Accolades are building for electric grill and pizza oven company, Current Backyard. It was a brand launched in towards the end of 2023 with a major unveiling at CES where it was a 2024 Innovation Awards Honoree.
They followed that up with a Red Dot design award that same year. This year, they were named to Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list for 2026.
They were awarded in the consumer and household goods category that had some new brands and some heavy hitters like Unilever and Tide. Fast Company noted the Current Model G electric grill’s ability to hit 700 degrees F, and the technology in the Model P pizza oven to be able to build a pizza in the app and have the oven adjust the cook.
Current could be one of those brands that is quietly building momentum, but once grill category picks up steam again, it leaps ahead. Much like Blackstone did with the griddle or Ooni with the pizza oven, they’re building a category.
The target demographic with their products are people living in apartments or confined spaces. It solves the problem for someone that likes grilling but can’t do it because of rules for cooking on balconies.
Their grills are legit grills too that cook well and offer that experience. It’s a far cry from a sad Foreman grill on a table on the balcony.
That’s their target, but their appeal is much larger. I’ve cooked on three different Current grill models and I’ve always been impressed with the convenience.
There’s no starting a fire or running out of propane, you just turn it on, set the temperature, and then you’re grilling. It’s perfect for anyone that wants an easier grilling experience.
The Model P pizza oven also offers that same innovative convenience. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and takes away much of the learning curve from a gas or wood pizza oven.
From its even heating with electricity, you don’t need to turn your pizza while cooking with it. You just load it, set the timer, and await a freshly baked pizza.
The Model P also has a broader audience because it’s a useful cooking tool for any size space. It adds another oven to your kitchen for cooking a variety of food, and even has a frozen pizza setting that I’ve used a bunch of times.
Electric grills are still finding their footing and breaking through stereotypes from terrible examples, but Current is leading that charge. They’re the most innovative company in the space and it’s good to see them recognized for it.