Abstract: An accessory for a charcoal grill, particularly a kettle-type grill, that is designed to lay on the surface of the grill's charcoal grate and to partially block convective air flow in the grill while confining charcoal to a small portion of the charcoal grate. The accessory device increases the efficiency of the grill by about 50% as defined by the amount of charcoal required to cook food on the grill. Advantageously, the device keeps lit charcoal from contacting the inside wall of the grill so that no heat is lost by conduction through the wall of the grill and modifies the flow of air in the grill so that the heated air is focused on the food.

Abstract: A charcoal fired barbecue grill is described and shown herein. In one embodiment, a charcoal grate is disclosed which is formed from a sheet metal material. The charcoal grate includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, The bottom wall includes a plurality of apertures to allow combustion air to reach the charcoal and a plurality of embossments to increase the structural rigidity of the charcoal tray. At least some of the side walls include side wall extensions which are configured to engage with the barbecue grill firebox to support the charcoal grate underneath the cooking grate. In a second embodiment, a charcoal grill firebox is disclosed which includes a dual purpose nesting target on an inside surface. The nesting target is not only configured to support a grate, it is also configured to nest with a corresponding nesting feature which is positioned on an outside surface of the firebox.

Abstract: A method of combusting a fuel in a burn pot includes forming an ash column within the burn pot, and removing a portion of the ash column. The burn pot includes a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion, and a translatable plate interposed between the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion. The translatable plate is capable of at least two positions. The translatable plate has an opening therein corresponding substantially to a cross sectional area of an inside area of the first sidewall portion or the second sidewall portion.

Abstract: A top section for an oven formed with an outer support shell, an intermediate insulating layer and an inner refractory lining wherein the three layers are connected by a plurality of spaced members. The spaced members are preferably formed as stainless steel pegs welded to an inner surface of the outer support shell extending across the intermediate insulating layer and fixed to the inner refractory lining as a result of the cast refractory lining setting around the pegs. The pegs may be covered at least in part by a plastic tip or coating to provide a relative expansion capacity between the pegs and the refractory lining. The outer section is preferably formed from steel, may be any suitable shape and includes one or more apertures to form doorways, flues and access ports for accessory items such as char-grilles, lights, fire retardant systems and windows. The invention extends to an oven including a top section as disclosed.

Abstract: A heater or cooker panel assembly comprises an enameled frame having an upper edge which is capped by a decorative edge trim made of alloy steel. The trim protects the upper edge of the frame against damage in use. The frame has an internal flange which mounts a glass or vitreous ceramic hob plate. A layer of silicone adhesive forms a cohesive unit with the frame and trim so that the hob plate is thermally bonded to the unit. A good bond is obtained between the enameled frame and the adhesive. In an embodiment where the frame is plastic coated or is of anodized aluminum, the trim is dispensed with and a substantially U-shaped profile is engaged over the internal flange of the frame. The U-shaped profile is formed of a material which is capable of being firmly bonded to the adhesive.