The Bastard VX Large Complete Review

The Bastard VX Large Complete is a robust charcoal barbecue designed for grilling enthusiasts who appreciate authentic smoky flavors. It features a spacious cooking area, making it ideal for large gatherings, although its size may be overwhelming for smaller spaces. The grill's design combines aesthetics with functionality, using high-quality materials like a heavy-duty ceramic body for excellent heat retention and a sleek matte black finish resistant to weather conditions. Its ergonomic handle and sturdy wheels add to its usability, though some maintenance, such as tightening bolts, is required.

Cooking performance is impressive, with the grill reaching high searing temperatures and maintaining consistent heat for slow cooking. However, patience is needed to reach peak temperatures due to the thick ceramic walls. Temperature control is reliable, aided by dual air-flow systems and a built-in thermometer, though beginners might face a learning curve. Maintenance is straightforward, with features like an easy-to-remove ash catcher, although cleaning the grates can be labor-intensive.

Compared to competitors like the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe, the Bastard VX offers a balance of price, features, and performance, making it a viable choice for serious grillers. Overall, it provides a blend of style and functionality, delivering an exceptional grilling experience if you have the space and commitment to match its capabilities.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the The Bastard Urban Compact or The Bastard Urban Medium Complete or The Bastard Urban Large Complete.

Welcome to the world of charcoal barbecuing, where the aroma of sizzling meat and the crackle of burning coals create an unparalleled grilling experience. Today, we're taking a closer look at the Bastard VX Large Complete, a charcoal barbecue that promises to deliver not just perfectly cooked food but also an enjoyable cooking process. If you're someone who appreciates the authentic smoky flavors that only charcoal can offer, then you're in for a treat.

This grill is designed for those who love to entertain and feed a crowd. It boasts a large cooking area that makes it perfect for family gatherings or summer parties. However, if you're short on space or only cooking for a small group, its size might be a bit overwhelming. Nevertheless, its robust structure and thoughtful features aim to make it a staple in any backyard.

The overall design is both sleek and practical, aiming to combine aesthetics with functionality. It's crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and long-term use. Yet, for beginners, its advanced features might present a slight learning curve. But, isn't mastering something new part of the fun?

As we delve deeper into this review, we'll explore various aspects of the Bastard VX Large Complete, from its design and build quality to its cooking performance. We'll also see how it stacks up against competitors and whether it's worth making space for in your outdoor setup.

The design and build quality of the Bastard VX Large Complete surely catch the eye. This beast of a barbecue is constructed with a heavy-duty ceramic body, which is known for its excellent heat retention. But don't let its sturdy appearance fool you—it's not just about looks; it's about performance too. The ceramic not only holds heat but also distributes it evenly, making cooking a breeze. The exterior features a sleek matte black finish, which not only looks modern but is also resistant to weather conditions. The attention to detail is evident in every component, from the durable stainless steel accents to the robust hinges that support the hefty lid. This isn’t just a grill; it’s a statement piece for your backyard.

Stand and Wheels

The Bastard VX Large comes with a solid stand that provides stability, which is essential considering its weight. It’s equipped with sturdy wheels, making it relatively easy to move around despite its size. However, be prepared to put in some muscle—this is not a lightweight appliance.

Handle and Hardware

The handle is ergonomically designed, offering a firm grip, yet it stays cool even when the grill is hot. While the hardware is generally top-notch, a few users have noted that the bolts and nuts might need occasional tightening to maintain structural integrity.

Interior and Grates

Inside, the grill offers a generous cooking space with high-quality stainless steel grates that resist rust and wear. The grid design provides excellent sear marks on your food, though some may find the spacing a bit too wide for smaller items.

Air Vents

The air vents are thoughtfully designed for precise airflow control, allowing you to maintain consistent temperatures. However, they can be a tad stiff when new, requiring some breaking in.

Overall, the build quality is impressive, but with its substantial weight and occasional maintenance needs, it might not suit everyone. Yet, for those serious about their grilling, it’s a robust and stylish choice.

Cooking Performance of the Bastard VX Large Complete is pretty impressive, to say the least. This beast has a generous cooking area, which means you can grill, smoke, and roast simultaneously without breaking a sweat. Whether you're flipping burgers for a weekend barbecue or tackling a slow-cooked brisket, this grill handles it with ease.

The key to its performance lies in its ceramic construction. The heat retention is remarkable, allowing for consistent cooking temperatures across the entire grill surface. This uniform heat distribution ensures that your meat or veggies are cooked evenly, avoiding those dreaded hot and cold spots.

What stands out is its ability to reach high searing temperatures. If you’re after those perfect grill marks, this barbecue can reach up to 750°F (around 400°C) with the right charcoal. But hey, not everything's sunshine and rainbows. Reaching those high temps can take a bit longer than expected due to the thick walls, so patience is key, especially when you're aiming to sear something quickly.

The VX Large Complete shines in low and slow cooking too. You can easily maintain a steady temperature for hours, ideal for smoking ribs or pork shoulder. The smoky flavor it infuses is just, well, mouthwatering.

However, controlling flare-ups can sometimes be a minor challenge, particularly when cooking fatty meats. Keeping an eye on your food and adjusting the vents appropriately will help minimize this.

All in all, the Bastard VX Large Complete delivers on its promise of exceptional cooking performance with a few quirks that are easy to manage once you're accustomed to them. If you're a serious grilling enthusiast, this unit gives you plenty to work with and even more to enjoy.

Temperature control is a make-or-break feature for any top-notch charcoal barbecue, and the Bastard VX Large Complete doesn't disappoint. This grill boasts a reliable system that gives you a pretty solid handle over the heat. The key player here is the dual air-flow control, which lets you fine-tune the temperature with ease. By adjusting the top and bottom vents, you can effortlessly switch between high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking.

The construction of the grill itself plays a role in maintaining consistent temperatures. Made from high-quality materials, the ceramic body retains heat like a champ, helping you maintain steady temperatures over long cooking sessions. This is particularly beneficial for recipes that require precise cooking conditions. However, be prepared for a bit of a learning curve if you're new to ceramic grills; it can take some practice to dial in the exact temperature you want.

Another noteworthy feature is the inclusion of a built-in thermometer on the lid. It's not the most advanced tech, but it gets the job done for most backyard chefs. For those seeking more accuracy, pairing the grill with a separate digital thermometer might be a nice option.

Overall, while there might be a slight learning curve involved, the Bastard VX Large Complete offers robust temperature control capabilities that enable a wide range of cooking techniques, from searing steaks to smoking brisket. Just make sure to experiment a bit to get the hang of it, and you'll be grilling like a pro in no time!

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Using the Bastard VX Large Complete is surprisingly straightforward, even if you're new to charcoal barbecues. Its intuitive design makes it easy to get started without feeling overwhelmed. The grill features a sturdy lid with a well-placed handle that allows for smooth opening and closing, which means you don’t have to wrestle with it to check on your food.

The adjustable air vents are a breeze to operate, allowing you to fine-tune the airflow and maintain the desired temperature with ease. Plus, it has a built-in thermometer that gives you a clear reading, so you can keep an eye on the heat without any guesswork.

When it's time for cleanup, the Bastard VX doesn't disappoint. It comes with an easy-to-remove ash catcher that simplifies the disposal process. Just slide it out, dump the ashes, and you're ready for your next grilling session. This feature alone is a significant time-saver and helps keep the grill area tidy.

However, like many charcoal barbecues, it can be a bit of a task to thoroughly clean the grill grates. You'll want a good wire brush to make sure all the burnt bits and pieces are scrubbed off after cooking.

Maintenance is generally low-maintenance, though you should keep an eye on the condition of the grill grates and vents over time, as they can wear down with frequent use. Regular checks and cleaning will help prolong the life of the barbecue and ensure it stays in top working condition.

Overall, the Bastard VX Large Complete scores high marks in ease of use and maintenance. It’s built to make your grilling experience smooth and enjoyable, without adding any unnecessary burdens to your post-cook routine.

When you crack open the box of the The Bastard VX Large Complete, you'll find everything you need to kickstart your grilling adventure. It's packed thoughtfully to ensure you have a seamless setup and cooking experience.

• The Grill Itself: At the heart of the box, of course, is the grill. It's robust, with a sleek design that’s just as much about performance as it is about aesthetics.
• Sturdy Stand: The grill comes with a solid stand that ensures stability while cooking. It’s well-built, providing a strong support for the hefty grill.
• Cast Iron Grates: Included are durable cast iron grates, perfect for getting those perfect sear marks on your steaks. They’re known for retaining heat efficiently.
• Cooking Accessories: The box contains essential accessories like a ceramic deflector for indirect cooking and a robust firebox.
• Charcoal Basket: A handy feature that helps in organizing your charcoal, making the most of the grill’s space and efficiently managing ash.
• Instruction Manual: A detailed, easy-to-follow manual is included. However, some users might find the instructions a bit sparse when it comes to advanced cooking techniques.

While the package is quite comprehensive, it lacks some extras you might expect at this price point, like specialized grill tools or a weather-resistant cover. But, with the essentials covered, you’re well-equipped to start grilling right away. This setup ensures you have a great fundamental grilling experience with minimal fuss.

When you're shopping for a top-tier charcoal barbecue, there are a handful of heavy hitters in the market. Let's pit the Bastard VX Large Complete against some of its formidable competitors to see where it stands out and where it might fall short.

Big Green Egg Large

The Big Green Egg is a name that often pops up in conversations about premium kamado grills. It's known for its exceptional durability and fantastic cooking versatility. Compared to the Bastard VX, the Big Green Egg also features thick ceramic walls, which help in retaining heat efficiently. However, the Bastard VX might have a slight edge with its more modern design and built-in features, like the included side tables.

Kamado Joe Classic III

Another popular choice is the Kamado Joe Classic III. This grill brings innovation to the table with its Divide & Conquer flexible cooking system and the SloRoller hyperbolic smoke chamber insert. The Bastard VX Large Complete, however, matches up well with its own impressive temperature control and ease of use. Kamado Joe models tend to be priced a bit higher, which might make the Bastard VX a more attractive option if budget is a concern.

Weber Summit Kamado E6

Weber's Summit Kamado nails it with robust construction and a well-thought-out design that makes grilling a breeze. It offers versatility similar to the Bastard VX but lacks some of the extra features that come standard with the Bastard, like the complete accessory package. Nevertheless, Weber is renowned for its brand reliability and excellent customer service, which might sway some buyers.

Monolith Classic

The Monolith Classic is known for its unique wood chip feeder system, which offers added convenience for smoking enthusiasts. This feature is not available in the Bastard VX, which might be a dealbreaker for those who frequently smoke their meats. However, the Bastard VX compensates with its robust build quality and ease of maintenance, which might appeal to users seeking a straightforward grilling experience.

In sum, the Bastard VX Large Complete holds its ground well in the competitive landscape of charcoal barbecues. It offers a sweet spot between price, features, and performance. While it may not include every single bell and whistle of its competitors, it delivers where it counts, making it a solid contender for anyone serious about grilling.

In wrapping up, the The Bastard VX Large Complete stands out as an exceptional choice for barbecue enthusiasts seeking a blend of style and performance. Its robust construction and thoughtful design make it a reliable option for those who take their grilling seriously. With superior cooking performance, this charcoal barbecue delivers juicy, flavorful results, making it a delight to use during family gatherings or weekend cookouts. While its temperature control system is generally effective, some users might find the learning curve a bit steep at first. However, once mastered, it allows for precise cooking, even for delicate dishes. The ease of use is another highlight, although its size might be a bit daunting for those with limited space. It's not the most compact option out there, but if you're prepared for its size, the spacious cooking surface is a definite advantage.

Maintenance is straightforward, with components designed for easy cleaning. This is a huge plus, as no one enjoys a lengthy cleanup after a delicious meal. Remember to factor in its price, which reflects its quality and features. Compared to some competitors, it might feel like a splurge, but it offers good value for those committed to their grilling adventures.

All in all, the The Bastard VX Large Complete balances elegance and functionality, making it a worthy investment for those who are passionate about charcoal grilling. If you're looking for a barbecue that doesn't just cook but elevates your entire grilling experience, this one is hard to beat. Just ensure you've got the space and the enthusiasm to match it.

Video by: The Bastard

• How easy is it to assemble the Bastard VX Large Complete?
  Assembling this barbecue is pretty straightforward, but it does require some patience. The instruction manual is clear, and most folks can have it up and running in under an hour. Having an extra set of hands can make the process smoother.
• Can I use regular charcoal with this grill?
  Absolutely! The Bastard VX Large Complete is designed to work with standard charcoal, but using high-quality lump charcoal can enhance the flavor and consistency of your grilling results.
• How do I clean and maintain the grill?
  Cleaning is fairly simple. The grill has an ashtray that makes ash removal easy. For regular maintenance, wipe down the exterior and clean the grates after each use. A grill brush works wonders for keeping the grates gunk-free.
• Is it suitable for smoking meat?
  Yes, this barbecue is versatile and can be used for smoking, thanks to its excellent temperature control. Just keep an eye on the temperature and use the vents wisely to maintain consistent heat.
• How portable is this barbecue?
  While it's not the most portable option due to its size and weight, it does come with sturdy wheels that make it easier to move around your backyard. It's best suited for stationary use rather than camping trips or picnics.
• Are there any downsides to the Bastard VX Large Complete?
  Its size might be a downside if you have limited outdoor space. Additionally, the ceramic build, while durable, is also quite heavy, which could be a challenge for some users when moving it.

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