Abstract: A combustion chamber sized to receive a quantity of solid fuel is in fluid communication with a cooking region of a grilling appliance. A control system is operable in at least a smoke mode and a temperature mode. When operated in the smoke mode, the control system operates a fuel delivery system and draft inducer in accordance with predetermined fuel and combustion air delivery schedules. When operated in the temperature mode, the control system operates the fuel delivery system based on a feedback signal derived from the temperature of the cooking region. A user interface operatively associated with the control system allows a user to operate the grilling appliance in either of the smoke mode or the temperature mode.

Abstract: A rib preparation tool includes a first jaw having a concave lower surface and a second jaw having a convex upper surface. The first and second jaws are mounted for movement with respect to each other between an open position and a closed position, in which the lower surface of the first jaw overlies and nests with the upper surface of the second jaw. The lower surface of the first jaw has a non-smooth characteristic.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a cooking appliance for cooking with a fuel includes a hopper configured to hold the fuel and a burn pot configured to receive the fuel and hold the fuel during combustion thereof. A feed tube extends from an upstream end, proximate the hopper, to a downstream end, proximate the burn pot, wherein the feed tube is configured to move the fuel from the upstream end to the downstream end. The upstream end of the feed tube is lower than the downstream end of the feed tube.

Abstract: A heat extractor for a grill having a cooking chamber includes an outer housing and a cap over the outer housing, together cooperating to bound an outer chamber, wherein the outer chamber is coupled to an environment through a vent. An extraction assembly is disposed within the outer chamber and bounds a plenum. The extraction assembly is for controlling movement of air from the cooking chamber into the plenum and out of the plenum into the outer chamber. The extraction assembly includes a motor, a carousel mounted to the motor for rotation within the plenum, an intake grill for admitting air into the plenum, and a damper assembly for emitting air out of the plenum. The carousel is mounted for rotation to draw air through the intake grill, into the plenum, and out the damper assembly.

Abstract: A cabinet includes a housing having a door configured to provide access to an interior of the housing, the interior having a front portion and a back portion. A carousel is disposed in the housing and has a primary storage area and a secondary storage area. The carousel has a first position in which the primary storage area is accessible and the secondary storage area is concealed. The carousel has a second position in which the secondary storage area is accessible.

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: 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: 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: 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.