A Fiery Tool of Culinary Tradition: Why I Fell in Love with my Flambadou

When I cook with fire, I’m not just aiming to feed—I want to wow my family and guests. I want every bite to feel rustic yet elevated, and completely unforgettable. That’s why I’m obsessed with my flambadou.

Never heard of it? Neither had I—until I stumbled upon it while listening to The Wood Fired Oven Podcast (Season 1, Episode 3, shoutout to Mark Goston!). The way he described this medieval-looking iron cone had me hooked: “the cool part happens as the [fat] drips meet the air, it ignites and drizzles onto the meat while sizzling like crazy… a bit of a crowd pleaser removing the literally glowing cone from the embers on a dark night looks spectacular. And then when the fat starts igniting and sizzling onto the meat, it’s just amazing.” Who wouldn’t want to try that?

What Exactly Is a Flambadou?

Traditionally used in French cuisine—especially in regions like Gascony—the flambadou is a cone-shaped iron tool designed to hold and heat fat over an open fire. Once it’s blistering hot, you drop in a chunk of lard, suet, or any solid fat, and it instantly melts and ignites. Then comes the fun part: you tilt the flambadou over your selected food item and let that flaming fat cascade down, searing and basting it all at once. It’s pure culinary theater.

“It’s like a dragon breathing fire onto your dinner. Yeah, it’s kind of like that.” (Fine Dining Lovers, 28 June, 2019)

My First Taste of Flambadou Magic

My very first flambadou was a gift from my parents—one of my earliest “fun” fire-cooking tools. I still remember how my family and I reacted when I lit it up for the first time. It wasn’t just about the flavor, it was about the magic it created that evening. It turned my cooking into a show.

I felt the heat, heard the crackle of the fat, and saw the ignition of flame; the result? Perfectly seared, flavor-packed meat with a crispy edge, I can’t do that on my own (my mouth is watering as I write this!).

My Flambadou is made by Forged, they state the following on their website “with fire, sizzling fat and a fiery show, you not only create a taste explosion, but also an experience you will never forget.”

For me, the flambadou isn’t just a cool gadget—it’s how I combine my passion for cooking with fire and my love for entertainment. It’s great to use a centuries-old tool that gives me goosebumps whenever I use it. It connects me to the roots of cooking, while delivering some fun drama to my cook.

Cooking over live fire is more than just a method; it’s an inspiring journey. There’s an undeniable thrill in discovering new techniques and an unmatched satisfaction in finding tools that elevate the experience. Ultimately, it’s about crafting those priceless, magical moments around the flames that you’ll cherish.