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 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 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: Disclosed is a cooking appliance with a removable auger assembly that directs fuel to a heat source of the appliance. For example, the auger assembly conveys fuel from a hopper to the heat source of the appliance. The auger assembly can be removed without the use of tools.