Abstract: An appliance includes a burn pot assembly and air distribution ducts that distribute air into a burn chamber of the burn pot assembly, and distribute heated air to a cooking chamber of the appliance. A first air supply system may distribute air into the burn chamber, and a second air supply system may distribute heated air through one or more outlet manifolds towards the cooking chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an outdoor cooking appliance with a control mechanism for controlling a heating system to provide heat to a cooking chamber of the appliance within a more precise range in temperature. For example, fuel provided to a burn pot for combustion to reach a range of a target temperature of the cooking chamber. A heating element provides additional heat to bring the temperature of the cooking chamber closer to the target temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air circulation device for an outdoor cooking appliance such as a grill. The device helps circulate air more consistently and efficiently by providing slats that direct rising air in a cyclonic arrangement. By providing this cyclonic effect, the air circulation device can distribute heat and smoke more evenly to the food being cooked and improve smoke penetration, heat efficiency, and the evenness of cooking.

Abstract: A shelving system for a cooking appliance, such as a smoker or grill is disclosed. A convertible and removable shelf may be coupled to a frame in a variety of positions and orientations. The convertible shelf may be extended and locked into a first position at a first location or pivotally lowered to a second position without removing the shelf. Additionally, the shelf may be removed from the first location and secured to a second location providing a storage surface. The flexible location and orientation of the convertible shelf provides for more efficient and economical storage and portability of the appliance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ash clean out mechanism including a burn pot removable from the remainder of the appliance to allow easier cleaning of the auger or other functional components within the appliance. The burn pot can include a handle that a user can pull to remove the burn pot from an adapter collar located within the interior of the appliance. The user can then clean the interior of the appliance and thereafter insert the burn pot into the appliance. For example, the user can push the burn pot by guiding a lower plate of the burn pot along a lip of the appliance and into a landing area where a body of the burn pot can rest on the adapter collar. The burn pot can also form a flow channel around the burn pot body to provide improved airflow during the cooking process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smoke tube combustion chamber that combusts fuel such as wood pellets to provide heat and smoke flavor to the food being cooked. The smoke tube may include two portions that rotate about one another to receive fuel, dispose of excess fuel or fuel waste, and combust the fuel, depending on the positions of the two portions. A flow path may communicate with the smoke tube to provide the necessary air flow to circulate the smoke and heat created by the smoke tube during use. The smoke tube may be a primary or secondary heat source within the appliance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an outdoor cooking appliance with ductwork that directs heat and smoke more evenly in the cook chamber of the appliance. For example, the ductwork can extend from the heat source of the appliance and direct the smoke to openings in rack holders that then dispel the smoke into the cook chamber more evenly. The burn pot assembly can also be segregated from the grease pan to avoid the potential for grease fires.

Abstract: A cooking appliance is disclosed including a burner assembly that effectively and efficiently combusts fuel and directs the resulting smoke from a burn pot of the burner assembly to a cook chamber of a cooking appliance. The burner assembly may include a series of openings and curved faces that provide airflow to push smoke from the burn pot to the cook chamber and provide more turbulence and better heat and smoke circulation in the smoker. The burn pot may define one or more vents and include a one or more curved or shrouded surfaces. The burner assembly may include one or more deflector plates configured to direct the flow of smoke from the burn pot to the cook chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air circulation device for an outdoor cooking appliance such as a grill. The device helps circulate air more consistently and efficiently by providing slats that direct rising air in a cyclonic arrangement. By providing this cyclonic effect, the air circulation device can distribute heat and smoke more evenly to the food being cooked and improve smoke penetration, heat efficiency, and the evenness of cooking.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments include an appliance with a burn pot assembly and air distribution ducts that distribute air into a burn chamber of the burn pot assembly, and distribute heated air to a cooking chamber of the appliance. A first air supply system may distribute air into the burn chamber, and a second air supply system may distribute heated air through one or more outlet manifolds towards the cooking chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smoke tube combustion chamber that combusts fuel such as wood pellets to provide heat and smoke flavor to the food being cooked. The smoke tube may include two portions that rotate about one another to receive fuel, dispose of excess fuel or fuel waste, and combust the fuel, depending on the positions of the two portions. A flow path may communicate with the smoke tube to provide the necessary air flow to circulate the smoke and heat created by the smoke tube during use. The smoke tube may be a primary or secondary heat source within the appliance.

Abstract: A heat and flame control assembly for a grill or other cooking appliance. The heat and flame control assembly includes a main heat plate and a slider plate disposed above the main heat plate. The main heat plate includes openings that allow direct heat to be provided to the food. The slider plate is movable with respect to the main heat plate, and also includes opening. When direct heat is desired, the slider plate is movable to align the openings in the slider plate with the openings of the main heat plate. However, when indirect heat is desired, the slider plate is movable to cover the openings of the main heat plate.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments include a burner assembly for a cooking appliance that features a pullout including a removable burn pot. The pullout allows a user to easily remove the burn pot to empty burned ash and clean any residual materials from the burn pot. The pullout features a keyway design to aid in retention and easy removal from a cooking appliance. The pullout couples to a fuel chamber that houses an auger for supplying a fuel source and an ignitor. The pullout includes a gasket that provides a sealing engagement between the pullout and the cooking appliance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an induction burner ignition system that implements an induction burner located external to the fire pot. The induction burner can be controlled by a controller to start and stop according to a predetermined heating algorithm, and can further provide heat via heat sinks in contact with the induction burner. Because the induction burner is located external to the fire pot, it is easily repairable or replaceable and avoids the harmful atmosphere of the fire pot. The induction burner also provides more uniform heating than conventional hot rod technology to improve the pellet heating process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an outdoor cooking appliance with a smoke generator that directs smoke into a cooking chamber of the appliance without significantly increasing the temperature therein. For example, the smoke generator can include an ignitor that combusts fuel and a fan that directs air and smoke from the combustion into the cooking chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an outdoor cooking appliance with a control mechanism for controlling a heating system to provide heat to a cooking chamber of the appliance within a more precise range in temperature. For example, fuel provided to a burn pot for combustion to reach a range of a target temperature of the cooking chamber. A heating element provides additional heat to bring the temperature of the cooking chamber closer to the target temperature.

Abstract: A shelving system for a cooking appliance, such as a smoker or grill is disclosed. A convertible and removable shelf may be coupled to a frame in a variety of positions and orientations. The convertible shelf may be extended and locked into a first position at a first location or pivotally lowered to a second position without removing the shelf. Additionally, the shelf may be removed from the first location and secured to a second location providing a storage surface. The flexible location and orientation of the convertible shelf provides for more efficient and economical storage and portability of the appliance.

Abstract: A cooking appliance is disclosed including a burner assembly that effectively and efficiently combusts fuel and directs the resulting smoke from a burn pot of the burner assembly to a cook chamber of a cooking appliance. The burner assembly may include a series of openings and curved faces that provide airflow to push smoke from the burn pot to the cook chamber and provide more turbulence and better heat and smoke circulation in the smoker. The burn pot may define one or more vents and include a one or more curved or shrouded surfaces. The burner assembly may include one or more deflector plates configured to direct the flow of smoke from the burn pot to the cook chamber.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments include a burner assembly for a cooking appliance that features a pullout including a removable burn pot. The pullout allows a user to easily remove the burn pot to empty burned ash and clean any residual materials from the burn pot. The pullout features a keyway design to aid in retention and easy removal from a cooking appliance. The pullout couples to a fuel chamber that houses an auger for supplying a fuel source and an ignitor. The pullout includes a gasket that provides a sealing engagement between the pullout and the cooking appliance.