead of one large ceramic piece, the firebox consists of separate segments. This prevents cracks caused by frequent heating and cooling of the appliance (a one-piece firebox can be more vulnerable). Furthermore, the lid hinge on the VX has been optimised, making the lid even lighter to open than on the Classic/Urban. The base has also been further reinforced; the VX stands on an even more robust frame with extra-large rubber wheels for maximum stability and easy movement. The VX series is available in Large (Ø49cm) and Medium (Ø40cm) sizes.
An interesting detail: all VX models have a matte “Urban” finish – there are no glossy VX variants. This gives them a high-end look and feel. In short, the Bastard VX is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a stylish upgrade with a classy look: a Bastard where every detail has been thought through and which allows you to perform even better.

The Bastard Core series (2026)

As the successor to the former Large (Classic), The Bastard introduced The Bastard Core as a new entry-level model in its range. But make no mistake: the Core is anything but a basic model. This model combines the familiar ceramic quality with targeted innovations in terms of ease of use, finish and mobility.

The Bastard Core is available in Large (Ø49 cm), but also in Medium and Compact sizes. This allows you to choose the model that perfectly suits your garden, terrace or outdoor kitchen. Whether you cook for your family or enjoy entertaining guests, there is always a Core that matches your BBQ style.

What’s more, the Core incorporates several improvements from the Pro series: a new top cap for more precise airflow and temperature control, an improved hinge that makes the dome lighter and easier to open, and a faster, more accurate dome thermometer that is easier to read. The modular side tables (without wood) are also easy to maintain and suitable for practical inlays such as cutting boards, while the redesigned handle without wood provides a sleek look with less maintenance.

Finally, new features include the redesigned base with larger wheels, a sleek black matte intake grille and a choice of Graphite or Glossy finishes.

Like every Bastard, the Core comes fully equipped as standard. You get a charcoal basket for better air circulation and more efficient charcoal consumption, and a practical ash pan that makes cleaning easy. Thanks to the multi-level system, you can work at different heights and switch effortlessly between direct and indirect grilling. The two crescent-shaped heat shields allow you to cook low & slow or create different heat zones, while the stainless steel crescent-shaped grates provide flexibility and durability. In short: everything you need for versatile barbecuing is provided – from grilling and smoking to baking and cooking at high temperatures.

This makes the Bastard Core the ideal choice for those looking for a full-fledged kamado with modern upgrades and maximum flexibility in any size.

The Bastard PRO series (2025)

As the successor to the VX, The Bastard introduced another major innovation: the Bastard PRO series. Launched in 2025, this line is positioned as ‘the new standard in BBQ innovation’.

In fact, The Bastard PRO combines the best of the Bastard VX with a whole range of new improvements and product innovations. The result is an unrivalled kamado for the serious barbecue enthusiast. The PRO series builds on the improvements of the VX and adds extra features, plus a fresh look with two new colours. The Bastard PRO models are available in a number of exclusive matt colours in addition to the usual Graphite (dark grey), Alpine Green (dark green) and Desert Sand (light beige) – giving the design a beautiful, modern twist. Further technical refinements have been made (including to the top cap and thermometer, among other things) to further improve the user experience and performance. But there are also many innovations that you won’t find in any other brand, such as the dynamic cast iron Twist Deflector, flexible Modular Side Table System, handy Grip & Go Mobility System handles and the robust 6-sided Grill Grate! The Bastard PRO is available in Large size (Ø49) – and other sizes may follow. With the PRO positioning, The Bastard underlines its ambition to remain at the forefront. This series is therefore the cream of the crop: the ultimate Bastard kamado, with all the conveniences and improvements the brand has to offer.

Comparison table: The Bastard Series

The Bastard offers several series, each designed for a specific type of user. From the solid Classic/Urban models to the innovative PRO series, below you will find the main differences.



Feature Classic & Urban Series VX Series (2023) Core Series (2026) PRO Series (2025)
Grill rack diameter Compact: 34cm / Medium: 40cm / L: 49cm / XL: 59cm Medium: 40cm / L: 49cm Compact: 34cm / Medium: 40cm / L: 49cm L: 49cm / XL: 59cm
For how many people?Compact: 1 or 2 / Medium: 2 - 4 / L: 2 - 6 / XL: > 6Medium: 2 - 4 / L: 2 - 6Compact: 1 or 2 / Medium: 2 - 4 / L: 2 - 6L: 2 - 6 / XL: > 6
Grill rack 2x Half moon 7 mm thick round stainless steel 2x Half moon 7 mm thick round stainless steel 2x Half moon 7 mm thick round stainless steel 2x Half moon 7 mm thick hexagonal stainless steel
Finishing Classic (Glossy Black), Urban (Matte Graphite) Exclusively Matt Graphite Glossy (Glossy Black), Graphite (Matte Black) Matte finish in colour: Graphite, Alpine Green, Desert Sand
Top ventilation Cast iron Topvent Renewed cast iron Precision Topvent New Precision Topcap with silicone grip control New Precision Topcap with silicone grip control
Air supply Below Single air slide Dual air supply for finer control Stylish matt black intake grille Double air supply with stop for smooth operation
Firebox One-piece ceramic fire bowl Multi-piece fire pit (prevents cracking) Multi-piece fire pit (prevents cracking) Multi-piece fire pit (prevents cracking)
Hinge Easy-open hinge system (4 springs) Optimised hinge (opens more easily) Improved hinge (opens more easily) Hinge & Grip & Go Mobility System
Chassis Standard powder-coated steel frame Robust frame design with larger wheels Renewed chassis with larger wheels Pre-assembled frame for maximum stability
Side tables Standard bamboo side tables XL bamboo side tables Flexible modular side table system made from Trespa Flexible modular side table system made from Trespa
Handle Standard meranti handle Ergonomic bamboo handle Durable and ergonomic fibreglass handle Durable and ergonomic fibreglass handle
Heat shields 2x Half moon ceramic 2x Half moon ceramic 2x Half moon ceramic Dynamic Twist Deflector cast iron
Included Multilevel Cooking System, Heat Shields, Stainless Steel Coal Basket All features of Classic/Urban + improvements All features of Classic/Urban + improvements All the features of the VX + latest innovations
Ideal For The barbecue enthusiast who is seeking a complete, high-quality kamado at a competitive price. The serious outdoor chef who desires greater precision, durability, and workspace. Anyone looking for a full-fledged kamado with modern upgrades and maximum flexibility The pioneer who desires the latest innovations and an exclusive design and is seeking a device that guarantees years of ease of use.

Popular accessories from The Bastard

A major advantage of choosing The Bastard is the extensive range of matching accessories. Because the brand itself is closely involved in outdoor cooking, they have developed handy tools for every application. Some highlights from the range:

SloRoller

Multilevel Cooking System & Deflectors: All Bastard kamados (from Medium Complete and larger) come with the Multi Level Cooking System, a raised grid system that allows you to cook on multiple levels at the same time. In combination with this, you get crescent-shaped ‘plate setters’ (heat shields) that allow you to make part of the grill indirect. This system is ideal for using one half of the kamado for cooking and the other for grilling, for example. You create a direct and an indirect zone in your Bastard, allowing pieces of meat and vegetables to cook slowly and juicily without being directly exposed to the fire, while you can grill and brown on the direct side.

Essentials & tools: Naturally, The Bastard also offers all the necessary BBQ tools and accessories. These include stainless steel tong sets, BBQ spatulas, BBQ forks and charcoal tongs, as well as a One Minute Lighter (electric charcoal lighter) for quick starts. For safety, sturdy heat-resistant BBQ gloves are available. And to keep your Bastard in top condition, you can get customised rain covers for each appliance and the Infinity Gasket Kit (replacement kit for the airtight felt/fibreglass seal). The Bastard really thinks of everything: they have even developed a rotisserie spit that fits your Bastard and also includes a pizza oven. There are also handy rib racks, pizza stones, chicken sitters and much more. Almost all common kamado accessories are available in a Bastard version, high quality and tailored to their models.

Cast iron accessories: The Bastard has an extensive range of cast iron accessories because cooking with cast iron produces exceptional results. For example, there are cast iron half moon grids and planchas (griddles) available in various sizes, which allow you to achieve perfect grill marks or cook teppanyaki-style. Other popular items include Dutch Ovens, which are heavy cast iron pots in various sizes. A handy feature of Bastard Dutch Ovens is that their lids can be used as skillets! Cast iron is easy to maintain using Bastard’s Care Spray! The even heat distribution ensures magical dishes full of flavour. Many Bastard owners swear by the cast iron Half Moon Griddle for preparing smash burgers or the Dutch Oven for stews.

Burnables: charcoal and smoking wood: Unique to The Bastard is that it also offers fuels under its own label. The Burnables range includes various types of premium charcoal that are perfect for kamado use. This charcoal burns extra hot and long, with little ash – ideal for low & slow or hot & fast cooking. In addition, there are various types of smoking wood (chunks, chips) available to add extra flavour to your dishes, as well as handy firelighters and natural firelighting cubes. The advantage of Bastard fuels is that they have been extensively tested for use in the kamado, so you can be sure that they deliver optimal performance.

Cookbooks: To make barbecuing even more enjoyable, The Bastard offers inspiring cookbooks (such as Let’s Make BBQ Great Again and We Can BBQ) full of recipes and tips from top chefs and pitmasters. This fits in with the community that has grown up around the brand: Bastard loves to share knowledge and recipes so that you can get the most out of your kamado.

In summary: whatever aspect of barbecuing you want to try, The Bastard probably has an accessory or tool ready for you. From preparation to maintenance, the entire ecosystem has been carefully thought out. This extensive range of accessories and supporting products contributes to The Bastard’s status as a total brand for kamado enthusiasts – you can get everything you need in one go.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Bastard a good kamado?

Yes, The Bastard is definitely one of the top-of-the-range kamados and is well worth the investment. Years of testing and experience have shown that a Bastard kamado delivers very high-quality results. The appliance stands out thanks to its excellent temperature control, economical charcoal consumption and wide range of uses for all kinds of cooking techniques. You can use it for low & slow cooking as well as baking pizzas or grilling steaks at very high temperatures. The build quality is comparable to – and in some respects better than – that of other premium brand kamados. What’s more, it offers better value for money than some of its competitors, without compromising on quality. A Bastard will last for decades (if used properly) and comes with a 20-year warranty on all ceramic parts (including the firebox), which shows that the manufacturer has a lot of confidence in its product. In short, The Bastard is an excellent kamado that comes highly recommended by many BBQ experts and amateur chefs.

What is the difference between The Bastard and Big Green Egg?

Big Green Egg (BGE) is the first kamado brand to have held a patent for many years. The Bastard is a leading European kamado brand with Dutch roots and design. In terms of cooking performance and principle, they work the same – both are top-class ceramic barbecues that deliver similar results. The main difference is often in the price and the accessories included. The Bastard is generally much more affordable than a Big Green Egg of comparable size. For example, a Bastard Large costs around €1,400, while a BGE Large costs more than €1,800. But the price difference is even greater because The Bastard comes standard with all the necessary accessories to get started right away (such as a Multi-Level System, stainless steel charcoal basket, etc.), which you have to purchase separately from BGE. The Bastard also focuses more on innovations: for example, the VX / PRO series with double air supply and Multi-Panel Firebox are its own developments. BGE mainly relies on its brand awareness. Warranty differs: BGE offers a lifetime warranty on ceramics (for the first owner), Bastard offers 20 years (which is practically the same order of magnitude). Ultimately, both brands are excellent; The Bastard profiles itself as the modern and more affordable alternative to the Big Green Egg. Many users choose The Bastard because of its excellent build quality at a competitive price, without any significant compromises, and because it is a renowned European brand with years of experience.

Are there any known issues or disadvantages with The Bastard?

In general, The Bastard has few structural problems; it is a very solid product. However, there are a few points to consider that apply to all kamados: Firstly, a Bastard, especially the larger models, is very heavy – a Large Complete weighs ~100 kg. It is therefore best to move it with two people or using the wheels on a flat surface. The weight is inherent to the thick ceramic walls, which in turn ensure good heat insulation and stable temperature control. Secondly, the felt seal requires some maintenance: the felt or fibreglass gasket around the edge wears out over time and may need to be replaced after 5 to 7 years – this is normal for all kamados. The Bastard sells handy replacement kits for this, so you can do it quickly and easily. Furthermore, you only need to completely empty the appliance once a year as part of major maintenance to remove the ashes at the bottom. Cracks or fissures: occasionally, kamado owners may encounter a crack in the ceramic firebox, often due to a combination of factors (extreme temperature differences or a fall/impact). At The Bastard, such cases are relatively rare and are covered by warranty if the defect is material. Interestingly, the latest Bastard models (VX / PRO) have a multi-piece firebox precisely to prevent this type of cracking – an innovation that further minimises this risk. Furthermore, the frequently mentioned “problems” are actually about learning to use a new way of cooking: The Bastard has an excellent reputation. What is often mentioned in forums is that “the user” has to learn how to use the air control, but that applies to every kamado. All in all, there are no specific drawbacks that only apply to The Bastard. With normal care (do not drop it, keep it clean, cover it when it is outside), a Bastard will last for decades without any problems.

How do I get The Bastard to a temperature of 300+ °C?

Firing up a kamado at high temperatures requires sufficient oxygen and fuel. Here’s how to get your Bastard hot quickly: fill the fire bowl with a generous amount of high-quality charcoal (you’ll find good quality charcoal at a specialist retailer, not in the supermarket) and light it in three places. Leave all air controls fully open—both the bottom slide and the top vent—and close the dome lid as soon as the flame from the fire starter goes out (this creates the chimney effect). Within ~15-30 minutes (depending on the type of charcoal), the temperature should quickly reach 250-300 °C. Tip: always wait until the desired temperature has been reached before placing your heat shields, otherwise you will block the airflow and the appliance may not reach a high enough temperature. The Bastard Kamado can reach very high temperatures; above 350°C is easily achievable for baking authentic Italian pizzas, for example. It is important to use sufficient fresh charcoal that has not been stored in damp conditions and to ensure that no old ashes or small pieces of charcoal are blocking the air holes. If you are still having trouble reaching 300 °C, check that the top vent is fully open. In practice, the Bastard impresses with its high temperature range, making it suitable not only for low & slow cooking or grilling and baking, but also for making delicious pizzas!

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