Vonken brings fire and people together

Adrien Billiet: “Fire is much more than just heat or cooking. Historically, entire cultures sprang up around the campfire. People told stories, built traditions and found a sense of connection. We’ve never lost that. You’ve probably experienced it yourself: how conversations suddenly take a different turn when people gather round a fire. Family ties and friendships are strengthened; people genuinely make time for one another.”

And that’s how Vonken came about?

“Actually, yes. In 2017, we were cooking on a traditional fire table at a scout camp. We thought: surely there must be a better way? Without smoke or any danger to the children. We cut open an old barrel and built our first wood-fired oven. Suddenly, parents wanted to know where that appliance had come from and whether we’d be willing to cook at their parties too. Apparently, the children were bragging at home about the dishes from our oven. That’s how a cheeky idea grew into a business. After quite a few prototypes, we launched our first oven in 2021. It was an instant hit.”

So what makes Vonken so different?

“Many people immediately think of a pizza oven, but for us it doesn’t stop there. You can bake bread in it, make oven-baked dishes, roast a whole turkey or use it as a garden heater. What’s more, thanks to our patented multi-fuel technology, you can choose between wood, charcoal and gas in a single appliance.”

Your stoves are now being used in a wide variety of design and architectural projects. Why is that?

“Because a Vonken creates a meeting place. In a private garden, but just as easily in an office. We’re seeing our stoves appearing more and more often in outdoor spaces for staff. Wherever colleagues have lunch or organise an after-work get-together, there’s a need for a natural gathering point. That’s exactly what our stoves provide.”