At CES 2025, Current Backyard stood out for its innovative approach to outdoor cooking, showcasing products that emphasize sustainability, smart technology and a better cooking experience. Housing technology today had the opportunity to interview Thomas Penner, Group President, to discuss the company's success at the event and the exciting developments ahead.
Why CES 2025 was crucial for Current Backyard
For Current Backyard, CES wasn't just an opportunity to showcase products; It was an opportunity to cement their role as a market leader in sustainable cooking solutions. “CES was a starting point for innovation,” explains Penner. “Every year is an opportunity to demonstrate how we continue to evolve our technologies to meet consumer needs.”
This year, Current Backyard introduced a new line of sustainable electric grills and stoves. Attending CES helped the brand increase its visibility, get feedback from experts and customers, and improve its products based on their reactions.
“CES broadens our perspective on innovation,” Penner said. “It provides an opportunity to connect with new ideas and people and helps us stay at the forefront of the next developments in outdoor cooking technology.”
The innovative intelligent pizza oven model P
A standout product at CES 2025 was Current Backyard's Model P Smart Pizza Oven, the first Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connected electric pizza oven designed for indoor and outdoor use. Combining convenience, performance and sustainability, the oven gives users the tools they need to make restaurant-quality pizza at home.
Key features of the Model P include:
- Maximum Temperature: 850°F: With the highest temperature of any electric pizza oven, Neapolitan pizzas cook in just two minutes.
- Cordierite cooking stone, 30.5 cm: Distributes heat evenly for perfect, crispy crusts every time.
- Indoor and outdoor compatibility: NFPA certified, ensuring safe use both indoors and outdoors.
- 5 in 1 cooking modes: From Neapolitan to New York thin crust and frozen pizzas, plus hi and lo broil settings for cooking versatility.
- All-electric power: Ideal for homes with gas or open flame restrictions, providing a cleaner and safer alternative to traditional cooking methods.
- Energy efficiency: Up to three times more efficient than gas ovens, reducing both environmental impact and operating costs.
- Intelligent assistance: App-controlled with precision settings that take the guesswork out of pizza-making.
With its smart technology and efficient performance, the Model P offers an elevated outdoor cooking experience and is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2025 for $599.
Industry trends are shaping the future of outdoor cooking
The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way consumers interact with their outdoor spaces, prompting many to transform their backyards into an extension of their living space. This gave rise to a new generation of outdoor chefs looking for innovative and sustainable cooking solutions.
Penner notes, “Consumers today want products that are smart, sustainable and easy to use. They are looking for experiences similar to what brands like Tesla offer in their cars and Apple in their homes.” In this new era of outdoor cooking, the demand for electric solutions is growing, especially in areas with gas, open fire regulations – and charcoal grilling.
“We meet this need by offering products that make cooking easier, safer and more sustainable,” explains Penner. With patented technology, their devices offer control and high performance, making outdoor cooking a more enjoyable and environmentally friendly experience.
A look into the future: The future of outdoor cooking
As the outdoor cooking industry continues to evolve, Current Backyard remains at the forefront and is committed to bringing innovative, sustainable and user-friendly solutions to the market. The Model P Smart Pizza Oven is just the beginning, with plans for additional products aimed at further changing the way people cook outdoors. As Penner puts it, “By electrifying the backyard experience, Current Backyard creates unforgettable moments with family, friends and guests.”