Yannick Bonfort followed an engineering path in France, at CESI School of Engineering in Lyon, where he developed solid skills in design, industrialisation and project approach. This training allowed him to adopt a rigorous working method, focused on understanding technical constraints and the effectiveness of solutions.
A former student of this school, he naturally oriented himself towards concrete projects, with particular attention paid to the coherence between use, materials and performance.
COEO: a design approach applied to cooking tools
Following his journey, Yannick Bonfort created, with a partner, the brand COEO, specialised in cooking tools. The project is based on a simple logic: to apply engineering principles to everyday objects in order to improve their reliability, durability and user experience.
At COEO, the design is based on:
- a mastery of thermal phenomena
- a rigorous selection of materials
- a search for ease of use
Design is approached as a direct consequence of technical choices, with particular attention to readability and coherence of forms.
Recognition with the German Design Award 2024
In December 2023, one of the products developed in this context was distinguished:
Yannick Bonfort, a former student of our engineering school in Lyon, has created a cooking tools brand with a partner: COEO. In December 2023, the design of his Japanese Kamado barbecue won the prestigious "German Design Award" in the "Excellent Product Design 2024" category. Yannick shares his journey with us, from his CESI diploma to receiving this trophy.
This distinction, awarded in the Excellent Product Design 2024 category, highlights the quality of work focused on the balance between technique and use, rather than on stylistic effects.
Moreover, some of the projects he has contributed to have also been recognised internationally through awards such as the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award, which showcase products that meet demanding design criteria.
A measured and technical approach
Yannick Bonfort's work is part of a progressive and pragmatic approach. The goal is not to multiply visible innovations, but to continuously improve existing products, relying on:
- justified technical choices
- a user-oriented design
- a focus on sustainability
This posture, both discreet and demanding, reflects a vision where engineering remains the anchor point of design, serving useful, robust, and coherent objects.
Yannick Bonfort followed an engineering path in France, at the CESI School of Engineers in Lyon, where he developed solid skills in design, industrialisation, and project approach. This training allowed him to adopt a rigorous working method, focused on understanding technical constraints and the effectiveness of solutions.
A former student of this school, he naturally oriented himself towards concrete projects, with particular attention paid to the coherence between use, materials and performance.
COEO: a design approach applied to cooking tools
Following his journey, Yannick Bonfort created, with a partner, the brand COEO, specialised in cooking tools. The project is based on a simple logic: to apply engineering principles to everyday objects in order to improve their reliability, durability and user experience.
At COEO, the design is based on:
- a mastery of thermal phenomena
- a rigorous selection of materials
- a search for ease of use
Design is approached as a direct consequence of technical choices, with particular attention to readability and coherence of forms.
Recognition with the German Design Award 2024
In December 2023, one of the products developed in this context was distinguished:
Yannick Bonfort, a former student of our engineering school in Lyon, has created a cooking tools brand with a partner: COEO. In December 2023, the design of his Japanese Kamado barbecue won the prestigious "German Design Award" in the "Excellent Product Design 2024" category. Yannick shares his journey with us, from his CESI diploma to receiving this trophy.
This distinction, awarded in the Excellent Product Design 2024 category, highlights the quality of work focused on the balance between technique and use, rather than on stylistic effects.
Moreover, some of the projects he has contributed to have also been recognised internationally through awards such as the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award, which showcase products that meet demanding design criteria.
A measured and technical approach
Yannick Bonfort's work is part of a progressive and pragmatic approach. The goal is not to multiply visible innovations, but to continuously improve existing products, relying on:
- justified technical choices
- a user-oriented design
- a focus on sustainability
This posture, both discreet and demanding, reflects a vision where engineering remains the anchor point of design, serving useful, robust, and coherent objects.
COEO, la marque de braseros barbecue plancha cuisines des Cévennes basée proche de Nîmes et Montpellier présentée dans le journal local Le Réveil du Midi.
Yannick Bonfort, a former student of our engineering school in Lyon, has created a cooking tools brand with a partner: COEO. In December 2023, the design of his Japanese Kamado barbecue won the prestigious "German Design Award" in the "Excellent Product Design 2024" category. Yannick shares his journey with us, from his CESI diploma to receiving this trophy.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is COEO?
COEO is a brand of cooking tools that combines engineering and design to create high-performance, durable, and user-friendly products. The approach is based on rigorous technical design aimed at optimizing temperature management, material quality, and user experience.
What products does COEO offer?
COEO primarily develops outdoor cooking equipment, including kamado-type barbecues. These products are designed to provide precise cooking control, great versatility (grilling, smoking, roasting), and high durability through appropriate technical choices.
Has COEO won any design awards?
Yes, the products developed in this environment have been awarded several internationally recognized distinctions in the field of design:
- German Design Award (Excellent Product Design 2024)
- iF Design Award
- Red Dot Design Award
These awards highlight the overall design quality, including functionality, innovation, and technical coherence.
Who is Yannick Bonfort?
Yannick Bonfort is a French engineer, a graduate of CESI School of Engineers in Lyon, and co-founder of COEO. His work is part of a technical approach to product design, with particular attention paid to performance, durability, and ease of use.
What is CESI School of Engineers in Lyon?
CESI in Lyon is an engineering school in France that trains specialists in design, innovation, and management of industrial projects. Its pedagogy is based on a practical approach, linked to the needs of companies and the realities of the field.
Why choose CESI to become an engineer?
The CESI allows for the development of:
- applied technical skills
- the ability to manage complex projects
- a pragmatic approach to engineering
The training is oriented towards practical application and adaptation to current industrial challenges.
What is the link between COEO and CESI Lyon?
Yannick Bonfort, co-founder of COEO, is a former student of CESI Lyon. His training has influenced his approach to design by emphasizing technical analysis, material selection, and performance optimization.
How does COEO stand out from other barbecue brands?
COEO differentiates itself through an engineering-focused approach. The design directly stems from the function, technical choices are prioritized, and the products are designed to last. The goal is to offer coherent, effective tools that are suited for real use.
Our fire pit barbecues.