The boss

Matthias Otto, founder, owner and managing director of Monolith Grill GmbH

I came to the BBQ industry following my passion for cooking, and BBQ grilling in particular. As a textile engineer, I worked in the clothing industry for many years and privately I sought out the perfect grill. When I discovered ceramic kamado grills, I found my destiny, so I sold my previous business and set up as a BBQ grill manufacturer. I have fulfilled my dream and, even after 15 years of developing grills and accessories, it continues to excite me every day.

The business

Monolith Grill is a private family business, based in Osnabrück, Germany, dedicated to the manufacture of the ceramic kamado. Our target is to produce the most versatile charcoal cooker, using the finest quality materials. We always strive for improvement, and one day we will realise my desire and build the perfect barbecue.

The influence

As a student, I developed a passion for cooking, and then on to barbecue because of the possibilities to play even more with flavours and different cooking styles. For me, barbecue is cooking – only more versatile.

The equipment

It’s got be our latest creation: Avantgarde. Functionality, design, quality and aesthetics in harmony. I love Avantgarde because it’s the culmination of years of work that brings everything together. The silk finish, the redesigned stand, coupled with high-quality silicate ceramics and our stapled fibre mesh gasket, all showcase our passion for design, innovation and production. When I lift the lid and shine the integrated led light directly on to my grill, it always brings a smile to my face.

The meal

For me it’s not about the recipe, nor is it just about me and my Monolith. In this world of virtual technology, my perfect meal is one that allows me to connect directly with my nearest and dearest. Feast your eyes on the charcoal fire and inhale the aroma; barbecue has the power to re-centre us and remind us of what’s really important in life.

The next big thing

Sustainability: Too many gas and charcoal grills get thrown away after a few years, or even months. But every Monolith is a purchase for life and backed up by a lifetime warranty. Indeed, our revolutionary new Pro Series 2.0 gasket rings are practically maintenance-free and Monolith refractory ceramics ensure that our barbecues are supremely fuel efficient, because every ounce of combustion energy is converted into useable heat.

We have put the same attention into our charcoal, where production simultaneously produces feed additive charcoal – which is why Monolith charcoal meets the highest standards of purity – and climate-neutral production. We exclusively use sustainably sourced oak wood from certified German forestry, and gases from combustion drive a combined heat and power plant, where surplus heat is used to dry the raw materials.

Monolith Grill