Kamado Joe Classic II vs The Bastard Urban Large Complete

Two large ceramic kamados that are both supplied complete with a stand, so here you are finally comparing two similar packages. The grate is bigger on The Bastard: 49 centimetres against 45.7 on the Classic II, which works out at about 1,890 cm² against 1,613 cm².

What is in the box differs by brand. The Classic II has the two-level Divide & Conquer system, two ceramic heat deflectors, a slide-out ash drawer, the Kontrol Tower and the Air Lift hinge. The Urban Large has bamboo side shelves, a stainless steel charcoal basket, a plate setter and an ash tray. Both have a fibreglass gasket. The Urban Large weighs 116 kilos, the Classic II 103.3 kilos.

On warranty Kamado Joe wins: lifetime on the ceramic against twenty years at The Bastard, and two years on thermometer and gasket against one year on the thermometer and six months on the gasket. Both give five years on metal, though The Bastard splits that into five years outside and two years inside.

If you want the biggest grate with side shelves included, the Urban Large gives more area in a complete package. If warranty weighs heavily, or you want Kamado Joe’s cooking-level system, the Classic II is the better choice. Check which version of The Bastard you are buying: the same Large also exists as a Solo without a stand.