Product Stories

The PI-ONE took five years to develop. It started with one idea and changed after some surprises.

  1. 01. A BARBECUE IN THE RAIN

    In May 2019, a shared passion for authentic outdoor cooking and sustainable living brought together a team of grilling enthusiasts and engineers. On the day of a planned barbecue, heavy rain had been pouring since early morning. We considered canceling the event but decided to proceed, figuring if nothing else, it would be memorable. And we were right! Though we all ended up soaked, this happy accident ultimately inspired the creation of the PI-ONE pellet grill.

    Our team had brought some beer to grill with the meat, and for some mysterious reason, the result was incredible—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. We thought, if we could replicate this, PI could make a revolutionary pellet grill.

    The very next day, the team began experimenting to recreate that perfect cook. Despite the entire team’s efforts, the secret remained elusive. What was the missing ingredient? Was it the wood pellet? The distance from the flame? The grill itself? After countless rounds of trial and error, someone finally pointed out, “Remember how rainy it was that day?” The answer was humidity.

    This realization led us to design the PI-ONE pellet grill with precise humidity control, ensuring consistently perfect results regardless of the weather. Our journey from a rainy barbecue to a revolutionary grill is a testament to the power of curiosity and innovation.

  2. 02. LEARNING FROM PROFESSIONALS

    A visit to a famous BBQ spot in Texas marked a key moment in the research and development process for the PI pellet grill. They were kind enough to let us visit before opening and offered us a taste of freshly smoked brisket. The chefs used local Texas oak and hickory wood for smoking and roasting, controlling a slow fire over an extended period and occasionally spraying beef broth on the meat to keep it moist.

    Observing the environmental impact of traditional charcoal and gas grilling, we became determined to offer a cleaner, more efficient alternative that would enhance the grilling experience. On that day, we knew we were on the right track.

  3. 03. ONE THOUSAND DESIGNS

    As our engineering team developed the initial prototype for the PI pellet grill, our design team began creating product renderings, starting with free-form brainstorming sessions.

    The guiding question for the PI pellet grill’s design was: 'How can we combine the convenience of modern technology with the traditional taste and flavor of wood-fired cooking to achieve that perfect, moist, and flavorful meat ?' A simple, modern design wouldn’t suffice—the product needed to evoke nostalgia while also feeling unique.

    After reviewing proposals from numerous candidates, a foundational model was selected. From there, the design team collaborated closely with the technology team on every detail, right down to the size and placement of individual screws.

    By the time they completed their work, the design team had produced nearly one thousand sketches and renderings for the PI PI-ONE."

  4. 04. A NEVER-ENDING EXPERIMENT

    Once the prototype embodying the core design was ready, the next step was to refine the hardware.

    We aimed to create an ultra-weather-resistant grill with the best heat insulation and smoke retention on the market. Additionally, we designed our battery packs to be completely heat-resistant and insulated from any heat exposure, ensuring optimal battery health and extended battery life.

    After years of development and testing, we launched PI as a solution for everyone who values the art of wood-fired grilling and cares about the environment.

    With an all-in-one approach, we set out to design a pellet grill that’s not only versatile but also powered by renewable energy and generates minimal waste.

  5. 05. YOU. AND US. TOGETHER.

    Because we’re the same. All we want is simple access to a rich outdoor life, filled with adventure and fun. Our potential to share all-natural fruitwood flavors and create lasting memories should never be limited by time or location. This is the ultimate pellet grill—built to withstand the elements and deliver perfectly cooked meals for your loved ones, anytime and anywhere.

    Born from our love for the great outdoors, we’ve embarked on a journey that’s now come full circle. We’re proud to launch PI, the first pellet grill brand fully committed to sustainability, with convenience and accessibility powered by precision technology. But it’s your curiosity and drive that inspire us to keep improving and perfecting the experiences worth leaving the couch for.

    We’re building a global community, one that spans from seasoned overlanders to passionate everyday explorers, from hikers, backpackers, boaters, and adventurers, to surfers, van-lifers, climbers, skiers, and fishers. Our community also includes teachers, nurses, scientists, artists, moms, activists, conservationists, researchers, musicians, and designers. We all belong here, and we’re all in this together.

    We’re holding the door to exploration wide open. Are you coming?

  6. 06. YOU CARE. WE CARE.

    We are keenly aware of our role in the environmental challenges we face and recognize our responsibility to be part of the solution. As humans, we travel, we explore, and we cook. Every item produced, manufactured, shipped, and used on this earth comes with a cost to the environment, which we rely on for our future survival. So, should we cease our operations and hope for the best?

    Or should we continue—with accountability for our impact? Because we believe in what we’re creating. More than just a brand, we strive to build a community of outdoor enthusiasts who share our passion for innovation and excellence, where our potential is limited only by our creativity. We believe in making a difference by protecting our planet through an eco-friendly approach to outdoor cooking and creating a positive environmental impact.

    In partnership with One Tree Planted, we are committed to giving back more than we use, so that future generations can share our love for the great outdoors and enjoy the rewards of a truly sustainable world.

01. A BARBECUE IN THE RAIN

In May 2019, a shared passion for authentic outdoor cooking and sustainable living brought together a team of grilling enthusiasts and engineers. On the day of a planned barbecue, heavy rain had been pouring since early morning. We considered canceling the event but decided to proceed, figuring if nothing else, it would be memorable. And we were right! Though we all ended up soaked, this happy accident ultimately inspired the creation of the PI-ONE pellet grill.

Our team had brought some beer to grill with the meat, and for some mysterious reason, the result was incredible—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. We thought, if we could replicate this, PI could make a revolutionary pellet grill.

The very next day, the team began experimenting to recreate that perfect cook. Despite the entire team’s efforts, the secret remained elusive. What was the missing ingredient? Was it the wood pellet? The distance from the flame? The grill itself? After countless rounds of trial and error, someone finally pointed out, “Remember how rainy it was that day?” The answer was humidity.

This realization led us to design the PI-ONE pellet grill with precise humidity control, ensuring consistently perfect results regardless of the weather. Our journey from a rainy barbecue to a revolutionary grill is a testament to the power of curiosity and innovation.

02. LEARNING FROM PROFESSIONALS

A visit to a famous BBQ spot in Texas marked a key moment in the research and development process for the PI pellet grill. They were kind enough to let us visit before opening and offered us a taste of freshly smoked brisket. The chefs used local Texas oak and hickory wood for smoking and roasting, controlling a slow fire over an extended period and occasionally spraying beef broth on the meat to keep it moist.

Observing the environmental impact of traditional charcoal and gas grilling, we became determined to offer a cleaner, more efficient alternative that would enhance the grilling experience. On that day, we knew we were on the right track.

03. ONE THOUSAND DESIGNS

As our engineering team developed the initial prototype for the PI pellet grill, our design team began creating product renderings, starting with free-form brainstorming sessions.

The guiding question for the PI pellet grill’s design was: 'How can we combine the convenience of modern technology with the traditional taste and flavor of wood-fired cooking to achieve that perfect, moist, and flavorful meat ?' A simple, modern design wouldn’t suffice—the product needed to evoke nostalgia while also feeling unique.

After reviewing proposals from numerous candidates, a foundational model was selected. From there, the design team collaborated closely with the technology team on every detail, right down to the size and placement of individual screws.

By the time they completed their work, the design team had produced nearly one thousand sketches and renderings for the PI PI-ONE."

04. A NEVER-ENDING EXPERIMENT

Once the prototype embodying the core design was ready, the next step was to refine the hardware.

We aimed to create an ultra-weather-resistant grill with the best heat insulation and smoke retention on the market. Additionally, we designed our battery packs to be completely heat-resistant and insulated from any heat exposure, ensuring optimal battery health and extended battery life.

After years of development and testing, we launched PI as a solution for everyone who values the art of wood-fired grilling and cares about the environment.

With an all-in-one approach, we set out to design a pellet grill that’s not only versatile but also powered by renewable energy and generates minimal waste.

05. YOU. AND US. TOGETHER.

Because we’re the same. All we want is simple access to a rich outdoor life, filled with adventure and fun. Our potential to share all-natural fruitwood flavors and create lasting memories should never be limited by time or location. This is the ultimate pellet grill—built to withstand the elements and deliver perfectly cooked meals for your loved ones, anytime and anywhere.

Born from our love for the great outdoors, we’ve embarked on a journey that’s now come full circle. We’re proud to launch PI, the first pellet grill brand fully committed to sustainability, with convenience and accessibility powered by precision technology. But it’s your curiosity and drive that inspire us to keep improving and perfecting the experiences worth leaving the couch for.

We’re building a global community, one that spans from seasoned overlanders to passionate everyday explorers, from hikers, backpackers, boaters, and adventurers, to surfers, van-lifers, climbers, skiers, and fishers. Our community also includes teachers, nurses, scientists, artists, moms, activists, conservationists, researchers, musicians, and designers. We all belong here, and we’re all in this together.

We’re holding the door to exploration wide open. Are you coming?

06. YOU CARE. WE CARE.

We are keenly aware of our role in the environmental challenges we face and recognize our responsibility to be part of the solution. As humans, we travel, we explore, and we cook. Every item produced, manufactured, shipped, and used on this earth comes with a cost to the environment, which we rely on for our future survival. So, should we cease our operations and hope for the best?

Or should we continue—with accountability for our impact? Because we believe in what we’re creating. More than just a brand, we strive to build a community of outdoor enthusiasts who share our passion for innovation and excellence, where our potential is limited only by our creativity. We believe in making a difference by protecting our planet through an eco-friendly approach to outdoor cooking and creating a positive environmental impact.

In partnership with One Tree Planted, we are committed to giving back more than we use, so that future generations can share our love for the great outdoors and enjoy the rewards of a truly sustainable world.