Watch What Happens When You Cook A Steak With Molten Lava

Now there's a way to impress your guests. Chef Sam Bompas, sculptor Robert Wysocki, and geologist Jeffrey Karson got together to cook steak on top of a synthetic molten lava barbecue. Karson rigged up a volcano machine that can convert basaltic rock into molten lava. In the accompanying video, the molten lava comes out of its "volcano," and then runs underneath a conveyor belt, eventually landing in some snow and ice (safety first). A grill holding the steak is poised above the stream of molten rock, cooking the 10-ounce rib eye steak within a couple of minutes.

B&P Cook Out from robert wysocki on Vimeo.

"It's not unlike the Crock-Pot that's on your counter," Wysocki told NPR, since the inner workings of the volcano furnace work similarly to the famous slow-cooker.

Except even the fanciest ovens can't heat up beyond 800 degrees Fahrenheit, but this smoking furnace burns at a whopping 2,000 degrees, leaving the steaks charred on the outside but a perfect medium-rare on the inside.

Want to try it yourself, but can't find a spare synthetic volcano at your local Lowes? The trio is looking to start a volcano banquet service for parties of 500 (!!) or more.  

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Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter@JoannaFantozzi