The Bastard

The Bastard is a leading brand in the world of ceramic kamado barbecues, recognised for blending the ancestral art of fire cooking with the innovation of Dutch design. Born out of a passion for authentic flavours and the aesthetics of Pure Dutch Design, The Bastard reimagines the traditional kamado method with a modern twist.

Each barbecue offers a true “four-in-one” experience, serving as a barbecue, oven, stove and smoker all in one. Alongside its striking and elegant design, every The Bastard kamado prioritises efficiency and functionality, enabling barbecue enthusiasts to create unforgettable moments all year round.

Brief History and Popularity

The Bastard’s story began in 2013, when Dutch brothers Jeroen and Martijn Wesselink launched the first model. Their vision was to create a high-quality ceramic kamado at a fair price, as an alternative to established American brands. Within a few years, the concept gained traction and the company (under the name 200° Fahrenheit) became the market leader in the Netherlands, expanding its range with accessories and reaching more BBQ fans. Today, The Bastard is a benchmark brand in the Netherlands and across Europe, known for premium materials and cutting-edge design. It is now present in more than 40 countries, cementing its reputation as a global player in outdoor cooking.

Unique Features of The Bastard

Design and Versatility: The Bastard embodies Dutch design at its finest, striking a perfect balance between style and function. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure not only elegance but also maximum culinary performance. These kamados are exceptionally versatile, enabling grilling, baking, wok cooking, cold or hot smoking and even slow cooking — all with one unit. Each piece is handcrafted, meaning no two Bastards are exactly the same, giving them an exclusive, artisanal touch.

Technological Innovation: A key differentiator for The Bastard is its constant innovation. Built from industrial-grade cordierite ceramic, the body is extremely heat resistant and offers outstanding insulation, maintaining steady internal temperatures for perfect results. Backed by a lifetime warranty on ceramic parts, these kamados are designed for durability. Technological highlights include a two-level cooking system for both direct and indirect heat, precision airflow controls with a cast iron top vent and adjustable bottom damper, and the advanced The Bastard VX generation — featuring an improved dome, soft-close hinges, reinforced cart, fibreglass seal and optimised vent cap for ultimate temperature control.

Aesthetics and Functionality: With a premium look and feel, The Bastard kamados combine sleek, contemporary aesthetics with practical features. The Urban and VX series boast an exclusive matte black finish, while the Classic range retains a glossy traditional look. Bamboo accents on handles and side shelves add warmth and durability. Stainless steel grates, reinforced hinges and weather-resistant fittings ensure these units are not just beautiful but also functional and built to withstand intensive use outdoors.

Benefits of The Bastard

Superior Cooking Experience: The thick ceramic body and excellent insulation deliver consistent heat distribution, similar to a traditional wood-fired oven. This allows for low-and-slow cooking for hours, or searing at very high heat. From authentic Italian pizzas to slow-smoked briskets, The Bastard produces professional results with unmatched flavour. Users highlight the rich, juicy textures and unique taste achieved across a wide variety of recipes — from beer-braised ribs in winter to grilled burgers in summer.

Ease of Use: Despite their professional-grade performance, The Bastard kamados are designed for simplicity. Lighting the charcoal is straightforward, temperatures are easy to reach and maintain, and the intuitive airflow system makes adjusting heat effortless. Handy features such as the ash collector and charcoal basket simplify cleaning, while the robust hinge system ensures smooth, safe lid operation.

Durability and Resistance: Built to last a lifetime, The Bastard kamados use the highest-quality materials. The cordierite ceramic withstands extreme heat and thermal shock, with a lifetime guarantee. Marine-grade stainless steel or anti-corrosion coated metal parts resist weather and wear, while bamboo shelves and other elements are treated for outdoor durability. Professionals and home chefs alike describe The Bastard as “virtually for life”.

Innovation in Outdoor Cooking

The Bastard has helped to democratise the kamado in Europe, offering premium quality and ease of use at competitive prices. Its constant innovations — from optimised dome designs and multi-level cooking systems to improved seals and air controls — have set trends in the ceramic barbecue market. Alongside product development, the brand fosters a vibrant BBQ community by sharing recipes, techniques and tips, enriching the experience for all users.

Buying Guide: Choosing Your The Bastard

Size and capacity: The Bastard range covers every need, from the Small (25 cm grill, perfect for balconies or travel, serving 2–4 portions) to the XL (~59 cm grill, weighing over 200 kg, designed for events and large gatherings). The most popular is the Large (~49 cm grill), offering versatility for up to 8 diners. Choose according to your space and the number of people you typically cook for.

Series and finishes: The Classic range features a glossy black finish, the Urban models come in a sophisticated matte black, and the VX series (available in Medium and Large) represents the premium line with the latest upgrades. If you want the most advanced features and a modern look, the VX is ideal; otherwise, Classic or Urban will deliver the same core quality.

Configuration: stand-alone or built-in: Decide if you prefer your kamado on a Complete cart with wheels and bamboo shelves, or as a Solo unit for integration into a custom outdoor kitchen. Stand-alone models are practical and mobile, while Solo versions allow flexibility for built-in designs.

Included accessories: Many Complete packages include essentials such as a ceramic heat deflector, charcoal basket, stainless steel ash pan, thick cooking grate and cart with bamboo shelves. Having these from the start lets you enjoy full functionality without extra purchases. The Bastard also offers a wide range of optional accessories — from cast iron griddles to pizza stones and protective covers — to expand your cooking possibilities.