2020 – TABLETOP BARBECUE
Customer
Chef Domenico Marotta, Marotta Ristorante
Date
2020
Location
Squille (CE), Italy
PROJECT INFO
This project centers around a custom-designed, small-format tabletop barbecue tailored for precise grilling. Crafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, it supports the client’s ongoing experimental research in cooking techniques. Its compact size makes it ideal for use on a kitchen countertop or directly on the dining table. The barbecue features two independently adjustable grilling grids, which can be fine-tuned via crank handles on either side, offering flexibility in cooking.
CLIENT REQUEST
The client sought a highly customized tool to experiment with innovative cooking methods, drawing inspiration from Japanese binchotan charcoal grilling and French culinary ingredients. The design was driven by several key requirements:
- Compact Dimensions & Focused Heat Distribution: Modeled after yakitori-style skewers, ensuring even and controlled grilling.
- Adjustable Cooking Conditions: Includes control over height from the heat source, air intake, and multiple cooking zones, allowing for versatile cooking options.
- Fine-Mesh Grills: A feature common to oriental grills, providing precise grilling for delicate ingredients.
- Distinctive Design for Brand Communication: An innovative, aesthetically unique design that strengthens the client’s brand identity.
SOLUTIONS
To create a compact, countertop-safe grill, I designed a structural shell from food-grade stainless steel, featuring refractory brick walls for optimal heat retention, and supported by silicone feet for heat isolation. The air openings facilitate adjustable airflow across different cooking zones. The base includes a removable ash drawer for easy cleaning. The scissor-lift mechanism allows for adjustable grid height while contributing to the product’s distinctive, recognizable aesthetic. The grill was fabricated using food-grade AISI 304 stainless steel, laser-cut with CO2 technology, CNC-machined components, and refractory bricks.
MATERIALS
Laser-cut AISI 304 stainless steel sheet metal
Refractory brick
Temperature proof silicon
DIMENSIONS
● Lenght: 600 mm
● Width: 300mm
● Height (closed): 250mm
CLIENT WEBSITE
Product Design Showcase
