The Surprising History of Kamado Grills – Tradition, Craft, and the VESSILS Philosophy

Where Centuries of Craft Intersect with the VESSILS Philosophy

The history of kamado grill is a long journey-one bound not just by clay and fire, but by a belief in patience, hands-on craftsmanship, and bringing people together. For VESSILS, it’s more than a story. It’s the living root of everything we do.

Fired in the Heart of Tradition

Long before today’s backyard barbecues, early clay cooking vessels appeared across East Asia. Thick-walled and built to retain heat, these pots became fixtures of daily life, where families gathered, shared recipes, and passed down traditions.

At VESSILS, we hold tight to the same idea: lasting quality begins with genuine materials, patience, and the kind of focused craft handed down over generations. That’s what inspires not just our grills, but the way we design, build, and support every product.

From Family Hearth to World Icon

As trade and culture flourished, these ingenious clay ovens found their way to Japan, where they transformed into the mushikamado. There, they became the beating heart of countless homes; used for steaming rice and simmering dishes that left families gathering for hours on end. These vessels were more than tools; they carried memories, recipes, and laughter from one generation to the next.

VESSILS believes there’s magic in these moments. That’s why we design our grills to do more than just sear or smoke-they’re made to be the centerpiece for easy, no-fuss connection: birthday barbecues, quiet Sunday roasts, or that spontaneous weeknight cookout. It’s all about creating memorable meals and simple experiences that last.

Reinventing, Not Replacing - The Modern Kamado Story

Post-war curiosity brought the kamado west, where innovators kept the spirit alive - layering in advanced ceramics, airflow controls, and a deep respect for versatility. Today, the history of kamado grill is as much about what’s next as it is about what’s been.

That ethos sits at the core of VESSILS:

• We blend tradition with innovation. The shapes, seals, and signature ceramic thickness in our grills echo centuries of proven design-but with a modern twist that makes grilling effortless, whether you’re a family of two or a whole neighborhood crew.

• Diversity matters. Just as those ancient pots came in all shapes and sizes, our lineup is crafted to fit every backyard, patio, and palette. Want a compact model for camping? A showpiece for big gatherings? VESSILS delivers-because flavor and experience should be accessible, not one-size-fits-all.

• Service is part of the product. In every era, excellence meant more than just craft; it meant care. That’s why our support is real, human, and always here when you need it-because we believe a grill is only as good as the confidence you feel using it.

Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

The kamado’s enduring power comes from its dual legacy: a design refined by time and a philosophy that values connection, simplicity, and sustainability. At VESSILS, we honor centuries-old wisdom, choosing eco-friendly materials and smart engineering to ensure your grill is built to last. Because sustainability is a legacy - ours, and yours.

With every cook, you’re tapping into more than history; you’re turning dinner into an experience. Every vent and curve is thoughtfully designed so you can get unbeatable results every time, without a masterclass or a learning curve.

Why the History Still Matters-And Always Will

To us, the history of kamado grill is a living thread-a reminder that the best meals aren’t rushed, that real flavor is about slowing down, and that every gathering is a chance to reconnect with what matters. When you fire up your VESSILS grill, you’re honoring thousands of years of ingenuity and adding your own story to that legacy.

So, pull up a chair-let’s make something worth remembering.

Because at VESSILS, tradition isn’t stuck in the past-it’s powering your next unforgettable bite.