Current Sparks a Revolution in Outdoor Cooking with Innovation Award

COLUMBUS, Ga. – March 24, 2026 – A fundamental shift is underway in outdoor cooking, a tradition long defined by charcoal, propane, and open flame. Current, a young electric outdoor cooking brand, has just been thrust into the national spotlight, earning the No. 6 spot in the Consumer and Household Goods category on Fast Company's prestigious 2026 list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. The recognition validates a vision to redefine the backyard barbecue for a modern, connected, and eco-conscious world.

"Innovation in outdoor cooking has long been limited by fire, fuel and space," said Tom Penner, CEO of Current, in a statement celebrating the honor. "At Current, we set out to rethink the experience entirely—bringing precision, safety and sustainability through electric technology." This award places the three-year-old company among industry giants and disruptive startups alike, signaling that the future of outdoor cooking may be plugged in.

An Electric Disruption to a Flame-Grilled Tradition

For decades, the outdoor cooking market has been dominated by legacy brands like Weber and Traeger, which built empires on the distinct experiences of gas, charcoal, and wood-pellet grilling. Current is challenging this paradigm by eliminating the flame altogether. Founded in 2023, the company has engineered a platform of fully electric, app-controlled appliances designed to deliver high performance without the traditional barriers.

At the heart of its product line is the Model G Dual-Zone Electric Grill, which utilizes patented technology to deliver consistent, high-performance cooking from a standard 120V outlet. This approach circumvents the need for specialized wiring while providing precise temperature control that is often elusive with flame-based methods. The result is an appliance that opens up outdoor cooking to millions who were previously excluded—from residents in high-rise apartments with strict fire codes to homeowners in wildfire-prone regions where open flames are a seasonal hazard.

In 2025, the company expanded its ecosystem with the Model P Smart Pizza Oven. This device is not only the first Bluetooth- and Wi-Fi-enabled electric pizza oven certified for both indoor and outdoor use, but it can also reach a blistering 850°F, a temperature typically reserved for commercial or wood-fired ovens. Its most lauded feature is the app-driven "Pizza Build Calculator," which adjusts cooking parameters based on user-selected ingredients, transforming what is often a frustrating trial-and-error process into a repeatable, seamless experience for home chefs.

A Symbol of Broader Tech and Consumer Trends

Current's recognition is about more than just a clever appliance; it's a reflection of several converging macro-trends. The modern consumer increasingly expects their devices to be smart, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated into their digital lives. The rise of the connected home has created an expectation that everything from lighting to thermostats can be controlled from a smartphone, and the kitchen is no exception. Current’s app-based guidance, precision temperature management, and automated cooking features align perfectly with this demand for effortless, tech-driven convenience.

Furthermore, the global push toward electrification and sustainability has consumers re-evaluating their purchasing decisions. By eliminating emissions at the point of use and reducing energy waste compared to pre-heating a large gas grill, Current's electric approach resonates with an environmentally conscious demographic. This shift is visible across the home appliance sector, where induction cooktops and other energy-efficient technologies are gaining market share, driven by a desire for cleaner energy and better performance. Current is effectively bringing this same ethos from the indoor kitchen to the outdoor patio.

This movement democratizes the very concept of "outdoor cooking," extending it beyond the suburban backyard with a sprawling lawn. By designing for safety and accessibility, the company empowers a new generation of cooks to enjoy grilled food and homemade pizza, regardless of their living situation.

The Business of Innovation: A Rapid Ascent

Current’s journey from a 2023 startup to a Fast Company honoree in 2026 is a case study in strategic market disruption. This rapid ascent was fueled by more than just a good idea; it was enabled by the significant backing of W.C. Bradley Co., a private holding company with a deep history in the home and leisure markets, including ownership of established grill brands like Char-Broil. This partnership provided Current with the capital, industry expertise, and operational support necessary to scale quickly and challenge an established market.

The Fast Company award is the latest in a series of accolades that have built the brand's credibility. Previous honors, including a 2024 CES Innovation Award and a Red Dot Design Award, signaled early on that Current’s approach to both technology and design was resonating with industry experts. These awards serve as powerful validation for a young company competing for attention in a crowded consumer goods space. They underscore a successful strategy focused on a specific, high-growth niche: premium, smart, electric outdoor cooking.

A Competitive Field of Household Innovators

To be named one of the world's most innovative companies is a significant achievement, particularly given the rigorous criteria set by Fast Company. Honorees are judged on four key pillars: innovation, impact, timeliness, and relevance. Current's placement at No. 6 in its category puts it in the company of other forward-thinking brands, such as Hoto, recognized for its design-led power tools, and Cambio Roasters, lauded for its infinitely recyclable K-Cup pods. This diverse group highlights a common thread: rethinking everyday products to be smarter, more sustainable, and better aligned with modern life.

"Our list of the Most Innovative Companies is about spotlighting organizations that don't just adapt to change—they drive it," said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. "The companies we honor this year are redefining what leadership looks like in 2026, pairing bold ideas with measurable impact and turning breakthrough innovation into real-world value."

For Current, this recognition serves as a powerful endorsement of its mission to unplug outdoor cooking from its fossil-fueled past. As consumers continue to prioritize convenience, sustainability, and technology, the spark of innovation from this Georgia-based company may very well ignite a full-blown electric revolution in backyards and on balconies across the globe. The full list of honorees is available on Fast Company's website and will appear on newsstands at the end of the month.