It doesn't matter what you choose: the Bastard BBQ Large, the Medium or handy accessories. A Bastard BBQ is a brilliant addition to your outdoor kitchen. In this blog we explain what the advantages are, how the Bastard differs from other barbecues, and what to look out for to make the best choice.
What an outdoor kitchen with a Bastard BBQ adds
A Bastard BBQ has lots of advantages. Instead of a standard metal grill, you work with ceramic here. Ceramic cooking retains heat much better and ensures a controlled airflow. The result?
- Your meat stays juicy.
- Your charcoal lasts longer.
- You get a constant temperature, even when it's freezing or raining outside.
That thick ceramic lid simply keeps the cold and damp out. Really ideal for barbecuing all year round.
More than just grilling
A Bastard BBQ can be used for much more than just burgers and pork belly slices. Thanks to the Multilevel Cooking System you can cook at different heights, grill directly or indirectly, and combine different techniques.
Put a nice piece of meat low down near the fire first for a tasty crust, then let it carry on cooking gently a bit higher up.
And it doesn't stop there. You can also use it for smoking, steaming or slow cooking. That makes this barbecue a super versatile choice for someone who's just starting out or who has been a keen griller for years.
Easy to clean
After a lovely dinner, you don't want to spend another hour scrubbing. Fortunately, The Bastard has thought of that. Thanks to the ash lifter you can simply slide the dirt out of the barbecue without having to dig around in it or brush everything out.
The charcoal basket keeps your charcoal neatly together, so there's no loose grit or caked-on mess at the bottom. That saves quite a bit of work. All in all, you'll be done tidying up in no time.
Alternative kamado BBQs for your outdoor kitchen
Thinking of buying a ceramic barbecue, but no idea yet which outdoor kitchen with BBQ to go for? Don't worry, we'll help you on your way.
Whether you only grill for yourself or regularly have a group of friends round for dinner, there's always a size that suits your style of barbecuing.
We'll take you through the differences between brands, explain what to look out for, and show you which accessories make cooking even more fun (and easier). That way you really get the most out of your outdoor kitchen.
Which kamado brand suits you?
There are quite a few kamado brands on the market, and each has its own style and advantages. It all depends on what matters to you: price, design, features, or simply how often you'll use it.
- Big Green Egg: This is pretty much the classic among kamados. Super-sturdy ceramic, lasts for years, and you see them everywhere.
- Kamado Joe: This one is particularly handy if you love clever gadgets. The Divide & Conquer system, for example, makes grilling on multiple levels super simple.
- The Bastard: A proud Dutch brand with a rugged look. Good performance and a price tag that won't make you flinch.
- Grill Guru: perfect if you're looking for a kamado with a low price but fine performance.
Choose a brand that suits your budget, cooking style and wishes.
How big does your grilling surface need to be?
How much space you need on your kamado mainly depends on how many people you usually grill for. Do you often cook for two to four people? Then a grill of around 34 cm will do nicely.
If you more often have four to six people at the table, a 47 cm size is a bit more practical. And if you regularly have whole groups round, think six people or more, you'll really want a larger kamado with at least 56 cm of grilling surface. That way you have enough room to feed everyone in one go, without any problems.
Which accessories complete your kamado?
A kamado is great on its own, but with the right accessories you really get the most out of it. These are the basics (and a few extras for the keen grillers):
- Plate setter or deflector stone: with this you grill indirectly, ideal for slow cooking or larger cuts of meat.
- Pizza stone: fancy a crispy stone-baked pizza? This stone makes it happen.
- Core thermometer: no more guesswork; your meat is cooked exactly right.
- Cast-iron grill for those perfect grill marks and extra flavour.
- Good barbecue tongs and heat-resistant gloves for safe and smooth grilling.
For those who really want to go all in, there are also options for a rotisserie (turning spit).