Set-up as part of the Syracuse University Lava Project, this cook-off was a collaboration with experimental UK chef Sam Bompas and the Syracuse University earth sciences team, who have created a car-sized, man-made volcano that melts rock down into lava in around 70 hours.

The researchers use these synthetic lava flows to learn more about the morphology and behaviour of molten rock, but in July last year they decided to team up with Bompas to see if they could create the hottest barbeque in the world. The result? A grill that reached just over 1,000 degrees Celsius (2,000 Fahrenheit) – more than double the maximum temperature of average ovens.

Lava Project : http://lavaproject.syr.edu/

Copyright © Jenny Wysocki, Syracuse University Lava Project