Current Achieves Recognition as One of the Most Innovative Companies for 2026
Current Named to Fast Company's 2026 Most Innovative Companies List
Current has secured a coveted position on Fast Company's esteemed list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2026, coming in at the 6th spot in the Consumer and Household Goods category. This annual accolade recognizes companies that are transforming their respective sectors through inventive design, cutting-edge technology, and innovative approaches.
The Vision Behind Current
According to Current's CEO, Tom Penner, the limitations surrounding outdoor cooking have long been dictated by fire, fuel sources, and physical space. Current aims to completely redefine this experience by focusing on safety, precision, and sustainability through advanced electric technology. Penner expressed pride in having their vision acknowledged by Fast Company.
Founded in 2023 and supported by W.C. Bradley Co., Current has been at the forefront of evolving outdoor cooking methodologies. Their fully electric, app-controlled grills and pizza ovens have shattered traditional barriers—allowing people to cook outdoors in places where open flames would have previously been considered impractical or even prohibited, such as urban balconies and areas susceptible to wildfires.
Cutting-Edge Product Features
A hallmark of Current's innovation is their Model G Dual-Zone Electric Grill, which employs patented technology to deliver high-performance cooking via a standard 120V outlet. This grill provides consistent, precise heating directly to food, eliminating the unpredictability of flames.
In 2025, Current broadened its product offerings with the introduction of the Model P Smart Pizza Oven, which was the first Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled electric pizza oven certified for both indoor and outdoor use. Capable of reaching temperatures up to 850°F, this oven combines sophisticated heating technology with an intuitive, app-driven user interface. The Pizza Build Calculator feature smartly adjusts cooking parameters based on ingredient selections, turning what used to be a trial-and-error cooking process into a simple, repeatable task.
These innovations reflect a significant shift in consumer expectations, where performance, design, and sustainability are now essential rather than optional. Current’s electric approach not only eliminates emissions at the point of use but also minimizes energy waste and makes outdoor cooking accessible without necessitating structural changes to residences.
Industry Recognition and Impact
Current's contributions to the cooking landscape have also been acknowledged through various accolades, including the 2024 CES Innovation Award and the Red Dot Design Award. The company is setting a new benchmark for the future of outdoor cooking.
The World's Most Innovative Companies feature is a highlight of Fast Company's editorial calendar, assessing numerous organizations worldwide to spotlight those driving meaningful change across industries. Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company noted, "Our list showcases organizations that not only adapt to change but actively steer it. The honorees this year exemplify how leadership is evolving in 2026, merging innovative concepts with measurable impacts."
The full list of honorees can be accessed at Fast Company’s website, and it will hit newsstands starting March 31, 2026.
About Current
Established in 2023 with the backing of W.C. Bradley Co., Current is reimagining outdoor cooking by merging innovation with electric technology. The company stands firm in its belief that enjoying outdoor meals should not be restricted. Their award-winning products aim to deliver performances equivalent to traditional flame cooking while ensuring broader accessibility. Current caters to various lifestyles, be it in high-rise apartments, wildfire-prone areas, or communities with strict HOA rules while promoting an eco-friendly approach to cooking. With smart features and precise temperature control, Current makes it easier for anyone to achieve exceptional culinary results. For more insights about their products, visit currentbackyard.com.
About Fast Company
Fast Company serves as a dedicated media brand intersecting business, design, and innovation. Engaging some of the most influential leaders and thinkers, it covers the future trajectory of business elements. Hailing from New York City, Fast Company operates under Mansueto Ventures LLC alongside its sibling publication Inc.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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