Up Down Grill: Revolutionizing Outdoor Cooking

Takashi Sekimitsu's Innovative Portable Oven Design

The Up Down Grill, designed by the innovative Takashi Sekimitsu in collaboration with Noridomi Ironworks, is a testament to the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design. This portable oven stands out with its distinctive three-layer structure, comprising an outer air layer, insulation material, and wood, which together provide excellent heat retention and safety. The design's ingenuity lies in its ability to utilize a single heat source for both barbecuing and oven cooking, a feature not seen in similar products.

Functionality meets safety in the Up Down Grill's design. The combination of insulation and a wood frame not only makes the oven lightweight but also ensures it remains cool to the touch, even when in use. The strategic placement of ventilation openings creates a chimney effect, allowing the oven to reach optimal pizza baking temperatures swiftly without the need for external fanning. Moreover, its assembly accommodates thermal expansion, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.

With dimensions of 40cm x 40cm x 32cm and a weight of just 16kg, the Up Down Grill is crafted from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, wood, and pottery. This carefully considered selection of materials contributes to the oven's portability and longevity. The design team, led by Kenzo Noridomi and including Kentaro Kawakubo, Shigeru Yamada, and Takashi Sekimitsu, has meticulously addressed every aspect of the grill's operation to enhance the user experience.

The Up Down Grill's interaction design allows for a versatile cooking experience. It achieves temperatures akin to a brick pizza oven, enabling the preparation of authentic pizza in mere minutes. Additionally, the inclusion of a griddle and heat-resistant plate expands the culinary possibilities beyond pizza, catering to a wide range of dishes suitable for outdoor gatherings. The wood frame not only provides safety but also adds an aesthetic touch, ensuring the grill complements any setting.

Launched in Japan in June 2022, the Up Down Grill is the result of extensive research, including consultations with Italian chefs and user interviews. These insights led to the development of an oven that balances performance, safety, and design, making it ideal for use in home gardens and resorts. The design team overcame significant challenges, particularly in preventing the wood frame from burning at high temperatures, by employing special heat-insulating materials and a thoughtful structural design.

The Up Down Grill is not just a cooking appliance; it's a portable culinary innovation that caters to the safety and aesthetic needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts. With a patent pending and recognition as a Bronze winner in the A' Camping Gear and Outdoor Equipment Design Award in 2024, Takashi Sekimitsu's creation is poised to redefine the standards of outdoor cooking appliances.