In 2023, Toyota produced a staggering 11,520,000 vehicles, reaffirming its place as one of the busiest automakers globally. Even amidst this high production volume, Toyota continues to explore diverse applications of their technology. They have found a unique application in the cooking industry through a partnership with Japanese gas appliance maker Rinnai. Together they developed a hydrogen-powered oven for the Japan Mobility Show.
The stone oven was used to serve visitors not just freshly baked pizzas but also croissants. That turned out to be a success, especially among kids. Toyota's staff built the oven and is now using it to make pizzas and croissants during the workday.
"Hydrogen has a high combustion temperature. As it burns, it combines with oxygen to produce steam, making dishes crispy on the outside and succulent inside. For example, take things like mushrooms and vegetables. While these ingredients tend to dry out on a wood or charcoal BBQ, hydrogen cooks more quickly, leaving them bursting with moisture and delicious flavors."
Encouraged by the success it had with the hydrogen-powered stone oven, Toyota proceeded to build additional hydrogen cookers. That’s how the hydrogen grille was born, and subsequently used at various Toyota-endorsed motorsport activities. Shortly after that, the company's workers also built a kamado.
Source: Toyota
