Toyota and Rinnai Collaborate to Develop Innovative Cooking Technology
Toyota, in collaboration with Japanese brand Rinnai, has unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered pizza oven. This groundbreaking development adds a new dimension to the traditional “coal or propane?” debate when it comes to outdoor cooking and barbecuing.
Combining Expertise for Safe and Effective Hydrogen Cooking
Developing a hydrogen-powered stove was no easy feat for Rinnai, as there were no existing safety standards to follow. Toyota stepped in, combining their experience in producing hydrogen-powered cars with Rinnai’s expertise in manufacturing ovens. This collaboration resulted in a safe and effective hydrogen-powered stone oven.
The oven utilizes technology borrowed from Toyota’s Mirai model, incorporating a hydrogen supply and monitoring system. The high combustion temperature of hydrogen combines with oxygen to produce steam, which helps to keep food moist and delicious during the cooking process.
Portable Design for Versatile Use
The hydrogen-powered stone oven resembles a classic pizza oven in appearance, featuring:
- A dome structure
- A chimney for ventilation
- A semicircular slot for the pizza to fit into
- Wheeled design for easy transportation
- Convenient use in gardens or on balconies
Enhancing Food Quality with Hydrogen Cooking
During testing, Toyota employees achieved delicious results by making pizzas and croissants in the hydrogen-powered oven. The company claims that cooking with hydrogen helps to retain moisture in ingredients such as mushrooms and vegetables, resulting in more flavorful dishes compared to cooking with wood or charcoal grills.
Paving the Way for a Hydrogen Society
Toyota believes that integrating hydrogen into daily life is the first step in creating a hydrogen society. This pizza oven project showcases the potential for delicious cuisine and demonstrates the future possibilities of hydrogen technology in everyday applications.
