Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings. Like conventional kamado-style grills and smokers, a user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. However, unlike the prior art, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker disclosed herein can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Abstract: An insert is provided for use in a cooking apparatus that alters the pressure profile, air velocity profile, and airflow pattern within said cooking apparatus in order to achieve a cyclonic air profile around food to be cooked. The insert includes a ring-shaped insert body formed by a continuous sidewall. The sidewall has an external surface and an internal surface, and a top end and a bottom end. The insert also includes a deflection plate.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings. Like conventional kamado-style grills and smokers, a user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. However, unlike the prior art, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker disclosed herein can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings. Like conventional kamado-style grills and smokers, a user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. However, unlike the prior art, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker disclosed herein can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Abstract: A kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings is provided. A user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. In addition, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Abstract: An insert is provided for use in a cooking apparatus that alters the pressure profile, air velocity profile, and airflow pattern within said cooking apparatus in order to achieve a cyclonic air profile around food to be cooked. The insert includes a ring-shaped insert body formed by a continuous sidewall. The sidewall has an external surface and an internal surface, and a top end and a bottom end. The insert also includes a deflection plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tiered rack for use with a cooking apparatus. The tiered rack comprises a base and stands that support two or more tiers of cooking surfaces. The tiers allow for substituting out various cooking surfaces and using different types of cooking surfaces at the same time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a temperature adjustment unit comprising a fan combining the benefits of both a blower fan and a starter fan into a single unit for use in a fuel-burning device. The temperature adjustment unit can be mounted proximate an inlet of the fuel-burning device and comprise means for adjusting the settings of the fan to various modes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a selectively-closable hatch for automatically preventing airflow through the blower inlet of a fuel-burning grill. The hatch has a first, normal, resting closed configuration which prevents the flow of air through the inlet and into the cooking chamber of the grill, and a second, open configuration which is obtained when a fan is engaged to create a forceful airflow through the inlet path. The force of air pushed against the hatch pushes the hatch open, both when the fan is disengaged or falls below a minimum strength, the hatch returns to the closed configuration and prevents air from being drawn or otherwise flowing through the inlet path into the cooking chamber of the grill.

Abstract: A vent assembly that increases air flow and temperature control for outdoor cooking/smoking appliances, which effectively controls the space/gap for air exit, so as to improve air flow through the chimney and to increase temperature ranges and control within the smoker/chimney. The vent may have a gasket to make the grill waterproof and prevent mold when the grill is not in use. The vent can pivot or slide in one direction to ensure it does not open completely, so as to lose the air flow setting when the grill cover is opened or tilted.

Abstract: A multiple piece firebox for placement within the kettle of a fuel-burning cooking vessel comprising a base formed of a refractory material on the floor of the kettle supporting an upper chamber formed of a refractory material. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of mating side wall members define the upper chamber.

Abstract: A multiple piece firebox for placement within the kettle of a fuel-burning cooking vessel comprising a base formed of a refractory material on the floor of the kettle supporting an upper chamber formed of a refractory material. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of mating side wall members define the upper chamber.

Abstract: A vent assembly that increases air flow and temperature control for outdoor cooking/smoking appliances, which effectively controls the space/gap for air exit, so as to improve air flow through the chimney and to increase temperature ranges and control within the smoker/chimney. The vent may have a gasket to make the grill waterproof and prevent mold when the grill is not in use. The vent can pivot or slide in one direction to ensure it does not open completely, so as to lose the air flow setting when the grill cover is opened or tilted.