OUT NOW! Learn all about the new MONOLITH smartCONTROL —the ultimate BBQ controller!

Geert Roelofs - smartCONTROL

The idea behind the smartCONTROL

“We didn’t want to just build another controller. We wanted to develop something that doesn’t exist yet.” When Geert Roelofs talks about the new MONOLITH smartCONTROL, it quickly becomes clear: For him, it’s not just another new product. The Dutchman has been part of MONOLITH for many years, contributing his extensive expertise and experience with charcoal grills. He has been working specifically with digital temperature controls for many years. These are ideal qualifications for closely overseeing the development of the smartCONTROL.

A great deal of thought, testing, and personal experience has gone into the development over the past few months. A photo of Geert with the smartCONTROL captures this special connection perfectly: in it, he’s holding the controller in his arms like a baby. His colleagues joke, “At 73, Geert has become a father again.” It’s a comparison that pretty well describes the passion with which Geert has nurtured his “baby” from concept to finished product.
Geert has been working on digital temperature controls for charcoal grills for many years. He built his very first controller back in 2010. Later, he tested and used various systems, gaining years of experience in what works in practice and what he felt was missing from existing solutions. So when the idea arose at MONOLITH to develop their own controller, founder Matthias Otto brought Geert on board for the project. Together, they established a clear goal: not simply to replicate an existing solution, but to combine the various functions that grillers need into a single system that’s as compact as possible.

Why Bluetooth Alone Wasn't Enough

One of the most important changes didn’t emerge until Geert’s practical tests. Originally, the smartCONTROL was planned as a Bluetooth solution. But when Geert moved around the house during a test and lost connection to the controller, it became clear to him: That’s not good enough. Although the controller continued to operate on its own, it was no longer possible to monitor the grilling process via the app at that moment. “I always want to be in control,” Geert says, describing his goal.

So it was back to the drawing board. In addition to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi was integrated. When the smartCONTROL is connected to the home Wi-Fi network, the grilling process can be monitored and controlled via the app even while on the go. For Geert, the extra development time was therefore well worth it: better to launch a little later, but with a solution the team fully stands behind.

"We wanted an all-in-one solution"

For Geert, the result can be summed up in a few words: “The all-in-one control unit for charcoal grills.” The smartCONTROL combines a fan, display, battery, and temperature control into a single compact device. It also comes with two wireless probes that require no cables, as well as an additional wired probe.

The wireless probes measure the temperature of the food being grilled and inside the cooking chamber. At the same time, the smartCONTROL actively controls the temperature inside the grill via the built-in blower. If the temperature drops below the set value, the fan supplies air. As the temperature approaches the desired value, the system adjusts the fan speed accordingly.
It was precisely this combination that was decisive for Geert: “There are wireless probes, and there are controllers. But the controllers usually work with wired probes.” With the smartCONTROL, the team wanted to combine the best of both worlds.

The additional wired probe provides flexibility. With flatter cuts of meat, such as spare ribs, wireless probes cannot always be inserted far enough into the meat. In such cases, the additional probe can be connected directly to the smartCONTROL.

Always Keep an Eye on the Grill

The smartCONTROL can be controlled via the ToGrill app or directly through the display and control panel on the device. In the app, you can set target temperatures and track temperature trends graphically. Preset temperatures are available for various types of meat, and custom values can also be set.
Past grilling sessions are also saved. Users can even take a photo of their food and add it to the respective session. For Geert, this is an important part of the experience: You’re not just controlling a temperature—you can follow the entire process. If you don’t have your smartphone handy, you can also adjust the essential settings directly on the smartCONTROL.

Not just for MONOLITH

During development, it was also important to the team to think beyond their own world of grilling. Using the included adapter, the smartCONTROL can also be used with other compatible ceramic grills. Geert actually views the product in an even broader sense: as a control unit for charcoal grills, provided it can be properly mounted on the air intake.

This makes the smartCONTROL ideal for both experienced grillers and anyone looking for more convenience and control. After all, Geert makes no secret of the fact that a well-adjusted MONOLITH maintains a stable temperature even without electronic assistance. The smartCONTROL takes a different approach: it offers digital control, easy operation, and added convenience during long grilling sessions.

And perhaps that’s exactly why Geert has poured so much passion into his “baby.” What does he hope for now that the first customers have tried out the smartCONTROL for themselves? “I should have had this a long time ago.”

Are you ready for the MONOLITH smartCONTROL"?

Now available! Learn all about the MONOLITH smartCONTROL and how it works here.

Learn more

MONOLITH recommends—this goes well with it:

View all
  • BBQ - Steinpilz Hackbällchen

    BBQ - Porcini Mushroom Meatballs

    Juicy meatballs made from a mixture of ground meat and grilled porcini mushrooms, which are first seared on the grill and then finished cooking in a clay pot with porcini...

    MONOLITH GRILL |

  • Paella Mixta

    Paella Mixta

    A truly authentic Mallorcan specialty—paella! And this one, made according to the original recipe from the Mallorca Food Club using the MONOLITH Kamado Grill—an extraordinary taste experience!

    MONOLITH GRILL |

  • Lamm-Köfte

    Lamb Köfte

    Lamb Köfte—with melted cherry tomatoes and chilled yogurt, cooked on the MONOLITH Kamado Grill fire plate.

    MONOLITH GRILL |

  • Pluma Iberica vom Iberico Schwein

    Pluma Ibérica from the Iberico pig

    Pluma Iberica
— Iberico pork tenderloin on grilled lettuce hearts, with almond aioli and pomegranate seeds, cooked on the MONOLITH Kamado Grill.

    MONOLITH GRILL |