At CES 2025, Current Backyard stood out with its innovative approach to outdoor cooking, showcasing products that emphasize sustainability, smart tech, and a better cooking experience. Residential Tech Today had the opportunity to interview Thomas Penner, Group President, to discuss the company’s success at the event and what exciting developments lie ahead.
Why CES 2025 Was Crucial for Current Backyard
For Current Backyard, CES wasn’t just a chance to showcase products; it was an opportunity to solidify their role as leaders in sustainable cooking solutions. “CES was a launchpad for innovation,” Penner explains. “Every year, it’s an opportunity to showcase how we’re evolving our technologies to meet consumer needs.”
This year, Current Backyard introduced a new line of sustainable electric grills and cookers. Being part of CES helped the brand increase its visibility, get feedback from experts and customers, and improve its products based on their reactions.
“CES expands our perspective on innovation,” Penner shared. “It provides an opportunity to connect with new ideas and people, helping us stay at the forefront of what’s next in outdoor cooking technology.”
The Innovative Model P Smart Pizza Oven
A standout 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. The oven combines convenience, performance, and sustainability, offering users the tools they need to create restaurant-quality pizza at home.
Key features of the Model P include:
- 850°F Max Temperature: With the highest temperature of any electric pizza oven, Neapolitan-style pizzas cook in just two minutes.
- Cordierite 12” Cooking Stone: Distributes heat evenly for perfect, crispy crusts every time.
- Indoor & Outdoor Compatibility: NFPA-certified, ensuring safe use in both indoor and outdoor environments.
- 5-in-1 Cooking Modes: From Neapolitan to New York-style, thin crust, and frozen pizzas, plus Hi and Lo Broil settings for versatile cooking options.
- All-Electric Power: Ideal for homes with gas or open-flame restrictions, offering a cleaner, safer alternative to traditional cooking methods.
- Energy Efficiency: Up to three times more efficient than gas ovens, reducing both environmental impact and operational costs.
- Smart Assistance: App-controlled with precision settings, removing the guesswork from pizza-making.
With its smart technology and efficient performance, the Model P offers an elevated outdoor cooking experience, expected to be available in Q2 2025 at $599.
Industry Trends Shaping the Future of Outdoor Cooking
The pandemic fundamentally shifted how consumers interact with their outdoor spaces, leading many to transform their backyards into extensions of their living areas. As a result, a new generation of outdoor chefs emerged, seeking cooking solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.
As Penner notes, “Consumers now want products that are smart, sustainable, and easy to use. They’re looking for experiences similar to those provided by brands like Tesla 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 regulations on gas, open flames, and charcoal grilling.
“We’re meeting this need by offering products that make cooking easier, safer, and more sustainable,” Penner explains. With patented technology, their appliances deliver control and high performance, making outdoor cooking a more enjoyable and eco-friendly experience.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Outdoor Cooking
As the outdoor cooking industry continues to evolve, Current Backyard remains at the forefront, committed to bringing innovative, sustainable, and easy-to-use solutions to market. The Model P Smart Pizza Oven is just the beginning, with plans for more products that aim to further transform the way people cook outdoors. As Penner puts it, “By electrifying the backyard experience, Current Backyard is creating unforgettable moments with family, friends, and guests.”
